International Relations emerged at the beginning of the 20th century as an independent major studying political alliances between European, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries. The specialization studies major global issues such as environmental affairs, economics, security, political systems, and globalization.
It is one of the most demanded specializations that require students to follow global news and be interested in analyzing what is happening in countries, whether it’s agreements between states to achieve a specific goal, be it economic, political, developmental, or analyzing conflicts and violations in various forms between states and studying the outcomes of these conflicts and wars. Additionally, the focus is on international organizations and their agencies. Students get to understand the authorities of international organizations, the major powers within them, and the projects they undertake to assist developing countries.
Importance of International Relations Specialization
The International Relations specialization holds special importance and a distinctive position among other administrative fields because it deals with global affairs, which involve sharing information and developments in international systems. Therefore, Turkish universities adopt advanced educational methods based on research, discussion, and event analysis with their students, encouraging them to learn crisis management and international strategies for conflict resolution in a diplomatic manner.
Curriculum
The duration of study in Turkish universities is four years for the Bachelor’s degree, and the curriculum includes a diverse range of study programs in most Turkish universities. However, the content may vary from one university to another. Therefore, students should check the study content and course Description on the university’s website they intend to study before enrolling.
First Academic Year
- Introduction to Political Systems
- World Political History
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
Second Academic Year
- History of Political Thought
- International Relations Theory
- Research Methods
- Fundamentals of Law
- Foreign Policy Analysis
- Political Principles
Third Academic Year
- Comparative Politics
- International Organizations
- History of Politics in Turkey
- Research Guidance
- Modernity in Turkey
Fourth Academic Year
- International Security
- Gender and Politics
- Constitutional Law Fundamentals
- Study of Various Topics Related to International Relations
Job Opportunities
International Relations specialization offers various job opportunities for its graduates, including working in:
- Embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Government agencies
- International organizations
- International courts
- News agencies
