About the Programme
The Bachelor of Science in International Relations with a Minor is designed to expose students to the theories and practice of international relations. It offers tools of critical analysis to interrogate this dynamic sub-field of political science. This programme is structured so that during the first year, students are exposed to introductory courses. In the second year they will analyse various theories and concepts as well as practical case studies. In the final year they will utilise higher level cognitive skills to critique theories and praxis of international relations.
This programme enhances the Political Science offerings in line with consecutive recommendations made in reviews of Political Science. The programme grounds students in an understanding of global politics. The B.Sc. International Relations with a Minor offers courses that focus on theory, political economy, international security, foreign policy, international trade and finance, regional integration, technology and innovation, negotiations and diplomacy, which can be combined with the student’s minor of choice.
What Will I Study?
The B.Sc. International Relations with a Minor allows students to tailor their programmes of study to include concentrations in areas such as modern languages, history, management, economics and a variety of other areas. The addition of a minor to the B.Sc. International Relations is an attractive option for students seeking to build varied skills while still maintaining a solid grounding in International Relations.
The B.Sc. International Relations with a Minor facilitates entry into varied professions including the Foreign Service and varied government ministries and agencies such as those that focus on security, international business and international trade. This qualification is also useful for the pursuit of careers in inter-governmental organizations, the non-governmental sector, research and journalism, to name a few.
Students who pursue the B.Sc. International Relations with a Minor will also find it easier to enter post-graduate programmes in International Relations (and other related international politics programmes) offered at the UWI and elsewhere. The programme will produce students with a firm grounding in Caribbean International Relations, and International Relations more broadly, who will have additional marketable skills and competencies offered by their selected minor.
The overall objective of this programme is therefore to familiarise students in the broad philosophical and theoretical tools which will equip them with the capacity for political analysis and for original, creative, and critical thinking, which can assist in the creation of new knowledge, for identifying and resolving new and emergent challenges, and for fashioning appropriate institutional and policy responses.
Career Opportunities
A bachelor’s degree in International Relations can lead to exciting careers in:
- government
- law
- diplomacy
- business
- international organisations
- nonprofit associations and organisations
- campaign management and polling
- journalism
- electoral politics
- research
- university and college teaching