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University of Nottingham Malaysia

Course overview

The core curriculum offered by the School of Politics, History and International Relations (PHIR) is International Relations. The school's areas of strength in this field embrace global political economy, international security, multilateral institutions, international development, cross-national relations in the Asia-Pacific, China's foreign policy and regionalism in the European Union and Southeast Asia. What is more, the school offers course modules that look back at the historical record of regions and countries, estimating that a good predictor of what will happen next in the world is shaped in part by key occurrences and weighty trajectories. Course modules include 19th century Europe, modern Asia and the Malay world.

In the first year, students take course modules that provide the basic concepts and frameworks that are needed for the further study of political science and history. In Year two, students focus more closely on specific country experiences and problematic areas whilst those who qualify may choose to study overseas with a variety of exchange partners. Students may also take courses offered by other schools in the faculty, for example in media and culture. In Year 3, the programme's final year, staff teach courses that feature their respective research specialisations, injecting personal experience and focus into study material.

Throughout PHIR's three-year programme students are trained in research & writing skills along with both individual and team-based presentation skills. These things combined provide capacity for argument and debate, which is so vital in today's professional workplace. They learn to compose persuasive position papers, scholarly essays, and lengthier, insightful and substantive works. Throughout their studies PHIR's students learn about themselves, each other, their own social class and society along with the world with whose reward structures and serious challenges they must engage

Why choose this course?

Starting in the 1980s, standard coursework in the discipline has centered on the globalisation of economic and political dealings, democratic transitions, steady development, and international peace-keeping. Since then we have been suddenly confronted by a world of economic de-coupling and bifurcation, democratic recession and outright reversals, intense superpower shifts in ascendancy and attendant rivalries, gross social disparities across countries and within societies, surging populism and finally, hyper-nationalism. These syndromes can be accelerated by social media activity and pandemics raising issues even further. Governments and businesses everywhere are in urgent need of a new generation of young scholars who are able to understand, communicate to others and help to resolve the severe challenges that the world now faces. PHIR's programme in International Relations is conducted in Malaysia, the center point of the Southeast Asian setting and therefore offering an excellent opportunity and incubator in which to begin one’s studies.

Modules

Core Modules

By the end of the module you will:

  • Be able to appreciate the nature and complexity of global politics.
  • Have a grasp of the theoretical underpinnings of the major approaches to global politics.
  • Have a good working knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the major approaches to global politics.
  • Be familiar with the core concepts and controversies in analysing global politics.

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of foundations of the definition and explanations of global politics.
  • Intellectual skills: ability to critically read primary and secondary material and use it effectively and appropriately in essays and in examinations.
  • Professional/Practical skills: ability to give oral presentations and to contribute to discussions and debates in tutorial groups.
  • Transferable & Key skills: ability to critically read primary and secondary material and use it selectively in essays and in examinations.
  • Demonstrate core knowledge of International Law and Organisations (to be assessed by coursework).
  • Demonstrate a broad understanding of how International Law and Organisations can be analysed and explained in different ways according to different political perspectives (to be assessed by coursework).
  • Relate this knowledge to the world they encounter in daily news bulletins (to be practised in class discussion).

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and understanding of:
    • contemporary IL and IOs.
    • Different theoretical ways to approach them.
  • Intellectual skills, such as:
    • the ability to identify, explain, and critique the key argument in a journal article.
    • the ability to recognise, assess, and apply a variety of approaches and methods for the study of IL and IOs.
    • The ability to engage in academic debate about the role of IL and IOs in the international system.
  • Professional/practical skills, such as:
    • evidence gathering and evaluation.
    • summarizing and presenting information and ideas orally.
    • constructing and clearly expressing an argument in writing.
    • Independent learning.
  • Transferable and key skills, such as:
    • the ability to extract the main ideas and arguments from a political text and relate them to their own lives and other learning experiences (to be practised in class reading preparation).
    • the capacity to engage in a structured and well informed discussion about complex questions (to be practised in class discussions).
    • the ability to summarise and critique an academic piece of writing (to be assessed in the summary/review).
    • the capacity to research and argue a longer piece of work (to be assessed in the coursework essay).
    • The capacity to reflect on the relationship between theory and practice (to be assessed in all assignments).
    • Familiarity with academic databases and other forms of electronic research tools.

To provide a broad introduction to the history, politics, and economics of the European Union. Also, to introduce students to the study of the European Union from a political economy perspective.  

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and understanding
    On completion of the module, students should be in a position to:
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge in the area of the European Union, its history, economics and institutional set-up.
    • Understand the role or treaties in international law.
    • Understand the economics of the EU (Trade theory, currencies, fiscal budget).
    • Develop a basic awareness of the possibilities and limits of European integration.
  • Intellectual Skills:
    • Think about the ongoing process of European integration in a reflective and critical way.
    • The ability to link empirical material to theoretical approaches.
  • Professional/Practical Skills
    • Absorb and disseminate large quantities of data in a clear and concise manner.
    • Have the confidence to discuss issues of an abstract nature as well as linking these debates to concrete empirical examples (to be practised in tutorial sessions).
  • Transferable & Key Skills
    • Through active participation in the module the students will acquire:
      • The research skills necessary for carrying out thorough analysis on the European Union.
      • The capacity to engage in a structured and well informed discussion about complex questions (to be practised in class discussions).
      • The ability to write in a structured and concise way under time pressure (to be assessed in the exam).
      • The skill to write a thought-through, well argued longer piece of work (to be assessed in the essay).
  • IT Skills:
    • The ability to deliver a professional, word processed document with accompanying bibliography and footnotes.
    • The skill to draw information and documents from WebCT and conduct online research via online journals and elibrary functions.
  • Demonstrate a particular knowledge of different approaches to power: understanding of how power shapes the political world, including identity, public policy and contests in global politics.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how different political issues can be analysed and explained in different ways (to be assessed by coursework and a one and a half hour exam).

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and understanding:
    • Students will be able to empirically describe and define key concepts in political science.
    • Students will be able to critically interpret their own political views.
    • Students will be able to analyse public policy as a process of power.
  • Intellectual skills:
    • Ability to think about the connection between theory and empirical analysis in a reflective and critical way.
    • Ability to assess a variety of approaches and methods for the study of problems in politics.
  • Professional/Practical skills:
    • Evidence gathering and evaluation.
    • Writing skills under exam conditions.
    • independent learning
  • Transferable & Key skills:
    • The capacity to engage in a structured and well informed discussion about complex questions (to be practised in class discussions).
    • The ability to write in a structured and concise way under time pressure (to be assessed in the exam).
    • The skill to write a thought through, well argued longer piece of work (to be assessed in the coursework essays).
  • IT skills:
    • Understand how technology can be used as a research tool as well as to facilitate the transfer of knowledge.
  • Understand selected key concepts for the study of modern politics (imperialism, nationalism, liberalism, communism, capitalism, globalisation, regimes, Orientalism, Occidentalism, political legitimacy).
  • Have the capacity to apply those concepts to a study of modern Asia.
  • Demonstrate broad understanding of major events and trends that have shaped the politic of modern Asian states.
  • Communicate understanding to a defined audience.
  • Undertake relevant research and develop evidence based argument and analysis.

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and understanding:
    • Students will gain knowledge of the contested politics of modern Asia and possess the conceptual tools to analyses these contestsstudents will develop understanding of the interests and identities behind these contestations.
  • Intellectual skills:
    • Think reflectively and critically about the connection between concepts and empirical analysis;Develop critical skills of analysis in relation to one of the contested arenas.
  • Professional and practical skills:
    • Develop communication skills for specified audiences.
    • Connect evidence to persuasive argument.
    • Independent learning.
  • Transferable (key) skills:
    • Through active participation in the module students will acquire:
      • The capacity to engage in structured and well informed discussion about complex questions (class discussions).
      • Skills of rhetoric (to be practiced in the op-ed piece, communication project).
      • The ability to write in a structured and analytical manner (to be assessed in the research report).
      • The ability to productively work in groups to achieve specified objectives.

Typical optional modules

Students will learn and practise the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing together with basic grammatical structures. This will enable them to manipulate the language and participate effectively in everyday social situations.

Learning outcomes:

  • Pronunciation.
  • Standard spelling.
  • Ab initio syntax.
  • Ab initio sentence semantics.
  • Gist comprehension and more detailed reconstruction of audio material.
  • Basic oral skills.
  • Intellectual skills.

In this module you will gain an advanced understanding of the function of a wide range of markets for the production, exchange, and consumption of goods and services.

We will examine how people perceive the choices available to them, and assess the associated risks, to make optimal decisions.

We will also explore the nature of competition in dynamic markets, and the approaches that companies take to gain temporary and lasting advantage.

Change is at the heart of our teaching. You will learn about innovation and the impact of disruptive technologies, such as digital platforms that create new markets, and how transformation occurs whilst protecting consumers and building market resilience to achieve lasting social good, and how greater environmental awareness is impacting and changing market behaviours.

*International relations with language students only. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Core Modules

  • To gain a general knowledge of the major theoretical perspectives in international political economy.
  • To appreciate the merits and demerits of these perspectives as they are applied to account for the changing political dynamics of international economic relations and development practices.
  • To develop a basic understanding of key concepts and issues in the contemporary global political economy.
  • To develop a keen awareness of the operation of power and the role of major state and societal actors in the international economic system.

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and understanding:
    • be able to compare and critically evaluate the core theoretical approaches of international political economy.
    • understand substantive issues in the political economy of international trade, finance, production and development.
    • demonstrate a particular knowledge of the political and economic factors that have led to the transformation of the international economic system and global development policies and practices.
    • be able to effectively combine empirical knowledge with theoretical insight in the analysis of events and processes in the global political economy.
    • appreciate the crucial relationship between theoretical arguments, empirical analyses and policy practices in the literature on international political economy and global development.
  • Intellectual skills:
    • ability to think about the connection between theory and empirical analysis in a reflective and critical way.
    • ability to analyse and assess a variety of approaches and methods for the study of problems in political economy and international development.
  • Professional/Practical skills:
    • evidence gathering and evaluation.
    • advanced writing skills under exam conditions.
    • independent learning.
  • Transferable & Key skills:
    • the capacity to engage in a structured and well informed discussion about complex questions (to be practised in class discussions).
    • the ability to write in a structured and concise way under time pressure (to be assessed in the exam).
    • the skill to write a thought through, well argued longer piece of work (to be assessed in the coursework essays).
  • Identify and describe key actors, institutions and issues in the international politics of the Asia-Pacific.
  • Explain the causes and effects of a specific conflict in the international politics of the Asia-Pacific using relevant disciplinary insights.
  • Apply a recognised approach to the international politics of the Asia Pacific (e.g. feminism, realism, liberalism, Marxism, etc.) to a specific conflict. Compare and contrast approaches to international politics in relation to a specific conflict.
  • Evaluate the causes or propose solutions to conflicts under study.

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and understanding:

Students will understand the historic and contemporary interests that structure state-to-state relations and multilateral cooperation in the Asia Pacific:

    • They will understand the context-specific nature of conflicts.
    • They will be able to understand the challenges of applying theory in complex settings.
  • Intellectual skills:
    • Analysis of conflict using relevant theory and approaches.
    • Empathy with opposing views and solutions.
    • Critical capacity to discern deviations from declaratory policy and practice.
  • Professional and practical skills:
    • Students will write a briefing paper for a chosen audience (foreign minister, intelligence agency, visiting delegation etc.). These will be modeled on embassy communiqués or Briefing notes issued to senior personnel in relevant international agencies.
    • Problem solving skills will be developed by students (extending from diagnosis of a problem to proposing a solution) in relation to the simulation of an international crisis.
    • Skills of rhetoric will be advanced by use of knowledge in the simulation.
    • Practices of negotiation and compromise will be enhanced and experienced in the simulation.
  • Transferable (key) skills through active participation in the module students will acquire:
    • Professional writing skills.
    • Problem solving skills.
    • Negotiating Skills.
  • Engage with different theoretical approaches in international security.
  • Gain an understanding of the empirical development of global security since the end of the Cold War with a particular focus on the Asia-pacific.
  • Investigate the breadth of issues within the field of global security.
  • Prepare students theoretically for advanced Level 3 modules in IR.

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and understanding:
    • Demonstrate knowledge of the subject of global security and how issues and theories can be interpreted in different ways (to be assessed by a 3000 word essay and a two-hour exam).
    • Demonstrate a knowledge of the appropriate literatures in relation to international security studies.
  • Intellectual skills:
    • Think reflectively and critically about the connection between theory and empirical analysis.
    • Assess a variety of approaches and methods for the study of global security.
  • Professional and practical skills:
    • Evidence gathering and evaluation.
    • Advanced writing skills under exam conditions.
    • independent learning.
  • Transferable (key) skills:
    • Through active participation in the module students will acquire:
      • the capacity to engage in a structured and well informed discussion about complex questions (to be practised in class discussions).
      • the capacity to concentrate on core points and the ability to speak on the basis of a set of notes (to be practised in oral presentations in class).
      • the ability to write in a structured and concise way under time pressure (to be assessed in the examination).
      • the skill to develop a structured argument in a longer piece of work (to be assessed in the 3,000 word essay).

Typical optional modules

  • Demonstrate a particular knowledge of politics and political institutions of several counties (to be assessed by coursework, exam and quizzes).
  • Have a nuanced understanding of political conflict in a number of countries (to be assessed by coursework, exam and quizzes).
  • Be able to apply theories of Comparative Politics to their own analyses of Politics (to be assessed by coursework, exam and quizzes).

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and understanding:
    • Wide knowledge of contemporary Comparative Politics.
  • Intellectual skills:
    • Ability to think about the connection between theory and empirical analysis.
    • Ability to analyse critically and assess a variety of approaches and methods for the study of Comparative Politics.
    • Ability to engage in academic debate about the role of institutions and social cleavages in politics.
  • Professional/Practical skills:
    • Evidence gathering and evaluation.
    • Advanced writing skills under exam conditions.
    • independent learning.
  • Transferable & Key skills:
    • The capacity to engage in a structured and well informed discussion about complex questions (to be practised in class discussions).
    • The ability to write in a structured and concise way under time pressure (to be assessed in the exam).
    • The skill to write a thought through, well-argued longer piece of work (to be assessed in the coursework essay).
    • The capacity to reflect on the relationship between theory and practice (to be assessed in the reading assignments and presentation).
  • IT skills:
    • Understand how technology can be used as a research tool as well as to facilitate the transfer of knowledge.
  • To appreciate the relevance of understanding and explanation in social science and historical research.
  • To understand the basic structure of social science and historical research methods and the fundamentals of research design.
  • To familiarise themselves with the basic concepts of qualitative and quantitative analysis.
  • Where appropriate, to develop empirical research questions, construct theoretical frameworks and formulate and test hypotheses using the techniques described above.

Learning outcomes:

  • Identify and use the appropriate techniques to develop empirical research.
  • Recognise the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods in the study of international relations.
  • Gain an understanding of the major approaches to conducting social science and historical research.
  • Develop professional practical skills in the area of empirical research which is, in itself, of considerable value to employers.
  • Develop experience in setting objectives.
  • Develop experience in time management.
  • Develop experience in working to deadlines IT Skills.
  • The ability to deliver a professional, word processed document with accompanying bibliography and footnotes.
  • The skill to draw information and documents from WebCT and conduct online research via online journals and elibrary functions.

The overall aim of the module is to develop further competence in the language by improving the four skills of speaking, reading, listening and writing. Students will continue to develop their awareness of autonomy in language learning under the guidance of their language tutor. Teaching is communicative with regular opportunities for pair- and group- work. Emphasis is placed on oral and aural skills, making full use of multi-modal resources available.

Learning outcomes:

  • The language structure at post- beginner level.
  • More complex grammatical structures through the study of a broader range of topic areas across the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
  • To familiarise students with the history of political communication and public relations.
  • To enable students to spot ‘spin’ and propaganda.
  • To enable students to understand the links between public relations, politics and the exercise of power in liberal democracies.

Learning outcomes:

  • An understanding of the historical evolution and contemporary forms of public relations and news management techniques.
  • A knowledge of the theoretical debates around the ideological effects of public relations and propaganda campaigns.
  • An appreciation of the overt and covert information strategies employed by politicians.

*International relations with language students only. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Core Modules

To provide students with the opportunity to produce a piece of independent research in the area of either politics, history or international relations; to provide a focus for the application by students of the knowledge and skills relating to issues which they have developed from other modules on the programme; to provide quality supervision by matching the research interests of students with those of members of staff in the School of Politics, History and International Relations who are familiar with their chosen research topic. 

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and Understanding:
    • On successful completion of the module students will have gained:
      • An in depth knowledge and understanding of a core theme in the fields of either politics, history or international relations; Knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical approaches to their chosen field and their applicability to their research theme.
      • Knowledge and understanding of the relevant theoretical concepts and the ability to apply these concepts to their chosen research theme.
      • Where relevant, knowledge and understanding of the interplay between empirical research findings and the theoretical perspective adopted with respect to a specific theme.
  • Intellectual Skills:
    • On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated that they possess:
    • The analytic skills required for academic research in the field of either politics, history or international relations.
    • An ability to evaluate the research findings of others working in the field.
    • The capacity for independent thought to the degree which is required for research at final year under-graduate level.
  • Professional/Practical Skills:
    • On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated that they possess:
      • The ability to deal systematically and creatively with complex issues and communicate their conclusions clearly to others clearly.
      • The academic skills required for a final year under-graduate level dissertation.
      • The ability to work independently.
  • Transferable/Key Skills:
    • On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated that they possess:
      • The ability to communicate effectively in writing.
      • The ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management.

Typical optional modules

The overall aim of the module is to consolidate and extend students’ competence to an intermediate level in the four skills of speaking, reading, listening and writing. Special emphasis will be placed on developing more sophisticated oral and written skills. Students will continue to develop their awareness of autonomy in language learning under the guidance of their language tutor. 

Learning outcomes:

  • The language structure at intermediate level.
  • More complex grammatical structures through the study of a broader range of topic areas across the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
  • Have an understanding of the nature and causes of food (in)security, hunger and malnutrition within developing countries at micro and macro level.
  • Be prepared to engage with the theoretical demands of honours research projects.

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and Understanding:
    • Have a basic understanding of the global pattern and trends of food production, trade and consumption since 1945.
    • Understand and be able to assess the processes of change taking place within the social organisation of food systems in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
    • Understand the effects, including age and gender differences, that the above processes are having upon food security at all levels within developing countries.
    • Know and be able to evaluate the range of responses in the realms of production and exchange in food security.
  • Intellectual skills:
    • Understand and be able to assess the processes of change taking place within the social organisation of food systems in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
    • Understand the effects, including age and gender differences, that the above processes are having upon food security at all levels within developing countries.
    • Know and be able to evaluate the range of responses in the realms of production and exchange in food security.
    • Articulate relationships between conceptual and practice issues in food security raised across the unit in a coherent, clear and concise way.
    • Have developed an advanced ability to draw linkages between food security and other development issues covered across the course.
  • Professional and practical skills:
    • Know and be able to evaluate the range of responses in the realms of production and exchange in food security.
    • Have further developed skills of essay writing, information retrieval, planning and self-reflection.
    • Have developed an advanced ability to draw linkages between food security and other development issues covered across the course.
  • Transferable (key) skills:
    • Through active participation in the module students will acquire:
      • Have further developed skills of essay writing, information retrieval, planning and self-reflection.
      • Have developed an advanced ability to draw linkages between food security and other development issues covered across the course.
  • Understand key concepts in relation to policy analysis and social change.
  • Have the capacity to apply those concepts to the study of an identified problem.
  • Demonstrate capacity to analyse a problem and offer solutions based on evidence and context.
  • Communicate understanding to a defined audience by conscious use of crafted rhetoric.
  • Undertake relevant research and develop evidence based argument and analysis.
  • Communicate understanding to a defined audience.
  • Undertake relevant research and develop evidence based argument and analysis.

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and Understanding:
    • Students will gain knowledge of the policy and social change arena they have self-identified.
    • Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the policy and social change options for their chosen arena.
  • Intellectual skills:
    • Think reflectively and critically about the connection between concepts and empirical analysis.
    • Develop critical skills of analysis in relation to the problem being analysed.
  • Professional and practical skills:
    • Develop communication skills for specified audiences.
    • Connect evidence to persuasive argument.
    • Independent learning.
  • Transferable (key) skills:
    • Through active participation in the module:
      • Students will acquire: the capacity to engage in structured and well informed discussion about complex questions (class discussions).
      • Skills of rhetoric (to be practised in the op-ed piece, communication project).
      • The ability to write in a structured and analytical manner (to be assessed in the research report).
      • The ability to productively work in groups to achieve specified objectives.

*International relations with language students only. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

A Level

BBC, excluding critical thinking and general studies.

IB Diploma

28 points with 5,5,4 at Higher Level.

STPM

BBC+ excluding Pengajian Am.

UEC

1 A and 4 B3s, excluding Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese language

SAM or other Australian matriculations

ATAR 82 (consideration to be made based on relevant subjects).
Canadian Ontario Grade 12 Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 77% average based on 6 subjects (consideration to be made based on relevant subjects).

Canadian Secondary School Diplomas from other provinces are acceptable and to be assessed based on the University’s requirements.
Advance Placement (AP) 4, 4, 3 in relevant subjects. 
Diploma - Other Institutions Acceptance to the second year is on a case-by-case basis (and at the discretion of the School) but normally would require an overall GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0 and above, including good grades in relevant subjects.
Foundation - Other Institutions Acceptance is at the discretion of the School but normally would require an overall GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0 and above, including good grades in relevant subjects.
University of Nottingham Malaysia Foundation Successful completion of the Foundation in Arts and Education or Business and Management programme.

We strongly encourage all interested students to apply. Our students come to us with a diverse range of qualifications and we are also reviewing and accepting grades based on the minimum acceptable (and those who are holding grades with near misses). The only way for us to fully determine eligibility is through the submission of a completed application.

Entry requirements in the prospectus and website may not always apply and individual offers may vary.

IELTS (Academic):

6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element)

TOEFL (iBT):

90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking)
 

71 (with no less than 65 in each element)

GCE A Level English Language or English Literature:

grade C

GCE AS Level English Language or English Literature:

grade C

SPM:

CEFR level B2

GCSE O-Level:

grade C / 4

IGCSE (first language):

grade C / 4

IGCSE (second language):

grade B / 6

MUET:

Band 4.5

UEC:

grade A2

IB English A1 or A2 (Standard or Higher Level):

4 points

IB English B (Higher Level):

4 points

IB English B (Standard Level):

5 points

IELTS ,TOEFL and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than 2 years old and all IELTS must be the academic version of the test. MUET results are valid for five years from the date of the release of results.

Foundation progression options

The Foundation in Arts and Education is a 1+3 year programme that results in direct progression to the undergraduate degrees offered within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. This rigorous programme provides students with a strong academic background that will result in enhanced language, communication, critical thinking and study skills.

Students on this programme also chose from a range of elective modules that provide the opportunity to sample topics related to their chosen undergraduate pathway such as politics, the world economy, media and education.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Supervision
  • Practical classes
  • Field trips

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Group coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Presentation
  • Essay
  • Poster presentation
  • Practical write-ups
  • Research project
  • Reflective review

Applying

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for undergraduate courses.

How to apply

Fees

ResidencyFees
Malaysian studentsRM38,200 per year
International studentsRM43,300 per year

Where you will learn

Malaysia Campus

Semenyih Campus is 48km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and just 45 minutes’ drive from the famous city centre with its iconic Petronas Twin Towers. On arrival, you are immersed in the green jungle backdrop that Malaysia provides with wildlife, sunshine and campus lake.

The campus is home to our business, education, science and engineering schools, which sit alongside a sports centre, library and student accommodation. The University has everything a modern day student could wish for with the added bonus of being located in central Asia allowing you to travel further afield in your free time.

Public transport is plentiful with free shuttle services operating on some routes. Taxi/Grab services in Malaysia are very reasonable and used widely by the student community.

Careers

New graduates from PHIR begin and develop their careers in multiple areas. Many start with placements in management development, often these are medium-sized companies where a broad-base of competencies that have been acquired during the course are unequalled. Through skills gained in research and report writing, presentations and team work, students can advance the development of the firms for which they now work, as well as their own experiential records. Others specialise along particular tracks of professional engagement that relate more closely to their training. These include international market research, political risk analysis, consultancy training, journalism, education, advocacy, cause-oriented or civil society activity. In all of these areas, PHIR's new graduates find that their special awareness of global dynamics enhances their attractiveness as they approach employers in government agencies, businesses, the professions, and non-governmental organizations aspiring to take their productive place in the world of work. New graduates drawn to advanced academic work tend to enrol in post-graduate programs, typically at Master's level in order to undertake further study and obtain advanced degrees. Many advance to postgraduate study with us, enrolling on our postgraduate taught International Relations or International Development Management programmes whilst others go onto further study at other leading universities around the world.

The University has an established Careers Advisory Service (CAS) that provides students with essential resources and guidance for career choices offering many opportunities to develop the skills needed to plan and manage your future. Our Careers Advisory Service will work with you to improve and maximise your employability skills as well as providing essential resources and guidance that will assist you with job/course applications. They will facilitate searches for appropriate work experience placements and connect you to a wide range of prospective employers or training opportunities.

Our degrees in International relations will equip you for a career in a variety of fields including aid and non-governmental sectors, finance and international business, foreign ministries, law, international media and journalism, international organisations, local and national governments, lobbying, policy advice and think-tanks. The school is building up its alumni network both to keep in contact as well as explore ways of connecting current students with alumni in the world of work after graduation.

This content was last updated on 09 July 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.