International Relations

Duration: 4 years

Number of credits: 248 ECTS

Language of instruction: English

Advantages:

Programme International Relations provides comprehensive training for students to pursue professional careers in government institutions, international organisations, global non-governmental institutions, the corporate sector, and analytical think tanks.

During the course of study, students acquire modern analytical methods, linguistic and intercultural communication skills, and an in-depth understanding of decision-making mechanisms in foreign policy and global governance. The programme also provides a strong academic foundation for further studies at Master’s level in leading international universities.

— Admission requirements —

Learning outcomes:

• demonstrate critical thinking skills, oral and written communication abilities, and proficiency in information and communication technologies;
• effectively apply linguistic and intercultural competencies, presentation skills, leadership, and teamwork skills in international and non-governmental organisations;
• understand the importance of and adhere to professional ethics in the context of international relations, business, and politics;
• use research methods to develop and implement research projects in the field of international relations;
• master and apply key theories, paradigms, and analytical approaches to the analysis of international processes and current global events;
• understand the roles of key actors, as well as the stages of development and principles of functioning of the international system, institutions, and processes of contemporary world politics;
• present the results of analytical work to both professional and general audiences;
• independently collect, analyse, and update information on key trends in international relations, global governance, and transnational interactions;
• provide evidence-based recommendations to international and national companies operating in various geopolitical, cultural, and linguistic contexts;
• apply analytical tools to assess and address pressing global issues, including international migration, sustainable development, human rights protection, and environmental challenges;
• understand the challenges and contradictions faced by states and the international community in the context of globalisation, and analyse major geopolitical and geoeconomic trends;
• acquire theoretical and practical knowledge of the activities of international organisations and the functioning of global governance mechanisms, contributing to the development of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s participation in international structures;
• demonstrate a deep understanding of Kazakhstan’s national development priorities and foreign policy, as well as the ability to formulate well-founded analytical conclusions and recommendations relevant to public policy and expert-analytical activity.

The programme offers students the opportunity to choose one of three specialisations, providing a full set of competencies:

Specialisation Public and Government Relations (PR & GR) includes 35 academic credits and provides in-depth training in the fields of:

• public communications;
• government affairs;
• media diplomacy;
• political analysis;
• corporate governance.

This specialisation aims to develop competencies enabling students to effectively navigate the complex system of interaction between government structures, private sector representatives, and civil society organisations.

Specialisation International Business (IB) includes 35 academic credits and provides in-depth training in the fields of:

• global trade;
• digital business transformation;
• financial management;
• marketing;
• supply chain management strategies.

The programme aims to develop analytical and managerial competencies necessary for understanding and effectively conducting international business activities.

Specialisation Data Analytics in IR includes 35 academic credits and provides in-depth training in the fields of:

• quantitative research methods;
• programming;
• data visualisation;
• cybersecurity;
• artificial intelligence;
• network analysis.

This specialisation develops students’ technical and analytical competencies required to interpret complex global processes, assess international security threats, and implement data-driven solutions in diplomatic practice, public policy development, and global governance.