This translation is for information purposes only. In the event of discrepancies, the Swedish-language version takes precedence.

International Affairs , 180 Credits

International Affairs , 180 Högskolepoäng

Programme code: SGINA

Higher education qualification: Degree of Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science

Cycle: First cycle

Established: 2025-06-13

Established by: School of Business, Economics and IT

Applies for: Programme start autumn 2026

Entry requirements

General entry requirements. You also need: English 6, Social Studies 1b or Social Studies 1a1 and 1a2

Language of instruction

The teaching is conducted in English

Other regulations

A student who has been admitted to a programme with this programme syllabus is guaranteed a place on courses according to the study plan below, provided that the student follows the programme according to the study plan. The study plan and its courses may however be subject to change, within the framework of the qualitative targets, when revisions of education plans and syllabi are being made. Should the programme involve choosing a specialization, the student is guaranteed a place on courses concerning the chosen specialization.

Qualitative target

National outcomes

Scope
A Degree of Bachelor is awarded after the student has completed the courses required to gain 180 credits in a defined specialisation determined by each higher education institution itself, of which 90 credits are for progressively specialised study in the principal field (main field of study) of the programme.

For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field, knowledge of applicable methodologies in the field, specialised study in some aspect of the field as well as awareness of current research issues

Competence and skills

• demonstrate the ability to search for, gather, evaluate and critically interpret the relevant information for a formulated problem and also discuss phenomena, issues and situations critically
• demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously and to complete tasks within predetermined time frames
• demonstrate the ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions in speech and writing and in dialogue with different audiences
• demonstrate the skills required to work autonomously in the main field of study

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues
• demonstrate insight into the role of knowledge in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.

Independent project (degree project)
A requirement for the award of a Degree of Bachelor is completion by the student of an independent project (degree project) for at least 15 credits in the main field of study.

Courses that the study programme comprises

TPL100 | Applied Project Management | 15 hp | G1N | Work Integrated Learning

JPO100 | Comparative Politics and Public Administration | 15 hp | G1N | Political Science

Global Political Economy | 15 hp | G1N | Political Science

International Relations | 15 hp | G1N | Political Science

IPI100 | Introduction to Political Thought | 15 hp | G1N | Political Science

Investigation and Evaluation Methods | 15 hp | G1N | Political Science

TSM400 | Applied Political Science Methods | 15 hp | G2F | Political Science

EIS503 | Research project in political science | 15 hp | G2E | Political Science

Optional courses within programme

Among the courses on the programme, there are 30 HE credits in optional courses. You can choose from the courses below or you can take courses at another institution of higher learning, either in Sweden or abroad. Note, however, that the intended learning outcomes of these courses cannot overlap with the courses for this degree.

Please note that the courses Internship I, Internship II and Internship III are optional, provided that the student finds an acceptable internship themselves.

Courses in semester 3 within the Sustainability specialization can also be taken as elective courses during semester 5 for students who have chosen the Security specialization, and thereby complete both specializations as part of the degree.

Courses in semester 3 within the Security specialization can also be taken as elective courses during semester 5 for students who have chosen the Sustainability specialization, and thereby complete both specializations, as part of the degree.

Elective courses within programme

During the third semester you choose one of the specializations Security or Sustainability.

Preliminary course of study

The course of study presents the order and when in time courses in a programme are given. To see the programmes preliminary course of study, see hv.se.

Entry requirements within the programme

For access to the course Introduction to Security Studies, 7.5 credits and Sustainability and Contemporary Political Thought (in the third semester), and access to further studies in the program, at least 30 credits from previous courses within the program are required.

For admission to semester six, you must have completed course requirements of 52.5 credits in political science within the program, including the course 

Investigation and Evaluation Methods, 15 credits.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) has been a part of University West ever since it was founded and is our overarching profile. Our programmes, research, and collaborations all feature a WIL element, and it permeates all that we do here. Together with our collaborators, who come from private, public, and civic areas of society, we develop and exchange knowledge that will lead to a sustainable world. As a student at University West, you will encounter work-integrated learning in several ways. This may be, for example, in the classroom or lecture hall, in your practical work, or in something you are involved in outside of the university setting. WIL clearly integrates theory and practice. The advantage of WIL is that you earn an academic degree while also gaining work experience, make contacts, and acquire practical competence. You are better equipped for employment, and are prepared for life-long learning, new insights, and cutting-edge research. WIL is part of our programmes and takes on various forms as we continue to develop our methods of integrating theory and practical knowledge.

Other

Specific requirements determined by each higher education institution itself within the parameters of the requirements laid down in this qualification descriptor shall also apply for a Degree of Bachelor with a defined specialisation.