Regardless of the student application paths (international or local students), all first-year undergraduates are introduced to major theoretical ideas and various approaches about politics and international relations, examines how states and international institutions functions in practice, and attend a series of introductory compulsory courses (see the academic porgramme structure) where they will use qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate and to observe international historical and political events or questions. 

The programme’s objective are to equip the students with the knowledge of international relations, foreign policy, security studies, defence analysis and strategic studies, particularly by examining international interactions between state and non-state actors, as well as the emerging trends and long-term effects of both global and regional issues. 

The academic programme is by the semester system and commences in both September (Semester I) and February (Semester II).

Deadline for Malaysian applicants: April for Semester I intake

Deadline for International applicants: June for Semester I intake and November for Semester II intake

Many student ask “What type of job could I get with a degree in International and Strategic Studies?” The answer depends on your choice of specialisation, interests, experiences, skills. The discipline of International Relations, creating a literal world of opportunity. Your task, as a scholar, is to define your area of expertise and map out how You want to make a difference. Do you want to study the military and terrorism as they influence foreign policy, or observe factors that contribute to a credible peace process in war-torn society? Are you interested in the role international organisations play in agenda-setting and the creation of international norms? Do you think culture and society are the key drivers for current events? Do you want to work in public sector for the government or semi-governmental agency in the private sector for a multinational corporation, bank, or firm, or in the non-profit sector for a non-governmental organisation or research institute?  Whatever your personal philosophical endeavors, opportunities abound.

Since 1998, we have produced the first batch of graduates who specialised their degree programme (either at the undergraduate and postgraduate level) in International and Strategic Studies. The ability of our students to master various fundamental and soft skills with global outlooks, lateral thinking, and international concerns (see the Programme Learning Outcome) in resolving various tasks and issues has allowed them to secure a better job prospect within 6 months after graduation. The diversity and interdisciplinary nature of the discipline, namely the International and Strategic Studies has allowed students to secure a working attachment in various organisations and corporations. 

Some opted for a carrier path in diplomatic services and foreign affairs, attached as the civil servants in various governmental ministries (both at the federal and state governmental levels), defence and intelligent sectors, various local, regional and international branches or agencies under the United Nations system, banking and financial sectors, and private firms, especially in human resource division, marketing strategists and insurance companies.

Others opted for more challenging yet global working environments, including working with multinational corporations (MNCs), international and local non-governmental agencies, civil societies, and charity works, professional and freelance writers, volunteer services, further studies and teaching options in various local and international universities, and as well as in pursuing study or professional development enhancement upon completion of their study in UM. 

With the growing numbers of international students, the biggest ratio amongst all of departments in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in UM and Malaysia, many of our international students secured the job attachments and intern placements at either their respective embassies or diplomatic missions in Malaysia or major firms and banking sectors at their home countries. Our strength lies in ability to offer a degree programme with similar international recognise universities that specialised in International Relations with a strong encouragement to master more than one language or medium of instruction.

Additionally and apart from rigorous academic trainings, we focus on providing the extra-curricular activities among the Department’s multinational students, including public lecture from retired diplomats and foreign services, one-day study visit to various public, diplomatic and think-thank organizations and the diplomatic simulation games of the Model United Nations (MUN) Conference. You may find out more about this from our Department’s website.

Given the competitiveness of working market and intense competitions of labor forces from other local universities, the Department has taken a step further in having a compulsory and an additional course that provide industrial training exposure, aiming at providing students with the pre-professional degree experience before the actual graduation. The course is compulsory upon all of our final year students (undergraduates). You can find out more about the syllabus and assessment from our Department’s webpage.

During their industrial training placement, Students develop many widely transferable skills during their studies including excellent written and verbal communications skills, research skills and notably, an understanding of complex political and cultural issues. Particular skills gained include the ability to research using a variety of sources. Students can create, evaluate and assess a range of options, sifting material and weighing up arguments. Students are able to critically analyse information and can assess problems and arguments, reach conclusions and discuss them clearly.