Diploma in International Studies

Semester 1

In this semester, students will be introduced to preparatory modules which would be essential for them to embark on their journey in completion of their diploma. Students will be taught English for academic purpose, basic of entrepreneurship and business plus computing skills. Students are also required to take one General Studies module as required by the Malaysian Qualification Agency.

Modules

• Academic Research Skills
• Digital Thinking and Innovation
• Managing Business
• Practical IT Skills

Semester 2

This semester is a continuation from semester 1 on preparatory modules where students will be equipped with professional communications skill. They will also embark on some academic research skills which are essential for their future careers. They will be exposed to global business trends as well as Critical International Film Studies that will give them a glimpse to some of the international related issues. 

Modules

• Professional Communications
• International Relations
• Critical International Film Studies
• Global Business Trends

Semester 3

Starting from semester 3, students will be exposed to the core area of international studies that will include introduction to international relations and international history. The semester will also focus on understanding political ideologies and their impact on global affairs. Contemporary issues and challenges facing Malaysia in its foreign relations will also be covered.

Modules

• Globalisation and International Studies
• International History Since 1900
• Modern Political Ideas
• Foreign Affairs of Malaysia

Semester 4

Continuing from semester 3, students will be exposed to more relevant international studies issues, particularly the impact of globalisation and the role of international organisations in global affairs. They will also learn about the different array of global political systems and governments, as well as understand how social movements and revolutions impacts the core features of the international system. Additionally, they will also study environmental issues and concerns such as climate change, biodiversity loss and poor governance.

Modules

• Introduction to International Political Economy
• People Power and Revolutions in World Politics
• Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Comparative Politics
• Environment Issues and Case Studies 1

Semester 5

In semester 5, students will be further introduced to various theoretical and conceptual frameworks for them to apply to real-world case studies in the international arena. They will also learn about international political economy that focuses on how and why countries integrate themselves into a global economy and regionalism for e.g. Southeast Asia where students will study about ASEAN. Also as a continuation from the previous semester, students will be exposed to other environmental issues and concerns.

Modules

• Theories of International Relations
• International Organisations
• Regionalism in Southeast Asia
• Environment Issues & Case Studies 2

Semester 6 - Internship (8 weeks)

Students will undertake an Internship/Industrial Training for a minimum period of 8 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

*In addition to the above, all students are also required to successfully complete General Studies modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency, as well as fulfill credit requirements for Co-curricular Activities.

Further Studies

Upon successful completion of this programme and fulfilment of requirements for credit transfer, you will be eligible to progress into Level 2 of the following degree programmes offered at APU.

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Business Management**
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management**
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in:
• E-Business**
• Digital Leadership**
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management**
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management**
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing**

** Please take note that Bridging module/s needed before progress into Level 2

Year 2 Semester 2 Entry

Students who obtained a Credit (B) or above for all the core modules in Semester 3, 4 and 5, they will be eligible to progress straight into Year 2 Semester 2 of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations.

For the full listing of our Diploma Programmes, please refer to the Pre-University programme brochure.