Name of programme                    INTERNATIONAL POLITICS AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Qualification awarded                  Bachelor of Political Science

Field of study                               Political Sciences and diplomacy

Study area                                   Social sciences

Length of the programme            4 years (8 semesters)

Scope of programme (ECTS)      240 ECTS

Language of instruction               English 

Location                                       Kaunas, Lithuania

Starting date                                1st of September

Tuition fee for Non-EU students   TBC

Overview

Human population of developing countries makes up the largest component of the world’s demographic map in today’s world. Based on World Bank data, developing countries and regions are undergoing various problems such as poverty, social and political inequality, oppression and continual military conflicts. In addition, developing societies are experiencing constant social, economic, political, technological and other forms of transformation. The global demand for development specialists is rising. Programme International Politics and Development Studies, is one of the rare bachelor degree programmes of this kind in Europe (and practically sole in Eastern and Central Europe). This programme is unique because in addition to classical Political Science education it suggests fundamentals of development theories and practice with strong focus on one of the developing regions.

Currently, the main focuses of the research areas are Middle East, North Africa and post-Soviet regions, but other regions are also included. In connection with this, students are given the opportunity to study one of the area languages (Arabic, Turkish, French and Russian) for four semesters. During their studies, students are required to do internship at relevant institutions to enhance their practical skills and abilities to put theory into practice.

Feedback of lecturers and students

“There is no question that programme International Politics and Development Studies is a unique and prestigious BA programme designed for the best and strongest students. It creates opportunities not only to know, but also to feel and hear the voices of different peoples and cultures right here in the classroom, to study international politics in the international community, to analyse the effects of global importance, socio-political and economic processes. Each year the programme attracts foreign students from various parts of the world (USA, Venezuela, Ukraine, Georgia, Morocco, Nigeria and etc.) and creates an invaluable intercultural environment and experience for both: teachers and students”.

Dr. Sima Rakutienė, lecturer of the programme and head of the Department.

“The programme is full of informative, useful and interesting subjects. The teaching staff are a group of people comprised of mostly young, energetic scholars who are keen on focusing on the needs of students and kindly assist them in all respects“.

Julius Zubė, Student.

“Lithuania is a friendly society, an educated one, the youth speaks English.

Lithuanian people like to have contact with foreigners to enrich themselves and be ambassadors of their culture. The infrastructure is highly developed”.

Zakaria Belmehdi from Morocco, Student.

Competencies acquired

Programme aims to prepare highly qualified political science bachelor graduates who are professional analysts capable of making competent explanations, analysis, comparisons and assessments of the political, economic and social processes of developing countries and regions, to explain and assess trends and strategies in international assistance offered to the developing world, to perform research independently, to prepare and carry out practical and applied scientific projects.

In addition to English, students according to their personal priorities and objectives to acquire a regional orientation (qualification) based on which they will prepare final bachelor thesis are expected to select and become proficient in one of the languages of the developing world regions (Arabic, French, Russian, Turkish, or/and another language).

The programme is orientated towards looking at the problems of the EU Eastern and Southern Neighbourhood’s regional and national processes and the analysis of their causes. Students undertaking this programme shall analyse the political systems, economics and social processes of Russia and Eastern Europe (Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova), the Southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan), the Middle East and the North African countries. They will examine the forms and strategies of international assistance and development cooperation provided to these countries.

Students shall have an unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge of a selected region, not only in learning one of the regional languages, but also in choosing from special courses on offer oriented towards specific regions, by preparing written assignments, projects and a final bachelor thesis. Students shall complete the practical experience component of this study programme in various diplomatic and consular offices of national state and international organisations, in media agencies, and elsewhere.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the International Politics and Development Studies programme will be able to work either as analysts, political advisors, or project managers in:

The EU, the UN and other international organizations and institutions;
National public sector institutions;
National and international non-governmental organizations;
Media and other public information agencies;
Research centres, think tanks, public opinion and political research institutions.

Alternatively, they may further pursue their studies in more specialized Master degree programmes in political science and other social sciences or humanities.