International Relations

The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations at Bilkent University offers an in-depth exploration of global political, economic, and cultural dynamics that shape our world. This rigorous program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of international affairs, promoting critical thinking, analytical skills, and a global perspective essential for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, journalism, policy analysis, and beyond. Throughout the program, students engage with a diverse curriculum that covers key areas such as comparative politics, international law, foreign policy analysis, international security, human rights, environmental issues, and regional studies. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, encouraging students to analyze current international developments through a multidisciplinary approach. Bilkent’s diverse faculty, renowned for their expertise and research, provides mentorship and guidance, fostering a stimulating academic environment. Additionally, students have opportunities for internships, exchange programs, and research projects, enabling them to gain real-world experience and build a global network. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities and active student organizations further enrich the educational experience. Graduates of the International Relations program are well-prepared to pursue careers in the public sector, international NGOs, think tanks, or to continue their education at graduate levels. The program’s multidisciplinary nature fosters a nuanced understanding of complex international issues, encouraging students to become informed global citizens capable of contributing thoughtfully to international discourse and policy-making.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline 2014-2015 Academic Year Spring Semester, beginning on 2 February 2015, will be open between 15 October - 15 December 2014; 2015-2016 Academic Year Fall Semester, beginning in mid-September 2015, will be open between 15 October 2014 - 16 July 2015 Tuition fee

• USD 13950 Year (International)

The annual tuition for international students beginning their program in September 2014 is 13,950 US Dollars (includes 8% VAT). Tuition fees are collected in two equal installments at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters. Tuition fees are payable in US Dollars only.

Start date February,September 2015 Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

FIRST YEAR

Autumn Semester

Course Name

• Principles of Microeconomics
• English and Composition I
• Orientation
• History of Civilization I
• Introduction to Political Science I
• Introduction to Sociology
• Turkish I

Spring Semester

Course Name

• Introduction to Computing for Social Sciences
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• English and Composition II
• History of Civilization II
• Introduction to World Politics
• Turkish II

SECOND YEAR

Autumn Semester

Course Name

• Collegiate Activities Program I
• Diplomatic History
• Research Methods in International Relations
• Statistics for Social Sciences
• Social and Political Philosophy I

Spring Semester

Course Name

• Collegiate Activities Program II
• History of Turkey
• 20th Century World Politics
• Basic Concepts of Law
• Social and Political Philosophy II
• Introduction to Social Psychology

THIRD YEAR

Autumn Semester

Course Name

• International Law
• International Relations Theory
• Politics of International Economy
• General Elective
• Restricted Elective

Spring Semester

Course Name

• International Organizations
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• General Elective
• Restricted Elective
• Unrestricted Elective

FOURTH YEAR

Autumn Semester

Course Name

• Summer Training
• Turkish Foreign Policy
• Restricted Elective
• Unrestricted Electives (3)

Spring Semester

Course Name

• Restricted Electives (2)
• Transdisciplinary Senior Project
• Unrestricted Elective

In addition to elective courses offered by the Department of International Relations, students are allowed to take electives from the departments of Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Faculty of Law, Management and/or Philosophy or foreign language courses, among others.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 87

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

International students, who had graduated or are expecting to graduate from a High School equivalent to Turkish High Schools in Turkey, can apply to Bilkent University. All International applicants who are applying for full-time undergraduate degree programs are required to fill out the following application form at:

Online Application Form

The applications for:

• 2014-2015 Academic Year Spring Semester, beginning on 2 February 2015, will be open between 15 October - 15 December 2014
• 2015-2016 Academic Year Fall Semester, beginning in mid-September 2015, will be open between 15 October 2014 - 16 July 2015

How to complete your online application:

Step 1: Obtain a login ID and password

Step 2: Fill out the personal information part and upload the personal information page of your passport.

Step 3: Fill out the family Information part. All students who would like to be considered for partial tuition wavier recipients are recommended to fill out this part.

Step 4:REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Bilkent accepts the photocopies of exams/diplomas and certificates listed below for application. In the absence of national or international exams, high school graduation score can be evaluated for admission. Scanned copies of Turkish or English translation of the high school diploma and official transcript along with the explanation of the high school’s grading system should be submitted for application.

• - In the SAT I, a total score of at least 1000 out of 1600 (in the combined Critical Reading and Math Reasoning tests), depending on the department to which application is made.
• - In the General Certificate Education (GCE), including Cambridge International A Level, at least three A level scores, one of which is received in the particular subject area of the program applied for.
• - In the ACT examination, a minimum score of 24 in Mathematics, Science and Composite.
• - In the TQDK examination, a minimum score of 450 out of 700 in "Group II-III-IV" and a minimum score of 550 out of 700 in "Group I".
• - In the Baccalaureate Libanais examinations given in Lebanon, a diploma score of at least 14 in the Scientific Stream.
• - In the Tawjih examinations given in Jordan and Palestine, a minimum average of 85 points in all courses in the Scientific Stream.
• - In the West African Examinations Council - (International) Senior School Certificate examination (WAEC - SSCE), a maximum score of 2 in each of the six subjects, and a maximum total score of 9 from the same six subjects.
• - An International Baccalaureate diploma with a diploma score of at least 28 or higher up to 32 depending on the department to which application is made.
• - A French Baccalaureate diploma with a diploma score of at least 12.
• - ABITUR with a score of at least 4 and a minimum score of 5 out of 15 in the subjects related to the program applied for.
• - In the Libyan Al Shahada Al Thanawiya examination, a score of at least 195 in the Scientific Stream for Engineering and Science programs and at least 185 in the Social Sciences / Art Stream for other programs.
• - In the Gao Kao examination of the People's Republic of China, a score of at least 540 (It may vary according to the department applied for).
• - In Diploma Debirestan / Pisdanesgahi administered in Iran, with a score of at least 16 out of 20.
• - In the International University Test examination administered in Kazakhstan, a minimum score of 85 out of 100.
• - Gold, silver or bronze medals in the International Science Olympiads (*) recognized by TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey):

* (IOI) The International Olympiad in Informatics
(IBO) The International Biology Olympiad
(IPhO) The International Physics Olympiad
(IChO) The International Chemistry Olympiad
(IMO) The International Mathematical Olympiad
(JBMO) Junior Balkan Mathematical Olympiad
(BMO) Balkan Mathematical Olympiad
(BOI) Balkan Olympiad in Informatics

Step 5: ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

As Bilkent is an English medium university, students are required to meet the language requirement to be able to pursue their studies in their departments. The language requirement can be met through the submission of an exam result meeting the minimum requirements in any of the following exams as outlined below:

• TOEFL iBT, a score of at least 87
• IELTS Academic, a score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 scored in every section
• CAE, a grade of at least "C"
• FCE, a grade of at least "B"

External exam results are valid for two years. When students submit results for any of the exams mentioned above, Bilkent University School of English Language reserves the right to investigate these exam results for reliability purposes, the right to give an exam to students to check the validity of their exam results, and the right to not accept exam results that are considered to be suspicious.

If students cannot submit an exam result which meets the minimum requirements, they can take the COPE exam administered by Bilkent University after registration. Students, who cannot meet the minimum pass score in the COPE exam, will have to attend classes in the English Language Preparatory Program which is a one to two year program where they will receive 25-30 hours of classroom input every week.

PLEASE NOTE: The exam results must be sent to the university directly by the related institution. The exam results that are not sent to the university by the related institution will not be accepted.

• TOEFL should be sent directly from ETS to Bilkent University - CODE: 0620.
• IELTS should be sent directly from British Council to Bilkent University.

Step 6: List and rank your selected programs up to 5 choices. Please note that students who choose Graphic Design; Fine Arts and Music must take an aptitude test administered by the related faculties in August.

Step 7: Please write a 250-word statement of purpose describing your academic goals and reasons to study at Bilkent.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

The International Relations program at Bilkent University offers a range of financing options to support its students throughout their academic journey. As a private university committed to providing accessible education, Bilkent University provides various scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of its student body. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships often cover partial or full tuition fees and are renewable based on academic performance. Additionally, need-based financial aid is available for students who demonstrate financial hardship, ensuring that qualified applicants can pursue their studies regardless of economic background. Bilkent University also offers specific scholarships for international students, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

Apart from institutional scholarships, students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities, including government grants, international scholarships, and sponsorships from nonprofit organizations. The university's financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance and support in applying for these external sources of funding. Students can also benefit from part-time work opportunities within the university campus, which are designed to accommodate their study schedules and offer supplementary income.

Bilkent University maintains transparent and flexible payment plans, allowing students to pay their tuition fees in installments to ease financial burden. The university’s financial policies are designed to make higher education affordable while maintaining high academic standards. Furthermore, temporary emergency funds are available for students facing unforeseen financial difficulties, ensuring uninterrupted progress in their studies. Overall, Bilkent University’s financing studies aim to promote equal access to education, supporting talented students from diverse backgrounds to excel through a combination of institutional and external financial resources.

The International Relations undergraduate program at Bilkent University offers students a comprehensive understanding of global politics, international systems, and diplomatic practices. This program is designed to equip students with analytical skills, critical thinking, and a deep knowledge of international affairs, including security issues, international organizations, foreign policies, and regional studies. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, encouraging students to engage with current geopolitical challenges through case studies, seminars, and research projects. Students have opportunities for internships with international organizations, diplomatic missions, and NGOs, fostering real-world experience. The program also emphasizes language proficiency, encouraging students to learn multiple foreign languages relevant to international diplomacy and global cooperation. Faculty members are distinguished academics and practitioners who bring extensive expertise from political science, international law, economics, and regional studies to the classroom. Bilkent University’s strategic location in Ankara provides students with access to government agencies, international organizations, and diplomatic missions, enriching their academic experience with practical insights. The program prepares graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, multinational corporations, think tanks, and governmental agencies. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in exchange programs with partner universities worldwide, broadening their global perspective and cultural awareness. The international Relations program at Bilkent University strives to produce well-rounded graduates capable of analyzing complex global issues and contributing meaningfully to international peace and development.