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B.A. (Hons.) Global Affairs

About the Program The 4-year B.A. (Hons.) in Global Affairs offered by JSIA is India's first interdisciplinary undergraduate programme, designed to equip students with a well-rounded education in world affairs, preparing them for international careers. Through study abroad programmes associated with top-ranked educational institutions worldwide, students gain a deeper understanding of different regions. They learn to apply research methods, analyse global events, and develop critical thinking abilities, practical, linguistic, and research skills, making them well-prepared for a diverse range of career paths after graduation. The programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of political theories and international affairs, providing a solid foundation for future studies or careers in various fields of global policy.

What is International Relations?

  • International relations is the study of how countries and other actors interact in the global arena, covering topics such as politics, economics, security, and culture. International relations is a fascinating and relevant field that can help you understand the world and your role in it.

What Makes It Different at JGU?

  • The Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) offers a unique interdisciplinary programme, the B.A. Hons. Global Affairs undergraduate degree, aimed at providing students with a contemporary education and enhancing their analytical capacities to solve complex world problems. The course aims to establish India as a principal player in the international community by providing students with the intellectual groundwork to shape a unique vision for global governance and stability.
     
  • Given the growing intersectionality of international phenomena, multi-disciplined and methodologically complete studies are becoming increasingly necessary. A school that combines the essential elements of International Relations, International Law and International Business is thus crucial in our current international landscape, owing to the complexity and intractability of certain international problems.
     
  • The B.A. Hons. Global Affairs programme at JSIA offers students six compelling reasons to enrol: a holistic understanding of political theory and international affairs; the opportunity to develop a specialized field of knowledge by choosing from various available tracks; an in-depth understanding of a region through study abroad programmes with top-ranking institutions across the globe; the application of systematic methodological research and analysis; the development of independent thinking, working, studying, and research skills; and the acquisition of a range of intellectual, practical, and linguistic skills, enabling graduates to consider a wide range of post-graduation employment options.
Programme Structure

The Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) offers a four-year residential undergraduate program, the B.A. (Hons.) in Global Affairs. This program is designed to build a strong foundation in the social sciences while fostering research and analytical skills, enabling students to specialize in their chosen areas of interest. Conceptualized as India’s first-ever interdisciplinary undergraduate degree, it shall train students for international careers through basic learning in world affairs. It will help students acquire a holistic understanding of political theories and international affairs, and develop in-depth knowledge of a region by offering various study abroad programmes associated with top-ranking educational institutions across the globe. This course will teach students how to systematically apply methodological research, analysis, and historically contextualize contemporary global events. It will aid in developing critical thinking abilities, practical and linguistic skills, and research aptitude which will enable programme graduates to consider a wide range of post-graduation employment options.

Structured across eight semesters, the curriculum incorporates both academic rigor and practical learning. Students are required to complete four mandatory industry internships during the first four semesters, offering valuable hands-on experience and insights into the professional world of international affairs. Additionally, the program provides students with the option to enhance their global competencies by learning one of four foreign languages: Spanish, German, French, or Mandarin. Undergraduate programs in JSIA are structured around courses that students take to complete the requirements of their major degree with an interdisciplinary Minor Concentration.

Duration - 4 Years

Programme Structure

Year 1
  Semester I Semester II
Course Type Course Name Credit Course Name Credit
Core Introduction to Political Science 4 Principles of Macroeconomics 4
Making of the Modern World: Revolutions, Empires and War 4 Political Theory: Concepts and Practice 4
Principles of Microeconomics 4 Contemporary World History 4
History of Political Thought 4 Foundations of Political Psychology 4
Political Behavior: An Evolutionary and Historical Perspective 4 Sociology 4
Practice-Based  
Skill-Based Critical Reading and Academic Writing 3  
Language – level 1
(Mandarin/French/Spanish/German)
3 Language – level 2
(Mandarin/French/Spanish/German)
3
Electives One JSIA Elective (Optional)* 4
Internships Mandatory Internship I 2 Mandatory Internship II 2
  Total Credits 28 Total Credits 25+ 4 (optional)
Year 2
  Semester III Semester IV
Course Type Course Name Credit Course Name Credit
Core Introduction to IR Theory 4 Indian Foreign Policy 4
Comparative Politics 4 International Security 4
Foreign Policy Analysis 4 Advanced IR Theory 4
International Organizations 4
Practice-Based Introduction to Statistical Methods 4 Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methods 4
Skill- Based Language – level 3
(Mandarin/French/Spanish/German)
3 Language – level 4
(Mandarin/French/Spanish/German)
3
Electives One JSIA Elective 4 One JSIA Elective 4
Internships Mandatory Internship III 2 Mandatory Internship IV 2
  Total Credits 25 Total Credits 29
Year 3
  Semester V Semester VI
Course Type Course Name Credit Course Name Credit
Core Sociology of Development Studies 4 Conflict Management & Peace Negotiations 4
Understanding Geoeconomics & Geopolitics 4
Institutions and Economic Development 4
Practice-Based Introduction to Diplomatic Practice 4 World News from Multiple Perspectives 4
Skill- Based Language – level 5
(Mandarin/French/Spanish/German)
3 Political Risk Analysis 4
Electives Two Electives (School/Other School’s Elective) 8 Three Electives (School/Other School’s Elective) 12
  Total Credits 23 Total Credits 28

Students may opt for a Dual Degree starting from Semester 5 or choose a Semester Exchange in Semesters 5, 6, or 7.

Year 4
  Semester VII Semester VIII
Course Type Course Name Credit Course Name Credit
Electives Six Electives (School/Other School’s Elective) 24 Six Electives (School/Other School’s Elective) 24
  Total Credits 24 Total Credits 24

Research Pathway in the Final Year

B.A. (Hons.) with Research in Global Affairs

Students with 7.00 CGPA have the option of taking the research pathway in the fourth year and get awarded B.A. (Hons.) with Research in Global Affairs degree.

Year 4
  Semester VII Semester VIII
Course Type Course Name Credit Course Name Credit
Skill Based Research Writing and Design Colloquium 4  
Research Based B.A. Dissertation 12
Electives Six Electives 24 Two Electives 8
  Total Credits 28 Total Credits 20

Credit Summary for BA [Hons.] Global Affairs [4 Years]

Course Type Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Total credits
I. Mandatory Courses          
Core 40 28 16 84
Skill-Based 9 6 8 23
Practice-Based 8 7 15
II. Elective Courses 8 20 48 76
III. Internship 4 4 8
Total 53 54 51 48 206

Credit Summary for BA [Hons.] with Research in Global Affairs [4 Years]

Course Type Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Total credits
I. Mandatory Courses          
Core 40 28 16 84
Skill-Based 9 6 8 4 27
Practice-Based 8 7 15
Research Based 12 12
II. Elective Courses 8 20 32 60
III. Internship 4 4 8
Total 53 54 51 48 206
JSIA’S Outstanding Undergraduate Dissertation Award

The Outstanding Undergraduate Dissertation Award will be granted to a young scholar who will demonstrate exceptional academic prowess by producing a dissertation that makes a highly original and impactful contribution to the field of Global Affairs. To be considered for this award, the dissertation must not only present a novel and relevant topic within Global Affairs but also reflect significant innovation in addressing contemporary global issues, emerging trends, or theoretical developments.

Elective Courses Policy
  • BAGA students are offered elective courses from their second semester of study (as an optional course).
  • Elective courses are categorized into:
    • General Electives: They are cross elective courses offered by other JGU Schools. These courses are interdisciplinary in nature.
    • Specialized Electives: Offered by JSIA (as school elective or cross elective). They are grouped into five main clusters:
      • Peace and Conflict Studies
      • Economics and Foreign Policy
      • Defense and National Security Studies
      • Human Rights and International Development
      • Global South Studies
Guidelines and Rules for Electives
  • Students can take a maximum of 51 credits outside JSIA in case they choose to opt for other school’s cross elective which is 25% of the minimum credit requirement for graduation (206 credits).
  • External JSIA Credits exceeding 25% will imply the approval of the Dean of the School and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs for Undergraduate programmes.
  • The removal of an elective with an (F) grade is possible only after the final semester if the student is fulfilling the mandatory credit requirement of 206 credits.
JSIA Specialization Policy

JSIA is offering elective courses that are categorized into five clusters:

  1. Peace and Conflict Studies
  2. Economics and Foreign Policy
  3. Defense and National Security Studies
  4. Human Rights and International Development
  5. Global South Studies

The student has to pass three electives from the same cluster and undertake a 3-month internship with one of JSIA research centres associated with a particular cluster to be awarded the specialization certificate before graduation. The three cluster elective courses can be taken in one semester or may be spread over two or more semesters.

Major with Minor

Apart from their major degree, undergraduate students at JSIA can choose from thirteen diverse minor combinations, offering them opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary academic programs that complement their primary field of study. To pursue a minor, students need to complete 24 credits. These minors span cognate areas within the humanities, social sciences, international affairs, and public policy, enabling students to tailor their academic experience to match their career aspirations and intellectual interests. This structure empowers students to cultivate a versatile academic profile, making them well-rounded candidates for graduate studies and careers in various sectors, including public service, international relations, research, and private industry.

Economics Environment and Sustainability Architecture Studies Urban Studies Sociology
Media and Communication Public Policy Psychology Interior Studies Public Health and Development
Visual Arts Banking and Finance English    
Eligibility & Selection Process

To be eligible for the B.A. (Hons.) Global Affairs programme at the Jindal School of International Affairs, candidates must have successfully completed their Class XII examination or an equivalent exam recognized by the government (such as CBSE, State Boards, IB, Cambridge, etc.).

JSIA has a unique and comprehensive admissions process that evaluates each application in its individual context. The selection process for the B.A. Hons. Global Affairs programme spans three rounds and includes a personal statement, a supplemental question, marks from Class 10 and 12, a faculty interview, and a JSAT/SAT/ACT score that meets the program’s requirements.

Apply now- https://admissions.jgu.edu.in/

Fee

Tuition Fees*: 3,75,000 (INR per annum)

Particulars Amount in (Rs.)
Accommodation Charges* 2,16,000 per annum
Other Allied Services Charges* (Other Services including but not limited to food, Laundry, Security Services, Housekeeping charges, electricity etc.)* 1,19,000 per annum
Refundable Security Deposit** (One time payment) 50,000

*The Tuition fee, accommodation charges and other allied service charges are subject to an annual increase of ten percent (10%).

**The security deposit will be fully refunded, subject to the completion of studies and/or receipt of a ‘No Dues Certificate’. The security deposit shall not carry any interest.

Career Opportunities

The B.A. Global Affairs programme provides students with a strong foundation in social sciences, along with analytical and research skills, and prepares them for careers in various fields. The program’s mandatory internship requirement guides students towards career opportunities in Peace and Conflict Resolution, International Economic Development, Humanitarian Relief, Human Rights Advocacy, Political and Economic Risk Analysis, and more. Graduates of JSIA have a wide range of career opportunities in News Media, Consulting/Corporate, Think Tank/Research, Embassy/Government, United Nations/International Organizations, INGO & NGO/Social Venture, Education & Training, etc.

JSIA’s Career Director assists students in finding suitable internships in various organizations, such as financial institutions, diplomatic missions, intergovernmental, regional, and non-governmental organizations.

Electives

JSIA Electives/Cross-Electives per Specialization Clusters

Courses

Cluster

Comprehending Security Dynamics in the Indo-Pacific

Defence and National Security Studies

Advance Course in National Security, Defence & Military Strategy.
Maritime Policies
Non-Contact Warfare and Future Conflicts
Cases of Political Manipulation from the Global Arena
Theory and praxis of diplomacy: Evolution of diplomacy Economics and Foreign Policy
World Orders, Regions and International System
Diplomatic and Consular Law
Taiwan: History, Society, and Politics
Development Economics and Policy
Critical Political Economy
Diaspora and Diplomacy
Mediterrian Politics
Europe in the Indo-Pacific
India’s Act East Policy
Examining India’s Yies with its Neighbours
Chinese Foreign Policy
People’s Republic of China Before and After World War II
Increasing Importance of Middle Powers in the Current World Order
The Art of Negotiations through Simulated Exercises
Caste and Democracy in Indian Politics
Politics and Foreign Policy in Contemporary Iran
Energy Economics
Politicising the Senses: Reimagining India Global South Studies
Islam in Postcolnial Societies: State, Identity & Gender
Law, Politics and Policy
Gender and Non-Traditional International Relations
Politics and Foreign Policy in Latin America
Culture, Belonging, and the Making of Modern India
Empire of Commodities
Political Economy of Development in Africa
Modern West Asian Political Thought
Culture as Politics
Afghanistan’s New Great Game: Old Game, New Players?
Global Economic Divide – Pre & Post-Covid Perspectives
Challenges faced by the Global South
International Protection of Human Rights Human Rights and International Development
Inclusive Green Economy
International Education, Soft Power and Public Diplomacy
Contesting EU Borders: Solidarity, Activism, and Citizenship
Conflict and Global Humanitarian Crisis
Human Security, Social Justice and Development
Global Migration: the (Un)belonging Citizen?
Production of the North East frontier: Mapping Conflict and Peace in the Region Peace and Conflict Studies
India’s Role in UN Peace Keeping
Populism, Nationalism and Cosmopolitanism in the 21st Century
Ethnic and National Conflicts
Terrorism and Counter Terrorism
Interpreting Social Movements as Political Conflicts: Perspectives from India
Approaches to Peace
Politics of Civil Wars, Counterinsurgencies, and Post-Conflict State Building
Scholarships
  1. O.P. Jindal Global University awards Merit cum Means Scholarships (MCM) every year.
     
  2. The MCM Scholarship covers the tuition fee only.
     
  3. Scholarship applications will be opened by the University by April and will be awarded to eligible students in July.
     
  4. The eligibility criteria includes annual family income, Graduation score, entrance examination results and faculty interview score. Weightage will also be given to curricular and non-curricular achievements.
     
  5. JGU has established tie-ups with AVANSE (ICICI), Dena Bank, Axis Bank and Credila(HDFC) to facilitate educational loans for students who are admitted to the B.A.(Hons.) Global Affairs Programme.
Study Abroad

Short Term Study Abroad Progammes:

Students can opt for summer schoola at the University of Oxford, the UK, the Fletcher School at the University of Tufts, the USA, and UN-Geneva Winter School. This opportunity is available to both M.A. and B.A. students.

Semester Exchange:

The student spends a semester at a partner university while paying tuition only at JSIA. JSIA has semester exchange collaborations with some of the top schools in international affairs. These include University of Warsaw, Sciences Po, Comillas Pontifical University, and Sabanci University, among others. This opportunity is available to both M.A. and B.A. students.

Pathway Program:

JSIA and King;s College Pathway Programme is a demanding, selective option that allows qualified students of BAPS and BAGA Programs an opportunity to earn a M.Sc. Degree in Global Affairs from King’s College London upon completion of their Undergraduate Degree.

Dual Degree:

Graduate student completes one year of the M.A.(DLB) program at JSIA and the second year at a partner University. Undergraduate students opting for a dual degree spend their first two years at JSIA and transfer to our partner university for the last two years. At the end of their time, they earn a degree from both institutions.

Minor Programme

1. Minor in Economics

The Minor in Economics offered by Jindal School of Government & Public Policy (JSGP) offers students the opportunity to learn the theoretical and empirical foundation necessary to appreciate and analyze issues in economics.

S. No. Course Name Semester Credits
1. The Evolution of Economic Thought Fall 4
2. Quantitative Foundations Spring 4
3. Microeconomics Fall 4
4. Macroeconomics Spring 4
5. Electives Fall/Spring 8
Total Credits 24
*Students will have to ensure that they have the required prerequisites before opting for electives

Note: JSIA Students who have done Introduction to Microeconomics and Introduction to Macroeconomics in their respective programmes can do two courses from the following courses:

  1. Intermediate Microeconomics
  2. Intermediate Macroeconomics
  3. Introduction to Game Theory
  4. Econometrics 1

2. Minor in Public Policy

The Minor in Public Policy offered by Jindal School of Government & Public Policy (JSGP) follows an interdisciplinary approach to develop capacities to analyze contemporary political, economic, and social issues to evaluate and design public policy.

S. No. Course Name Semester Credits
1. Introduction to Public Policy Fall 4
2. Economics in Public Policy Spring 4
3. Law, Governance and Public Policy Fall 4
4. Program Design and Evaluation Spring 4
5. Electives Fall/Spring 8
Total Credits 24
*Students will have to ensure that they have the required prerequisites before opting for electives

3. Minor in Architecture Studies

The minor in Architecture Studies is offered by the Jindal School of Arts and Architecture (JSAA). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor.

Sl. No. Course Name Semester Credits
Minimum 15 credits from the following basket
1 Universal Design Guidelines Fall 5
2 Gender and Design Fall 5
3 Object & Material Cultures Spring 5
4 Past is Prologue: Encountering Heritage and Conservation Fall 5
5 Re-pair, Re-use, and Reduce Building(s) Fall 5
6 Colors and Textures Spring 5
7 Arch. Obsessions Spring 5
Rest 9 credits from JSAA electives with ARCH course code

4. Minor in Interior Studies

The minor in Interior Studies is offered by the Jindal School of Arts and Architecture (JSAA). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor.

Sl. No. Course Name Semester Credits
Minimum 15 credits from the following basket
1 Object and Equipment Spring 5
2 Colour and Texture Spring 5
3 Different Practices Fall 5
4 Interiors and Interiority Spring 5
5 Objects & Material Cultures Spring 5
6 The Sex of Design Fall 5
7 Sourcing & Networks Fall 5
8 Reduce, Reuse & Recycle Fall 5
9 Fabrics & Furnishings Spring 5
Rest 9 credits from JSAA electives with INTD course code

5. Minor in Urban Studies

The minor in Urban Studies is offered by the Jindal School of Arts and Architecture (JSAA). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor.

Sl. No. Course Name Semester Credits
Minimum 15 credits from the following basket
1 Geospatial Technologies for Urban and Regional Area Analysis Spring 5
2 The City: A multiple perspective (Intro to urban studies) Spring 5
3 Housing Planning Policy Fall 5
4 Environment and Ecology Spring 5
5 Built Environment & its Histories Spring 5
Rest 9 credits from JSAA electives with URBD/COMD  course code

6. Minor in Psychology

The minor in Psychology is offered by the Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling (JSPC). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor

Sl. No. Course Name Semester Credits
1 Introduction to Psychology Fall 4
2 Social Psychology Spring 4
3 Development Across the Lifespan Fall 4
4 Three Electives Fall/ Spring 12
Total Credits 24

7. Minor in Environment and Sustainability

The minor in Environment and Sustainability is offered by the Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability (JSES). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor. Selected courses of JSES will be opened up for students enrolled in ‘Minor’ before the commencement of each semester, and students have to select any course/courses from that course bracket.
Some Sample Courses:

  1. Water: Science and Policy
  2. Environmental Pollution and Community Health
  3. Sustainable Consumption and Production
  4. Waste Management: Sustainable Practices
  5. Natural Hazards and Disaster Resilience

8. Minor in Public Health and Development

The minor in Public Health and Development is offered by the Jindal School of Public Health and Human Development (JSPH). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor.
Requirements for the Minor in Public Health and Human Development

 Course Name Credits Semesters offered
Foundations in Public Health and Human Development I 4 Spring/Fall
Foundations in Public Health and Human Development II 4 Spring/Fall
Any 3 JSPH cross-electives 12 Spring/Fall
Community Service Learning* 4 Spring/Fall

*Limited intake and requirement of field-visits

9. Minor in Banking & Finance

The minor in Banking & Finance is offered by the Jindal School of Banking & Finance (JSBF). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor.

List of Courses
Core Courses Credits
Financial Accounting 4
Corporate Finance 4
Financial Markets & Institution 4
Elective Courses  
Three JSBF designated electives of 4 credits each 12
Total Credits 24

10. Minor in Media and Communication

The student must complete 24 credits by studying any 6 of the following core courses that will be offered in the Fall and Spring semesters of an academic year:

Sl. No. Course Name Credits
1 Appreciating the Moving Image 4
2 Introduction to Performance 4
3 Direction and Screenplay I 4
4 PR Theory and Concepts 4
5 Audience Analysis and Market Research 4
6 AI and the Metaverse: New Media Journalism 4
7 Audio Journalism 4
Total Credits 24

11. Minor in Sociology

Minor in Sociology is offered by Jindal School of Liberals Arts and Humanities (JSLH). Any two courses from the following: 1. Key Texts in Sociology, Culture and Anthropology 2. Thinking about the Field 3. Emerging Questions in Sociology and Anthropology. In addition, a student may take any 4 courses from JSLH listed under Sociology cluster.

12. Minor in Visual Arts

Minor in Visual Arts is offered by Jindal School of Liberals Arts and Humanities (JSLH). Students must complete one course from each of the required clusters: 1. Study: 2D Study 1 OR 2D Study 2 2. Skill: Photography and Digital Art OR Advance Sculpture 3. Concept: South Asian Art History and Theory 1 OR Western Art History and Theory 1 OR Expressive Arts: Visual Art 4. Creativity: Installation Art OR Still Image In addition, students must take any two courses listed under the BFA programme (except 4th year courses).

13Minor in English

Minor in English is offered by Jindal School of Languages & Literature (JSLL)Only JSLL courses apply towards this Minor and students must complete a total of 24 credits, including: 1. 12 credits from core BA Hons. English courses offered by JSLL (2 core courses x 6 credits each). 2. 12 credits from elective courses within JSLL, which are typically 4-credit courses.