Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
About This Programme
An interdisciplinary degree spanning international relations, political science, economics and area studies, examining diplomacy, security, development and global affairs. Prepares graduates for the foreign service, NGOs, multinational organisations and graduate study.
Course Highlights
- Interdisciplinary curriculum spanning political science, history, sociology, anthropology and philosophy
- Strong Middle East / Arab-world focus within the study of global affairs
- Six-week internship (INS 497) plus a capstone Senior Research Project (INS 490)
- Prepares for government, foreign service, NGOs and international organisations
What You'll Study
Interdisciplinary lecture-and-seminar teaching across political science, history, sociology, anthropology and philosophy, assessed by essays, source analysis, a Senior Research Project (INS 490) and a six-week internship (INS 497).
Year 1
- INS 120 Global Problems3 credits
- MTH 100 Fundamentals of Logic and Geometry3 credits
- WRI 101 Academic Writing I3 credits
- WRI 102 Academic Writing II3 credits
- ANT 205 World Cultures3 credits
- ECO 202 Principles of Macroeconomics3 credits
- STA 202 Introduction to Statistics for Social Sciences3 credits
- General Education Core: History and Culture of the Arab World3 credits
- Natural Sciences (General Education)3 credits
- Natural Sciences (General Education)3 credits
Year 2
- ENG 203/204 Writing about Literature / Advanced Academic Writing3 credits
- HIS 217 The World in the Twentieth Century3 credits
- POL 201 Introduction to Political Studies3 credits
- POL 202 Introduction to International Relations3 credits
- INS 301 Globalization3 credits
- PHI 208 Modern Philosophy3 credits
- SOC 201 Introduction to Sociology3 credits
- General Education Core: Culture in a Critical Perspective3 credits
- General Education Core: Arts and Literature3 credits
- Free Elective3 credits
Year 3
- INS 307 International Security3 credits
- INS 325 Imperialism3 credits
- INS 300 Research Design and Source Analysis3 credits
- INS 322 Global Political Economy3 credits
- POL 304 International Organizations3 credits
- IEN 301 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Mindset3 credits
- General Education Core: Human Interaction and Behavior3 credits
- General Education Core (elective)3 credits
- Communication (General Education)3 credits
- Major Elective3 credits
- INS 497 Internship in International Studies (summer)0 credits
Year 4
- INS 490 Senior Research Project3 credits
- Major Elective (300+ level)3 credits
- Major Elective (300+ level)3 credits
- Major Elective (300+ level)3 credits
- Major Elective (300+ level)3 credits
- Free Elective3 credits
- Free Elective3 credits
- Free Elective3 credits
- Free Elective3 credits
- Free Elective3 credits
Entry Requirements
Applicants below the English threshold may enter via the Achievement Academy Bridge Program.
Careers
Prepares graduates for careers in government, foreign service, NGOs and international organisations, business, journalism and public policy, and for graduate or law study.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Licensed by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA); AUS holds US regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Start Date
August 2026 (Fall; also Spring & Summer intakes)
Typical Offer
~85% secondary-school average (curriculum-dependent) + IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80
Duration
4 years
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
International Studies
Campus
Sharjah
Course Type
International relations degree
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 110,876/yr
Apply online at apply.aus.edu. A non-refundable application fee of AED 400 + 5% VAT applies, and a AED 5,000 seat-reservation deposit confirms your place. AUS offers extensive merit, need-based and athletic scholarships.