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B-A-HONS in International Relations at Pandit Deendayal Energy University
Gandhinagar, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is International Relations at Pandit Deendayal Energy University Gandhinagar?
This International Relations program at Pandit Deendayal Energy University focuses on equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of global politics, diplomacy, and international affairs. It delves into the complex interplay of state and non-state actors, fostering critical analysis of contemporary global challenges. The program aims to prepare graduates for diverse roles in foreign policy, international organizations, and global governance within the Indian context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into diplomatic services, international NGOs, think tanks, or academia. It also caters to individuals passionate about global affairs, current events, and cross-cultural interactions, desiring to build a career with an international outlook. Students with backgrounds in humanities, social sciences, or a strong interest in geopolitics will find this program intellectually stimulating and career-enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers in the Indian Foreign Service (through UPSC), international development organizations like UN agencies operating in India, or research roles in prominent Indian think tanks. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential up to INR 15-25 lakhs or more for experienced professionals in policy advocacy or diplomacy. The analytical and communication skills developed align with demands in government, corporate, and non-profit sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Foundational Knowledge in IR Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering core theories like Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism by deeply engaging with textbook readings and academic journals. Utilize online platforms like JSTOR or Project MUSE (if accessible) for supplementary research papers.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Academic Journals (JSTOR, Project MUSE), Library resources
Career Connection
Crucial for advanced IR courses, analytical roles in policy analysis, and competitive exams requiring theoretical grounding.
Develop Academic Reading and Writing Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in workshops on academic writing and citation styles, honing skills in critical analysis and clear articulation. Practice writing analytical essays and research proposals, seeking feedback from professors and peers.
Tools & Resources
Writing workshops, Grammarly, University Writing Center, Peer review
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are vital for diplomatic reports, policy briefs, academic publications, and effective advocacy.
Engage in Current Affairs and Global Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read reputable news sources like The Hindu, The Indian Express, or The Economic Times, and international publications like The Economist or Foreign Affairs. Participate in university debate clubs or Model UN simulations.
Tools & Resources
Major Indian newspapers, International news magazines, Model UN clubs, Debate societies
Career Connection
Staying updated is essential for cracking competitive exams like UPSC and for informed decision-making in international roles.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Specialization through Electives and Research- (Semester 3-5)
Strategically choose discipline-specific electives (DSEs) that align with career interests, such as regional studies or international law. Initiate small-scale research projects or term papers on these specialized topics to develop expertise.
Tools & Resources
Course Catalogue, Faculty advisors, Academic databases, Research mentorship
Career Connection
This focused approach aids in building a niche profile, attractive to specific think tanks, governmental departments, or specialized NGOs.
Seek Internships and Practical Exposure- (Semester 3-5)
Actively pursue internships with organizations like the Ministry of External Affairs, prominent think tanks (e.g., ORF, IDSA), NGOs focused on international development, or relevant corporate departments. Leverage the university''''s career services and alumni network for leads.
Tools & Resources
University Career Services, LinkedIn, Networking events, Alumni network
Career Connection
Practical experience provides invaluable insights into the application of IR theories and significantly enhances employability for roles in diplomacy and foreign policy.
Network and Participate in Extracurriculars- (Semester 3-5)
Attend seminars, workshops, and guest lectures by diplomats, scholars, and policy-makers to expand your professional network. Join student clubs related to international affairs, human rights, or debate to apply knowledge and develop leadership.
Tools & Resources
University event calendars, Professional organizations, Student clubs, Conferences
Career Connection
Networking can open doors to mentorship, internships, and future job opportunities, while extracurriculars showcase leadership and engagement.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation and Research Excellence- (Semester 6)
Dedicate significant effort to the dissertation, viewing it as a capstone research project. Choose a topic that aligns with your career aspirations and conduct thorough research, seeking regular guidance from your faculty supervisor.
Tools & Resources
Faculty supervisor, Research software (e.g., NVivo, SPSS), EndNote/Zotero for citations, Academic libraries
Career Connection
A strong dissertation demonstrates advanced research capabilities, crucial for academic pursuits, policy analysis, and competitive civil service exams.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations and Placements- (Semester 6)
For those aiming for civil services, dedicate time to UPSC preparation, specifically for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). For other career paths, build a compelling portfolio highlighting internships, research papers, and skills. Practice interview techniques and resume building with the career services team.
Tools & Resources
UPSC coaching materials, Career Services workshops, Mock interviews, Professional portfolio platforms
Career Connection
This stage is critical for translating academic success into a professional career in government, international organizations, or the private sector.
Develop Advanced Professional Skills- (Semester 6 and beyond)
Acquire proficiency in a foreign language (e.g., French, German, Mandarin, Arabic) relevant to international relations. Develop skills in data analysis, policy brief writing, and public speaking through advanced workshops or certifications.
Tools & Resources
Language learning apps (Duolingo, Babbel), Certifications (e.g., data analysis tools), Public speaking clubs, Policy writing guides
Career Connection
These advanced skills make graduates highly competitive for specialized roles in international organizations, diplomatic missions, and multinational corporations operating in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Senior Secondary (10+2) or equivalent with minimum 45% marks in aggregate (40% for SC/ST category) from any recognized Board.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 130 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH101 | Introduction to International Relations | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of IR, Approaches to IR, State and Non-State Actors, Power and Sovereignty, International System |
| BAH102 | Indian Constitution | Core | 4 | Making of the Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Union & State Legislature |
| BAH103 | Microeconomics | Core | 4 | Basic Economic Problems, Demand and Supply, Consumer Behavior, Production and Costs, Market Structures |
| BAH104 | History of the 20th Century | Core | 4 | World Wars, Cold War, Decolonization, Rise of Nationalism, Post-Cold War World |
| BAH105 | Academic Reading & Writing | Core | 4 | Reading Comprehension, Essay Writing, Research Skills, Academic Vocabulary, Argumentation |
| BAH106 | Data Analysis for Social Sciences | Core | 4 | Data Types, Descriptive Statistics, Probability, Sampling, Hypothesis Testing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH201 | International Political Economy | Core | 4 | Theories of IPE, Trade and Finance, Global Governance, Multinational Corporations, Development |
| BAH202 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Nature of Public Administration, Theories of Bureaucracy, Public Policy, Governance, Accountability |
| BAH203 | Macroeconomics | Core | 4 | National Income, Consumption and Investment, Monetary Policy, Fiscal Policy, Inflation |
| BAH204 | Theories of International Relations | Core | 4 | Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Feminism, Post-Colonialism |
| BAH205 | Environmental Studies | Core | 4 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Pollution, Climate Change, Sustainable Development |
| BAH206 | Computer Applications for Social Sciences | Core | 4 | Spreadsheet Software, Presentation Tools, Data Management, Online Research, Digital Literacy |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH301 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Design, Quantitative Methods, Qualitative Methods, Data Collection, Ethical Issues |
| BAH302 | Foreign Policy of India | Core | 4 | Determinants of India''''s Foreign Policy, India''''s relations with Major Powers, Regional Groupings, Nuclear Policy, Diplomacy |
| BAH303 | Geography and International Relations | Core | 4 | Geopolitics, Resource Scarcity, Borders and Boundaries, Maritime Security, Environmental Geopolitics |
| BAH304 | International Law | Core | 4 | Sources of International Law, State Sovereignty, Use of Force, Human Rights Law, International Criminal Law |
| BAH305 | History of International Relations | Core | 4 | Westphalian System, Balance of Power, Concert of Europe, League of Nations, United Nations |
| BAH310 | Introduction to Psychology | General Elective | 3 | History of Psychology, Research Methods, Sensation and Perception, Learning, Motivation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH401 | International Organizations | Core | 4 | Role of IGOs, United Nations, Regional Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Global Governance |
| BAH402 | Conflict and Peace Studies | Core | 4 | Causes of Conflict, Types of Conflict, Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, Post-Conflict Reconstruction |
| BAH403 | Theory and Practice of Diplomacy | Core | 4 | Nature of Diplomacy, Diplomatic Immunity, Bilateral Diplomacy, Multilateral Diplomacy, Public Diplomacy |
| BAH404 | Contemporary Global Issues | Core | 4 | Terrorism, Climate Change, Migration, Poverty, Global Health |
| BAH410 | Introduction to Sociology | General Elective | 3 | Sociological Imagination, Culture, Socialization, Social Stratification, Deviance |
| BAH411 | Entrepreneurship Development | General Elective | 3 | Entrepreneurial Process, Business Plan, Marketing Strategies, Funding, Legal Aspects |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH501 | Public International Law | Core | 4 | International Legal System, State Responsibility, Treaty Law, Use of Force, Humanitarian Law |
| BAH502 | International Security | Core | 4 | Traditional Security, Non-Traditional Security, Nuclear Proliferation, Cyber Security, Human Security |
| BAH510 | Regional Studies: South Asia | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Geo-politics of South Asia, Regional Conflicts, SAARC, Bilateral Relations (India-Pakistan), Economic Integration |
| BAH511 | India and West Asia | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Geopolitics of West Asia, Energy Security, India''''s Interests, Regional Conflicts, Bilateral Engagements |
| BAH515 | Global Political Economy | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 3 | Global Trade Regimes, Financial Institutions, Development Models, Debt Crises, International Trade Policy |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH601 | Dissertation/Project Work | Core | 8 | Research Design, Literature Review, Data Analysis, Academic Writing, Presentation Skills |
| BAH610 | International Refugee Law | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Refugee Convention, Asylum, Non-Refoulement, Statelessness, UNHCR |
| BAH611 | International Environmental Politics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Environmental Governance, Climate Change Regime, Biodiversity, Sustainable Development Goals, Environmental Justice |
| BAH615 | Media and International Relations | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 3 | Role of Media, Propaganda, Diplomacy, Public Opinion, Social Media Impact |
