BACHELOR OF ARTS INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES



Programme Overview

Regardless of the student application paths (international or local students), all first-year undergraduates are introduced to major theoretical ideas and various approaches about politics and international relations, examines how states and international institutions functions in practice, and attend a series of introductory compulsory courses (see the academic porgramme structure) where they will use qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate and to observe international historical and political events or questions. 


The programme’s objective are to equip the students with the knowledge of international relations, foreign policy, security studies, defence analysis and strategic studies, particularly by examining international interactions between state and non-state actors, as well as the emerging trends and long-term effects of both global and regional issues. 


Duration:  3.5 Years (7 Semesters), Full time (Coursework)

Programme Structure

  1. Philosophy and Current Issues
  2. Co-Curriculum
  3. Introduction to International Relations
  4. Evolution of International Society
  5. Introduction to Theories of International Relations
  6. International Organizations in World Politics
  7. University Elective Course (SHE): Student Attribute Improvement Course 1
  8. Appreciation of Ethics and Civilizations
  9. Malay Language Communication*
  10. English Communication Course / Foreign Language
  11. Community Building, Social Action and Innovation
  12. Introduction of Politics
  13. Political Economy of International Relations
  14. Approaches to National Security of Malaysia
  15. University Elective Course: Student Attribute Improvement Course 2
  1. Basic Entrepreneurship Culture
  2. Foreign Policy Analysis
  3. Non-State Actors in International Relations
  4. Development of Modern Strategy
  5. Specialization Elective Courses: Choose 3 Course - Refer to the attached list
  6. English Communication Course / Foreign Language II
  7. International Law
  8. Research Methods in International Relations
  9. Contemporary Theories of International Relations
  10. Specialization Elective Courses: Choose 3 Course - Refer to the attached list
  1. Digital Humanities
  2. Foreign Policy of Malaysia
  3. Practice of Diplomacy
  4. Research Project (P1)
  5. Specialization Elective Courses: Choose 3 Course - Refer to the attached list
  6. University Elective Course (SHE): Student Attribute Improvement Course 3
  7. International Security
  8. Foreign Policies of Major Powers
  9. Research Project (P2)
  10. Specialization Elective Courses: Choose 2 Course - Refer to the attached list
  11. University Elective Course (SHE): Student Attribute Improvement Course 4
  1. Industrial Training

Note:

* Courses for International Students

Students may choose ten (10) Courses from one of the (1) specialization elective/ university minor packages offered

Refer to the list of Student Attribute Enhancement Courses (SHE) provided by CITRA


Career Prospects

Academic Researcher in International Studies, Diplomat, Foreign Affairs Specialist, Global Risk Manager, Intelligence Officer, International Business Development Manager, International Development Officer, International Law Specialist, International Relations Consultant, NGO Coordinator, Policy Advisor, Political Analyst, Public Affairs Manager, Security Analyst, Strategic Planner.

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Tuition Fee

Local

RM58,600

(Note: This fee is not applicable for UPU applicant)

International

RM65,100

Intake

Semester 2 (March) Intake, Academic Session 2025//2026

Entry Requirement

STPM
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00
  • Obtained at least Grade B- in TWO (2) Subjects
  • Stream: Art and Science stream
Matriculation / Foundation
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 a recognised institution approved by UM Senate
  • Obtained a minimum Grade B- in TWO (2) subjects
  • Stream: Art and Science stream
STAM
  • Malaysian Citizen
  • Obtained a minimum grade of Jayyid Jiddan at Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM)
  • Obtain a minimum grade of Jayyid in TWO (2) subjects at the STAM level
Diploma / Equivalent
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 a recognised institution approved by UM Senate
  • Obtain a minimum grade of B- in TWO (2) subjects at the Diploma level
UM SATU Foundation
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00
  • Obtain a minimum grade of B- in TWO (2) subjects
GEC A-Level
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a recognized GCE A-Level qualification
  • Obtain a minimum grade of B in TWO (2) subjects
International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum score of 30 points
  • Obtain at least Grade 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in TWO (2) subjects.
AUSMAT
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum score of 80 in the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
  • Obtain a minimum grade of B in TWO (2) subjects
Senior High School Certificate (SHSC)
  • Pass with a minimum average of 65%
  • Obtain a minimum of 60%/grade B- in any TWO (2) subjects
Matriculation / Foundation
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 from a recognised institution approved by UM Senate
  • Obtain a minimum of grade B- in any TWO (2) subjects
Diploma
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 from a recognised institution approved by UM Senate
  • Obtain a minimum of grade B- in any TWO (2) subjects
GEC A-Level
  • Obtain a recognize GCE A-Level Qualification
  • Obtain a minimum of grade B in any TWO (2) subjects
International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • Obtain a minimum score of 30 points
  • Obtain at least Grade 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in any TWO (2) subjects
AUSMAT
  • Obtain a minimum score of 80 in the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR)
  • Obtain a minimum grade B in any TWO (2) subjects
Additional Requirements:
  • Candidates who apply must be physically fit, not suffering from any mental or physical illness and able to follow the program of study designed for this course.

English Language Requirements

  • Obtain a minimum of Band 3.0 in MUET for examinations starting from Session 1 of the year 2021, or Band 3.0 for examinations up to the year 2020, according to the validity period on the date of application
  • However, applicants without MUET but with the following results may be considered for conditional admission, provided they fulfill the MUET requirement within ONE (1) academic session:
    • Obtain at least Band 4.5 (Academic) in IELTS;
    • Obtain a minimum score of 33 in TOEFL iBT (Centre-based)
  • Obtained a minimumEnglish language Competency in any ONE (1) of the following requirements:
    • MUET 4.0
    • IELTS (Academic) 6.0
    • TOEFL iBT (Centre-based) 60
    • TOEFL Essentials (Online) 8.5
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) 59
    • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency 169