Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
About This Programme
An international studies degree with concentrations spanning international relations, Middle East and Gulf studies, and political economy and development.
Course Highlights
- Taught at Zayed University, ranked #588 in the QS World University Rankings 2027
- American-style credit-hour degree taught in English
- UAE nationals are generally government-sponsored
What You'll Study
Taught full time, in person, on an American-style credit-hour system, primarily in English.
Programme courses
Required credit hours: 120. Course list as printed in the Zayed University Catalog 2025-2026, pages 101-106.
- HIS251 World History
- ANT261 Introduction to Culture and Society
- POL227 Introduction to Political Science
- HIS204 History of the Twentieth
- HIS201 History of the United Arab
- HIS203 History of the Modern Middle
- SOC326 Comparative Intellectual
- POL325 Comparative Political Systems
- ANT328 Critical Thinking
- ANT362 Popular Cultures
- SOC374 Comparative Sociology
- POL335 International Organizations
- ARA345 Advanced Arabic Skills
- HSS353 Politics of Identity
- HSS397 Special Topics
- HSS366 Applied Research Methods
- HSS490 Internship
- POL330 International Law and World
- POL331 Principles of International
- POL332 International Relations in the Gulf Region
- POL333 Soateign Relations of the United
- ADR321 Material Culture of the United Arab
- POL334 The Politics of Oil
- HIS381 Legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahayan
- ANT455 Middle East
- HIS401 Political History of the UAE
- POL311 Comparative Social Policy
- SOC423 Issues in National Development
- POL343 International Political Economics
- POL352 Economy
- FYE100 Academic Foundations and Development
- FYE105 Workplace Readiness and Professional Skills
- FYE110 Reasoning with Data
- FYE125 discussion of the arts and the relationship to be bbbo
- FYE126 Contemporary Emirati Studies
- FYE120 Islamic Culture
- FYE146 Arabic Concepts for Non-Native Speakers
- FYE140 Critical Analysis and Composition
- FYE155 Digital Humanities
- FYE150 Fundamentals of Innovation and
- FYE195 Artificial Intelligence Essentials and Applications
- SOC200 Social and Economic Trends in the Gulf
- FLS361 World Cinemas
- FYE145 Arabic Concepts for Native Speakers
- HIS321 Heritage of the Gulf
- ANT385 Bedouin Society
- SOC341 Development and Underdevelopment
Entry Requirements
UAE nationals admitted under the government scholarship scheme receive full tuition funding for up to five years. Accepted secondary qualifications and minimums: A-Levels 2 subjects at grade C or higher (excluding Arabic and Islamic Studies), IB Diploma 24 points, IB Certificate 21 points including 2 subjects related to the degree at grade 5 or higher, BTEC Level 3 Diploma 2 Merits. UAE Ministry of Education and American curricula have no minimum overall average, but subject requirements apply.
Careers
Graduates pursue careers in government, policy, international organisations, research and the social sector, or continue to postgraduate study.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the CAA. Concentrations: International Relations, Middle East / Gulf Studies, and Political Economy and Development.
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Arts
Start Date
August (Fall intake)
Typical Offer
High-school graduation with the subject grades required for the major (for example 80% in Grade 12 Mathematics and English for quantitative majors).
Duration
4 years
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
Social Sciences
Campus
Abu Dhabi & Dubai
Course Type
Bachelor of Arts
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 75,000/yr
Undergraduate applicants apply online (UAE nationals via the Ministry of Education portal; others via ZU e-services), submit their documents and pay the AED 250 application fee.