Apáczai Csere János Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

The undergraduate programme in International Relations is for individuals who are sensitive to global problems, open to other cultures, and are prepared to handle a broad range of evidence and analyse complex issues. They are also able to understand and interpret complexity, as well as present arguments in a clear, concise and effective manner in English. The programme is designed to enhance global perspectives and to learn how the world works. It also provides students with the knowledge of how to employ up-to-date theories, methods, and approaches. A multidisciplinary and flexible programme which combines a wide range of courses in international relations, history, economics, political science, foreign languages, sociology and regional studies, among other disciplines. The programme trains the students to be well informed about generally accepted tendencies, characteristics and data on universal political, economic and cultural phenomena. They will thus have deeper insights into and understanding of relations of various nations and cultures.

Structure of studies

The total number of credits needed to complete the programme is 180 credits. The courses of the programme are divided into three categories: compulsory courses (156 credits), thesis (10 credits) and elective courses (14 credits). 1 credit equals one ECTS credit, and 1 credit is defined as 25 student working hours.

Language requirements

TOEFL 513 / IELTS 5.5 /oral examination, TOEFL IBT test score of 66 or any standardised international English language exam corresponding with Hungarian B2 at the Bachelors level and C1 at Masters level.

If there is no standardised English exam, the University relies on an online interview. Applicants not complying with language requirements must enrol in a preparatory language programme. After having completed the language course and passed the requisite final examination, if there are no professional reservations on the part of the Faculty, admission to the selected Bachelor's programme is automatic.

Academic requirements

Completed and signed application form, copy of your passport, notarized copy of secondary/high school graduation results, notarized copy of the Transcript of Records, notarized copy of your language certificate, recent photograph, Curriculum Vitae (resumé) in English, Motivational Letter in English, Academic Reference letter in English (Issued by your former academic institution/teacher)

Programme educational objectives:

The International Relations BA programme at Széchenyi István University is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary for successful careers in the field of international relations. Our programme educational objectives (PEOs) are as follows:

PEO#1: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of key subfields and theories of international relations as a discipline and understand relations between nations.

PEO#2: Students will be able to represent national and regional interests and solve complex problems in pursuing a decision-making career in international organizations, diplomatic services, corporate business, and non-profit organizations.

PEO#3: Students will be familiar with foreign cultures and languages and are aware of the forms, tools, and techniques of international contact.

PEO#4: Students will be informed about the generally accepted tendencies, characteristics, and data on universal political, economic, and cultural phenomena.

Student Outcomes:

The student outcomes (SOs) of our programme represent the skills, knowledge, and behaviours that our curriculum aims to impart to our students. The International Relations BA programme defines seven SOs (1) to (7) to guide student development as follows:

1. An ability to understand national, European, and universal politics, analyse international political situations and phenomena, and identify the differences and similarities between various political and constitutional systems.
2. An ability to understand the history of the world's major civilizations, as well as the basic data, political and economic trends, and conflicts of the world's large regions.
3. An ability to understand the subjects and sources of international law, the law of international treaties, legal regulations concerning the territory and population of states, fundamental human rights, and the issue of the use of armed force.
4. An ability to understand the functioning of international organizations as well as analysing international economic situations and phenomena.
5. An ability to understand the main elements of implementing international projects, perform tasks related to the planning and execution of international projects, and work on international projects, as well as prepare and organize international negotiations and events.
6. An ability to understand the forms, tools, and techniques of international relations, and perform tasks related to promoting international cooperation in small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as tasks arising from international collaborations in the multinational and large corporate sector.
7. An ability to interpret international relations phenomena from the perspectives of multiple civilizations, cultures, and ideologies, and work in intercultural teams.

Job opportunities:

The programme prepares students for leadership and service in the international or national diplomatic, professional, business, and academic communities. A degree of International Relations enables graduates to deal with international contacts in government, a global corporation or a nongovernmental organization: e.g., member of the country’s Foreign Service, consultant for a multilateral organisation, development expert in nongovernmental organizations. The diploma obtained is recognised as equivalent in the European Union.

Subject matter details:

Please find here the subject list of the program