International Business and Social Sciences

Globalisation, increasing levels of cultural and economic integration, a greater emphasis on international perspectives in companies and organisations, new degrees of mobility in society - all these factors and more are causing a broader appreciation of international relations across all spheres of society. At the same time, the field of international relations is growing ever more complex, requiring a new breed of specialists with an international and transnational perspective as well as profound theoretical and methodological expertise.
Our International Relations Bachelor's programme produces graduates who can best meet these complex requirements. The highly interdisciplinary curriculum interweaves a range of complex subject areas - political science, economics, law, social sciences, and research methods - while also conveying key methodological competencies for research and professional contexts. With this profound knowledge, you will not only be able to conduct sophisticated, expert analyses of present and future international relations, but also to develop tailor-made strategies and approaches to the many questions and issues which arise in this field.
Our curriculum emphasises applied learning, reflected in the many small group exercises and projects required in modules. This programme also requires a placement and/or a semester abroad in the field of international relations, which means that you will leave our university with demonstrable, practical experience already featured prominently on your CV.
Modules are taught in English, which helps you to develop a near-native command of professional terminology and phraseology, while fostering your ability to think and express yourself in an international context.

Educational organisation

In total, the standard period of study comprises seven semesters. Sound foundations in business administration and economics, analytical skills as well as fundamental knowledge of social sciences are imparted during the first three semesters. This acquired knowledge is then enhanced in key areas in the fourth and fifth semester. The sixth semester is reserved for a practical internship or semester abroad. Through the choice of specific elective subjects and the organisation of the sixth semester, students can sharpen their profiles in terms of their aspired careers after graduation. In the final semester, each student writes a Bachelor's thesis after having developed an appropriate topic.
The programme is characterised by an emphasis on practical relevance. Supported by extensive cooperation with governmental and non-governmental institutions, each student will write a highly application-oriented final thesis.

Study abroad unit(s)

The sixth semester is reserved for an internship or a semester abroad.

Internships

The sixth semester is reserved for an internship or a semester abroad.

Forms of assessment

Graded examinations (written examinations, seminar papers, presentations, written assignments, oral examinations) and certificates (projects, reports, presentations)
Bachelor's thesis

Course objectives

Our International Relations BA programme equips you with expert analytical, methodological and research-related skills, an excellent command of English as well as valuable and extensive experience in intercultural group interaction and project management. These qualifications will put you in a strong position to take advantage of the growing demand for specialists in international relations and find a meaningful career in many internationally active fields, sectors and organisations.
Potential areas of employment for graduates include the following:

• international organisations and multinational corporations
• government institutions, public authorities, or parliamentary organisations
• scientific or research institutions
• positions in associations, political parties, foundations or NGOs
• development organisations
• journalism, PR, market research, or public opinion polling
• political education, adult education, or coaching

This degree programme also qualifies you for a Master's programme in Germany or abroad.

Language requirements

Please note that for Bachelor's degree programmes, English language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference are required. Please be aware that all applicants' test report form numbers will be checked. The following certificates are accepted:
IELTS: minimum 6.0
TOEFL (Internet-based test): minimum 80
TOEFL (paper-based test): minimum 550
TOEFL (computer-based test): minimum 213
The TOEFL code of our university is: 6962

Academic requirements

German entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences or equivalent
See: http://anabin.kmk.org/

Enrolment fees

Approx. 270 EUR per semester. This covers nominal administration fees and includes a semester ticket that allows free travel on most bus and train routes throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as well as to and from Nijmegen in the Netherlands.

Costs of living

The "Deutsches Studentenwerk" puts the average cost of living for students in Germany at around 700 to 800 EUR per month. This includes rent, utilities, personal expenses, and other nominal costs. For a sample breakdown of living expenses and information about financing your studies in Germany, please see our website: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants.

Job opportunities

International students from non-EU countries are legally permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year on a student visa. No additional authorisation from German authorities is required.
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences often posts job advertisements for students both inside and outside the university on campus noticeboards. Some jobs at the university only require English, but most jobs in Kleve, Kamp-Lintfort, and surrounding areas will require at least conversational fluency in German. Fortunately, our Language Centre offers German courses that students can attend at no charge.
However, due to the intense workload at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, first-year students are strongly advised to dedicate their full attention to their studies. In later semesters, you will have a more open schedule and a better idea of how to balance work and studies. This is also a realistic time frame for acquiring speaking proficiency in German while studying full-time.

Funding opportunities within the university

A limited number of scholarships are available for currently enrolled students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The most prominent scholarship is the Germany Scholarship ("Deutschlandstipendium"). German and international students are both eligible to apply. The Germany Scholarship is a stipend of 300 EUR per month awarded each year to a limited number of students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance or exemplary social commitment to the community. Other scholarships, grants, and fellowships are available through regional and national organisations in Germany. Please see our website for details.
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences informs all students of important scholarship deadlines in advance so that they don't miss any potential application opportunities.
http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants/scholarships-and-grants

Arrival support

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is accessible from the international airports Amsterdam (AMS), Düsseldorf (DUS), Cologne/Bonn (CGN), and Weeze (NRN). The university does not offer any pick-up services, but both Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort can be reached by public transportation from any of these airports.
If you anticipate any travel problems, delays, or unexpected changes to your plans, please contact our Welcome Centre so that we can support you with helpful advice.

Services and support for international students

Our Welcome Centre supports international students during their first few weeks in Germany. The Welcome Centre provides helpful advice and guidance on contracts, opening a bank account, registering your place of residence, applying for a student visa, setting up health insurance, and more.
The student mentors at the Welcome Centre know first-hand what it's like adjusting to life as a student in Germany. They are also an important first contact point for students with personal and social issues, as they can direct students to the right place for their specific needs. The Welcome Centre also promotes student culture at the university by organising trips and excursions to destinations all around the region as well as a range of social events for students such as the annual "Freshtival", the university's week-long orientation festival for new students in the winter semester.

Accommodation

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences strongly urges you to make accommodation arrangements before your arrival. The university does not have its own residence halls, but the "Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf" runs dormitories near campus in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort with options for single rooms or two- and three-room flats. Prices start at around 220 EUR per month. Room availability in these dormitories is limited and subject to a waiting list, so it's important to register online for a room as soon as possible. Please note that a security deposit of three months' rent is also required.
Most students choose to share a private flat off campus with fellow students. There are a number of popular online portals for finding a flat in Germany, for example: http://www.wg-gesucht.de. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences also maintains its own list of available flats and rooms for students on its website. Thanks to the flexibility of the Semester Ticket, students can live in Kleve, Kamp-Lintfort, or one of the many cities and towns nearby and reach campus by public transport. For more information and helpful tips on finding a flat, please see our website: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/prospective-students/housing.