Diploma in International Studies

This APU Diploma in International Studies is designed to:

• Provide the academic aspect as well as the vocational aspects of International Studies.
• Prepare students for careers in the International Studies environment.
• Provide students with academic and professional skills to develop solutions requiring a holistic outlook in the area of International Studies.
• Provide students with critical, independent and cooperative learning skills so as to facilitate their response to continuous change in international arena.
• Develop students’ intellectual skills, communications ability and team working capability.
• Provide students with opportunity to progress into degrees of International standard in relevant areas.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.