International Politics and Development Studies

Description

With the global demand for development specialists, the International Politics and Development Studies program, being one of the rare BA level programs of its kind in Europe (and practically sole in Eastern Europe) is unique in that it, in addition to providing classical Political Science education, lays fundamentals of development theories and practice, all this with a focus on one of the developing regions. Currently, the Program covers the Middle East and former Soviet Union but is foreseen to expand to include Latin America. In connection with this, students are given the opportunity to study one of the area languages (such as Arabic, Turkish and Russian) for four semesters. During their studies, students are required to do internship at relevant institutions, something that enhances their practical skills and ability to put theory into practice.

As the program is physically set in Lithuania, through its teaching staff as well as students it ingeniously combines the Western European expertise and Eastern European experiences.

Competencies Acquired

Upon the completion of the International Politics and Development Studies program, graduates shall be able to:

• explain the historical and international contexts of developing countries and regions and predict their development prospects;
• critically assess mutual relations between political actors, economic and business structures and the media in the political systems of developing countries;
• compare socio-political processes in developing countries and regions;
• analyze legal and programmatic aspects of the EU and other international system participants in providing assistance to countries and regions in the developing world;
• consider the practical tasks and problems of developing countries and regional policies, suggesting ways they may be resolved in local and international contexts;
• initiate, prepare and execute various political, social, economic and information projects;
• apply methodological tools and theoretical approaches in policy analysis and in practice.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the International Politics and Development Studies program will be able to work as either analysts, political advisors, or project managers in:

• EU, UN and other international organizations and institutions;
• national public sector institutions;
• national and international non-governmental organizations;
• media and other public information agencies,
• research centers, think tanks, public opinion and political research institutions.

Alternatively, they may further pursue their studies in more specialized Master’s programs in political science and other social sciences or humanities.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline March 31; July 20 Tuition fee

• EUR 1700 Year (Non-EEA)

Application fee – 172,64 / 50 EUR.

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 240 ECTS

One year of studies is equal to 60 ECTS credits, divided to 30 per semester

Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time Intensity Flexible

Course Content

I semester

COMPULSORY COURSES

• Introduction to Development Studies

• Political Systems

• International Relations and Governance

II semester

COMPULSORY COURSES

• Studies of Colonialism and Post-Colonialism

• Development Politics and Strategies of International Organizations

• Human Rights and Democratization

III semester

COMPULSORY COURSES

• Public Policy Process

• Regional Development

• Micro and Macro Economics

• Courses of A, B and D groups

IV semester

COMPULSORY COURSES

• Social Research Methodology

• Civic Empowerment and Mobilization

• Diplomacy and International Law

• Courses of A, B and D groups

V semester

COMPULSORY COURSES

• Comparative Politics

• Theories of Social Transformation

• International Political Economy

• Political Communication

• Development and Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union

OPTIONAL COURSES

• Analytic and Academic Writing

• Globalization and International Communication

• Migration Policy and Ethnic Relations in Modern State

VI semester

COMPULSORY COURSES

• Politics of Post-Soviet States

• Conflict Resolution in Developing Countries

• NGO and Philanthropy

OPTIONAL COURSES

• Welfare State: Theory and Practice

• Critical Inquiry

• Political Process and Participation

• Macroeconomics of the Developing Countries

• Small and Middle Sized States in the International Context

• Russia’s Domestic and Foreign Policy

• International Cooperation in the Black Sea Region

• Domestic and Foreign Policy of Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine

VII semester

COMPULSORY COURSES

• Politics of the Middle Eastern and North African States

• Project Planning and Implementation

• Politics of Minorities

• Sociology of State Development

• Orientalism and Cultural Awareness

• Foreign Policy of Great Powers in the Middle East

• Revivalist Islam and Politics

• Energy Politics in European Neighbourhood

• Israeli Studies

VIII semester

COMPULSORY COURSES

• Internship

• Bachelor Thesis

Requirements

Applicants for International Politics and Development Studies programme should have a secondary school diploma or equivalent degree and abilities to speak, read and write in English.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course