Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Peace and Conflict management, international security and intelligence. Students will study international relations through the lens of both historical and contemporary examples, from the 1870s ‘Scramble for Africa’ through to the Cold War, Post-cold war politics, the origins of the War on Terror, the global financial crisis and the Arab Spring, contemporary geo-politics, and learn how to apply theories to reflect on their relevance in the post-cold war era. Students will be introduced to international relations concepts, theories, ideologies and analysis in their first year. As they progress in their studies they will choose from a wide range of module options, covering national and global issues.

In the end, students will be equipped with the broad-ranging tools and skills to understand, analyse and assess the most pressing issues in national and global politics. Students of International Relations will not only acquire the knowledge needed for a career in International Affairs but also develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills as well as the ability to apply theories and concepts learned to solve real-life global problems.

Human Resource Gaps

The programme contributes to the country’s human capital development needs by producing undergraduate students with technical, practical and theoretical knowledge in international relations within the context of a developing and globalized world Within these existing gaps which includes human resource gap capable of dealing with complex political issues, graduates from this programme which is developed in with Zambia’s Eight National Development Plan (8NDP) should be proficient in conveying complex political ideas to diverse audiences and engaging in constructive dialogue, job creation, social development and good governance. This becomes crucial in bridging the gap between theory and practice and preparing students for real-world challenges in politics and governance. The conventional and reactive approaches to the study of politics and political institutions which respond to politically related problems are now being replaced by preventive and proactive approaches, which monitor and correct or prevent political problems to occur.

Relevance of the Programme

Globalization has created demand of high quality graduates in international relations to solve global problems. The conventional study of politics which is highly theoretical in responding to politically-related problems is now being replaced by contemporary and practical study of politics. This programme therefore provides a nursery for skilled human resource in international relations to solve global problems. The development of International Relations as a distinct degree programme at the University of Zambia prepare students with deep understanding of theories and themes of international politics and provide contemporary methods of solving global political problems.

Acceptability of the Programme to Stakeholders

A University of Zambia undergraduate degree in international relations is relevant to the needs of stakeholders. In this sense, the development of this programme involved stakeholder engagement with deep understanding of theories and methods of analysing and comparing political events, democratic values and political institutions, which is crucial for the preservation and advancement of state relations as well as provide contemporary methods of solving political problems. To this effect, the degree in this field enhances the capacity of international relations students and at the same time maintain the international standards required for a international relations undergraduate degree.

The main aims of the degree are:

1. In depth understanding of theories and themes in international relations;
2. To enhance students’ capacity in research skills appropriate in resolve international problems.
3. To train students to a standard sufficient for enrolment in postgraduate research degrees, and for a specialist career in International Relations.
4. Students will become familiar with the methodological and normative underpinnings of these disciplines.
5. Analytical and policy literature concerning key actors in the international system and the roles they play
6. The development of a range of academic and professional/transferrable skills through both independent and group-based work.

1. Foundational Competences

• Develop a strong understanding of the theoretical and practical issues in international relations
• Analyse the various actors in the international system
• Investigate the evolution and growth of the emerging problems in international relations.
• Provide a strong understanding of various applicable research methods and techniques in understanding and resolving challenges facing the international system.

• Apply theoretical and practical approaches to the emerging issues in international relations

  2. Practical Competences

• Provide relevant information to key policy-makers in the international system.
• Provide policy relevant information to policymakers.

• Deliver services to the public through the various positions occupied.

  3. Reflexive Competences

• Act in a manner that promotes equality regardless of sex, ethnicity, political and religious affiliation in order to promote a cosmopolitan culture in international system in general.
• Effectively communicate information, uphold ethical standards of an organisation.