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B.A. (Hons) Global Affairs

B.A. (Hons) Global Affairs

FOUR YEARS PROGRAMME

About The Programme

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.

If you want to pursue a career in international relations, you can enroll in a BA in international relations program, which is also known as Bachelors of International Relations. Some courses related to this course are- BA in global affairs, or BA in diplomacy and international relations.

Scope of the Course

The scope of the course BA in international relations in India is to provide students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the field of global politics, diplomacy, and cross-cultural dynamics. The Bachelor in International Relations course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to work in various sectors and domains related to international affairs.

Benefits of the Course

The BA in International Relation course also offers students the opportunity to pursue higher studies or specialization in international relations or related disciplines. Students can also enhance their knowledge and skills by taking a global affairs course or a certificate course in diplomacy and global affairs, which are short-term or online courses that focus on specific topics or areas of international relations.

There are many colleges offering BA International Relations in India. One of the reputed one is O.P. Jindal Global University.

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.

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.

The Jindal School of International Affairs offers a 4-year residential undergraduate program, B.A. (Hons.) in Global Affairs. The course curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in social sciences and focus on developing research and analytical skills to enable students to specialize in their areas of interest. The programme comprises of eight semesters, and students are required to complete three mandatory industry internships in any of the first five semesters. In the fourth year, students can choose from two pathways, including opting for electives from JSIA or other schools of JGU or undertaking a semester exchange programme with partner universities. Students who successfully complete the programme will receive a B.A. (Hons.) (G.A.) degree. The programme also provides students with an opportunity to choose from four foreign language training options, including Spanish, German, French, and Mandarin. Students can also opt for a minor programme offered by JSIA in collaboration with other schools of JGU, including Business and Finance, Entrepreneurship, Urban-Community Studies, International Affairs, Advanced International Affairs, and Political Science. Upon completion of the program, students can continue their education at JSIA by pursuing a Master’s in Diplomacy, Law, and Business (M.A. DLB) programme offered by JSIA and become eligible to apply for Master’s degrees at American universities

B.A. (Hons.) Global Affairs Programme Structure

Year 1
Course Type Semester 1 Semester 2
Details Credits Details Credits
I. Mandatory Courses
A. Core Five courses 20 Four courses 16
B. Skill-Based Two courses 7 Two courses 7
C. Practice-Based
II. Elective Courses* One optional course 4
A. General Electives One cross elective from other JGU Schools
B. Specialized Electives Or One JSIA Elective/Cross Elective
III. Internship Mandatory Industry Internship I 2 Mandatory Industry Internship II 2
29 25
* Elective courses are optional in semester two.
Year 2
Course Type Semester 1 Semester 2
Details Credits Details Credits
I. Mandatory Courses
A. Core Three courses 12 Two courses 8
B. Skill-Based One course 3 One course 3
C. Practice-Based One course 4
II. Elective Courses Two courses 8 Two courses 8
A. General Electives Cross elective from other JGU Schools Cross elective from other JGU Schools
B. Specialized Electives JSIA Elective/Cross Elective JSIA Elective/Cross Elective
III. Internship Mandatory Industry Internship III 2 Mandatory Industry Internship IV 2
25 25
Year 3*
Course Type Semester 1 Semester 2
Details Credits Details Credits
I. Mandatory Courses
A. Core Three courses 12 Three courses 12
B. Skill-Based One course 3
C. Practice-Based One course 4 One course 4
II. Elective Courses Two courses 8 Three courses 11
A. General Electives Cross elective from other JGU Schools Cross elective from other JGU Schools
B. Specialized Electives JSIA Elective/Cross Elective JSIA Elective/Cross Elective
27 27
*  Students can apply for Dual degree from semester 5 or Semester Exchange in Semester 5 or 6
Year 4
Course Type Semester 1 Semester 2
Details Credits Details Credits
II. Elective Courses Six Courses 24 Six Courses 24
A. General Electives Cross elective from other JGU Schools Cross elective from other JGU Schools
B. Specialized Electives JSIA Elective/Cross Elective/ IRS* (Min. three courses) JSIA Elective/Cross Elective/IRS* (Min. three courses)
24 24
*  Students can opt for an Independent Research Study of 4 credits in Year  4

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

Course Type Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Total credits
I. Mandatory Courses
A. Core 36 20 24 80
B. Skill-Based 14 6 3 23
C. Practice-Based 4 8 12
II. Elective Courses 16 19 48 83
III. Internship 4 4 8
Total 54 50 54 48 206

Details of Programme for Mandatory Courses

Year 1
I. Mandatory Courses
A. Core
1. Introduction to Political Science – (Semester 1) – 4 credits 2. International History I – (Semester 1) – 4 credits 3. Introduction to Microeconomics – (Semester 1) – 4 credits 4. Political Philosophy I – (Semester 1) – 4 credits 5. Introduction to Statistics – (Semester 1) – 4 credits 6. Sociology – (Semester 2) – 4 credits 7. International History II – (Semester 2) – 4 credits 8. Introduction to Macroeconomics – (Semester 2) – 4 credits 9. Political Philosophy II – (Semester 2) – 4 credits
B. Skill-Based
1. Academic Reading and Writing I (Semester 1) – 4 credits 2. Language – level 1 (Semester 1) – 3 credits 3. Academic Reading and Writing II (Semester 2) – 4 credits 4. Language – level 2 (Semester 2) – 3 credits
Year 2
I. Mandatory Courses
A. Core
1. Comparative Politics – (Semester 3) – 4 credits 2. IR Theory & Concepts – (Semester 3) – 4 credits 3. Foreign Policy Analysis – (Semester 3) – 4 credits 4. Indian Foreign Policy I – (Semester 4) – 4 credits 5. International Security – (Semester 4) – 4 credits
B. Skill-Based
1. Language – level 3 (Semester 3) – 3 credits 2. Language – level 4 (Semester 4) – 3 credits
C. Practice-Based
1. Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis – (Semester 4) – 4 credits
Year 3
I. Mandatory Courses
A. Core
1. Indian Foreign Policy II – (Semester 5) – 4 credits 2. Sociology of Development Studies – (Semester 5) – 4 credits 3. Introduction to International Organizations & UN System (Semester 5) – 4 credits 4. Politics of Developing Nations – (Semester 6) – 4 credits 5. Conflict Management & Peace Negotiations – (Semester 6) – 4 credits 6. Contemporary Political Economy – (Semester 6) – 4 credits
7. Skill-Based
1. Language – level 5 (Semester 5) – 3 credits
8. Practice-Based
1. Introduction to Diplomatic Practice – (Semester 5) – 4 credits 2. World News from Multiple Perspectives – (Semester 6) – 4 credits

Elective Courses

JSIA Elective Policy
  • BAGA students are offered elective courses from their second semester of study (as an optional course).
  • Elective courses are categorized into:
  1. General Electives: They are cross elective courses offered by other JGU These courses are interdisciplinary in nature.
  2. Specialized Electives: Offered by JSIA (as school elective or cross elective). They are grouped into five main clusters:
    1. Peace and Conflict Studies
    2. Economics and Foreign Policy
    3. Defence and National Security Studies
    4. Human Rights and International Development
    5. Global South Studies
  • Students can select three electives worth 12 credits from one cluster to specialize in a given
  • The three cluster elective courses can be taken in one semester or may be spread over two or more
B. Guidelines and Rules for Electives
  1. 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).
  2. External JSIA Credits exceeding 25% will imply the approval of the Dean of the School and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs for Undergraduate
  3. 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

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

Students with 7.0 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.
Course Type Semester 1 Semester 2
Details Credits Details Credits
I. Mandatory Courses
A. Skill-Based Research Writing and Design Colloquium 4
B. Research Based B.A. Thesis 16
II. Elective Courses Six Courses 24 One course 4
A. General Electives Cross elective from other JGU Schools Cross elective from other JGU Schools
B. Specialized Electives JSIA Elective/Cross Elective/ IRS* (Min. three courses) Or JSIA Elective/Cross Elective
28 20
  • Students can opt for an Independent Research Study of 4 credits in Year 4.

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
A. Core 36 20 24 80
B. Skill-Based 14 6 3 4 27
C. Practice-Based 4 8 12
D. Research Based 16 16
II. Elective Courses 16 19 28 63
III. Internship 4 4 8
Total 54 50 54 48 206

Details of Mandatory Courses in the Year 4 of the for BA [Hons.] with Research in Global Affairs

Year 4
I. Mandatory Courses
A. Skill-Based
1. Research Writing and Design Colloquium – (Semester 7) – 4 credits
B. Research Based
2. B.A. Thesis – (Semester 8) – 16 credits

 

The B.A. (Hons.) Global Affairs programme at JSIA offers students the opportunity to choose from a range of elective courses starting from the second semester of study. These electives are interdisciplinary and cover elements of law as well as other social sciences and humanities disciplines. JSIA offers a list of elective courses every semester, and students can select from five clusters including Peace and Conflict Studies, Economics and Foreign Policy, Defence and National Security Studies, Human Rights and International Development, and Global South Studies.

Students can specialize in a given concentration by selecting three electives worth 12 credits from one track and get awarded a certificate of specialization after graduation. They can take the three elective courses in one semester or spread them over two or more semesters.

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.

 

Graduates of the B.A. (Hons.) Global Affairs programme have the opportunity to progress directly to JSIA’s Masters in Diplomacy, Law and Business (M.A. DLB) programme if they have achieved high academic performance. Additionally, students can also choose to pursue a second M.A. degree from either Queen Mary University of London, University of Leeds, or University of Warsaw.

This pathway allows students to deepen their knowledge and expertise in the field of international affairs and prepare themselves for a wide range of career opportunities in the global arena.

JSIA Minor in Political Science

To earn a minor in “Political Science”, students must successfully complete 20 credits by taking any five courses out of six from the following list of core papers as electives.

          List of Courses

Core courses (Any 5 courses)

Semester

Credits

Topics in Indian politics-I

III

4

Indian history, politics and government

I

4

Gender, identity and politics

IV

4

Electoral politics and analysis

IV

4

Political leadership

IV

4

Politics and history

II

4

Total credits

 

20

Selection Criteria

  1. Students must be full-time enrolled in the four-year BADFP or BAGA programs of JSIA. The students can start the minor program from semester three (III) onwards.
  2. Students must have consistently achieved a high standard of academic standing of 6.5 GPA.
  3. There should not be any “F” in core paper from the previous two semesters.

JSIA – JSBF Minors Programmes

Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) and Jindal School of Business and Finance (JSBF), have launched a minor programme of 24 credits for JSIA students.

JSBF is offering two minor programmes to JSIA students: (1) Business and Finance and (2) Entrepreneurship.

I. Business and Finance Minor programme
The minor programme in the Banking and Finance trackway for JSIA students is composed of core courses of 16 credits and electives of 8 credits with a total of 24 credits as follows:


Course names

 

Core courses (Students will select core courses of 16 credits total)

Semester

Credits

Financial Accounting

Fall

4

Foundations of Finance

Fall

4

Effective Business Communication

Fall

2

Principles of Management

Fall

4

Macroeconomics

Fall

4

Tech Law

Fall

4

Business Statistics and Decision Science

Spring

4

Corporate Governance

Spring

4

Marketing for Financial Services

Spring

4

Global Financial Markets

Spring

4

Corporate Finance

Spring

6

Business Law

Spring

4

Total core courses credits

 

16

Electives (Two Electives of 4 credits)

 

8

Total credits

 

24

II. Entrepreneurship Minor programme
The minor programme in the Entrepreneurship trackway for JSIA students is composed of core courses of 16 credits and electives of 8 credits with a total of 24 credits as follows:


Course names

 

 

Core courses (Students will select core courses of 16credits total)

Semester

Credits

Principles of Management

Fall

4

Accounting Essentials for New Ventures

Fall

4

Entrepreneurial Marketing

Fall

4

Entrepreneurial Economics

Fall

4

Macroeconomics

Fall

4

Foundations of Entrepreneurship, and Start up Eco system

Fall

6

Financial Statements for Entrepreneurs

Spring

4

Economics II

Spring

4

Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment

Spring

4

Total core courses credits

 

16

Electives (Two Electives of 4 credits)

 

8

Total credits

 

24

Students Selection Criteria

  1. Students must be full-time enrolled in the four-year UG programs of JSIA. The students can start the minor program from semester three (III) onwards.
  2. Must have consistently achieved a high standard of academic standing of 6.0 GPA
  3. The applicant must not have any judgment against them in either the DC/UMC/SHC

Guidelines and Regulation

  • Before opting for any course, students must read the course manual and consult the course instructor.
  • In case of any doubt, students can approach JSBF Academic Affairs for advice.
  • Please note that some of the courses listed in the minor programme may be added or deleted, and the students shall be informed about it before the start of the semester.

JSIA-JSAA Minor in Urban and Community Studies

Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) and Jindal School of Art and Architecture (JSAA) have launched minor programme of 24 credits for JSIA students.

The minor programme in the “Urban-Community Studies” trackway is composed of five- core courses with a total of 25 credits as follows:

Course names

 

Core courses (Students will select core courses of 25
credits total)

Semester

Credits

The Politics and Histories of Planning

Fall

5

Geospatial Technologies for Urban and Regional Area Analysis

Fall/Spring

5

The City: A multiple perspective (Intro to urban studies)

Spring

5

Development & Sustainability (Introduction to Community Planning & Development)

Spring

5

Land: Perceptions; prejudices and politics

Spring

5

Total credits

 

25

 

 

Selection Criteria

  1. Students must be full-time enrolled in the four-year UG programs of JSIA. The students can start the minor program from semester three (III) onwards.
  2. Students must have consistently achieved a high standard of academic standing of 6.0 GPA.
  3. The applicant must not have any judgment against them in either the DC/UMC/SHC.

Guidelines and Regulation

  • Before opting for any course, students must read the course manual and consult the course instructor.
  • In case of any doubt, students can approach JSAA Academic Affairs for advice.
  • Please note that some of the courses listed in the minor programme may be added or deleted, and the students shall be informed about it before the start of the semester.

FAQ's

1. What distinguishes the B.A. (Hons.) Global Affairs program at JSIA from traditional bachelor's in international relations in India?

The B.A. (Hons.) Global Affairs program at JSIA is a unique and interdisciplinary program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of global affairs. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in international diplomacy, business, development, and law. Here are some of the key features that distinguish the JSIA program from other international relations programs in India:

Interdisciplinary approach: The JSIA program draws on a variety of disciplines, including political science, economics, law, and history. This gives students a broad understanding of the complex issues facing the world today.
Focus on research and analysis: The JSIA program emphasizes the development of research and analytical skills. This is essential for students who want to pursue careers in international affairs.
International internships: All JSIA students are required to complete three mandatory internships. This gives students valuable hands-on experience in the field of international affairs.
Opportunity to specialize: JSIA students can choose to specialize in one of five areas: Peace and Conflict Studies, Economics and Foreign Policy, Defence and National Security Studies, Human Rights and International Development, and Global South Studies.

2. What are the subjects included in the B.A. (Hons.) Global Affairs course at Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA)?

The B.A. (Hons.) Global Affairs program at JSIA includes a variety of courses that cover a wide range of topics in international affairs. Some of the core subjects include:

Political science: Introduction to Political Science, Comparative Politics, International Relations Theory, Foreign Policy Analysis
Economics: Introduction to Microeconomics, Introduction to Macroeconomics, International Political Economy
Law: International Law, Human Rights Law, Law and Diplomacy
History: International History, Indian Foreign Policy, History of Diplomacy
Others: Sociology, Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, Research Writing and Design Colloquium

3. What core subjects are covered in the bachelor in International Relations at JSIA?

The core subjects in the B.A. (Hons.) Global Affairs program at JSIA are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the field of international affairs. These subjects include:

Introduction to Political Science: This course introduces students to the key concepts and theories of political science.
International Relations Theory: This course explores the different theories of international relations, such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism.
Foreign Policy Analysis: This course examines the factors that shape a country’s foreign policy.
International Law: This course introduces students to the basic principles of international law.
Human Rights Law: This course examines the international legal framework for human rights.
Law and Diplomacy: This course explores the intersection of law and diplomacy.
International History: This course surveys the major events of international history from the 18th century to the present.
Indian Foreign Policy: This course examines the history and evolution of India’s foreign policy.
History of Diplomacy: This course explores the origins and development of diplomacy.

4. What are the elective subjects offered in the B.A. in International Relations at JSIA?

The B.A. (Hons.) Global Affairs program at JSIA offers a wide range of elective courses that allow students to specialize in a particular area of interest. These electives include:

Peace and Conflict Studies: Peace Building, Conflict Resolution, Humanitarian Assistance
Economics and Foreign Policy: International Trade, Foreign Investment, Development Economics
Defence and National Security Studies: National Security Strategy, Terrorism and Counterterrorism, Arms Control and Disarmament
Human Rights and International Development: Human Rights Advocacy, International Development, Gender and Development
Global South Studies: Comparative Politics of the Global South, International Relations of the Global South, Political Economy of the Global South

5. What is the scope of B.A. degree in International Relations?

Graduates with a B.A. in International Relations from JSIA have a wide range of career opportunities in the public and private sectors. Some of the potential career paths include:
Diplomacy: Foreign Service Officer, United Nations Diplomat, International Organization Diplomat
Business: International Business Consultant, International Trade Specialist, Foreign Investment Advisor
Development: Development Officer, Humanitarian Aid Worker, Policy Analyst
Law: International Law Attorney, Human Rights Lawyer, Corporate Lawyer
Research and Academia: International Relations Researcher, Political Analyst, Professor of International Relations