Rationale

The links and interactions between key players in an increasingly globalised world – state actors and international institutions, but also non-state actors such as multinational companies, NGOs, or transnational terrorist groups and other criminal structures – have become extremely complex and are felt at the international, regional and local levels. Some of these actors pursue common goals by forming international and regional alliances; others choose non-cooperation or to wage war. Contested issues in global affairs include: international and regional integration and nationalist counter-reactions; disparities between the global north and the global south in the context of global trade; gross violations of human rights by state actors, state sovereignty and the international community’s responsibility to protect; different approaches to dealing with global refugee flows; or disagreement on the ways of addressing climate change and other global environmental threats – to mention but a few.

The study of international relations with a strong focus on international peace and security provides indispensable knowledge needed for finding solutions to global challenges for present and future generations – as stipulated by the UN General Assembly’s Sustainable Development Goals of 2015, “a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity” (UNDP 2019).

Programme Decsription

International Relations and Security Studies are closely intertwined interdisciplinary fields of study drawing upon Political Science, Economics, History, Sociology, Law, Psychology and other disciplines. The focus of International Relations is on the interaction of states and non-state actors in the international system. Topics include: foreign policy; international conflict, war, terrorism and international peace and security; international trade and finance; global poverty, hunger and development; global environmental degradation; human rights and global ethics among others. Security Studies focus on territorial and state security as much as on the security of people or human security, considered as economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community and political security.

Objectives of the Programme

The programme objectives are to enable students to:

1. To explore, understand and explain the complexity of international affairs and security concerns in a globalized world by focusing on the following:
2. To impart the ability to undertake scientific work in a systematic, skeptical and ethical way, and to develop analytical and academic writing skills.
3. To engage in critical thinking and creativity, and to develop problem-solving skills in the face of global challenges.

Expected Learning Outcomes

After completion of this programme, the graduate who is able to;

1. Understand and analyse the dynamics of an increasingly globalised world and the drivers of change in the relations between states, intergovernmental organisations and non-state international, transnational and global players concerning political, economic, social and cultural affairs.
2. Demonstrate substantive knowledge and analytic skills needed to critically assess the relevance and merits of specific approaches for understanding international relations, peace and security; and to find practice-oriented solutions to address international peace and security challenges.
3. Think and act in the spirit of tolerance, interdependence, multiculturalism, and empathy.

Admission Requirements and Eligibility

For admission to a course leading to the award of the Bachelor of International Relations and Security Studies, a candidate must satisfy the general minimum entrance requirements of Gulu University. In addition, the following regulations shall hold:

1. Direct entry: Direct entry to the Bachelor of International Relations and Security Studies is for those students direct from A-level. The candidate must have obtained the following:
   a. Sat the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) or its equivalent examination with passes in five approved subjects, one of which must be English language.
   b. Must have obtained at least two Principal Passes, in any subject for their Uganda Advanced Level Certificate of Education (U.A.C.E.) obtained at the same sitting.
2. Diploma Holders Entry Scheme: Admission under the diploma scheme may be granted if a candidate possesses a National Diploma or its equivalent of at least a Second Class standing or its equivalent in a relevant field obtained from a recognized institution.
3. Mature Age Entry Scheme: For admission to the course under this scheme, a candidate must fulfill the University requirements for mature age entry.

Programme Matrix: Summary of the Courses offered, Year and Semester