Majors

International Relations and Global Affairs

Major	International Relations and Global Affairs 國際關係及全球事務
Degree / Award Title	Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Relations and Global Affairs 社會科學學士(國際關係及全球事務)
Offering Academic Unit	Department of Public and International Affairs
Mode of Study	Full-time

Aims of Major

The Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Relations and Global Affairs (BSSIRGA) explores Asia’s place in the contemporary world. It aims to develop students’ knowledge of social, political, economic, environmental, and cultural processes of change occurring in the countries of Asia and to situate them in the broader international context, reflecting the increasing significance of Asia in world affairs.

Through training and practice in social research the major seeks to equip students with analytic skills of value to organizations in diverse economic sectors in Hong Kong, the region, and beyond. BSSIRGA will prepare its graduates for professional careers in business, non-profit, and governmental organizations, education and research organizations, and other organizations whose operations require social research skills and an informed international outlook.

Through its interdisciplinary curriculum the major prepares students for careers in diverse fields by enhancing students’ skills in critical reasoning and extending and deepening their international, regional, and global perspectives. It equips them to think independently, and to innovate in approaching problems and devising solutions in intellectual and professional contexts.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Major (MILOs)

Upon successful completion of this Major, students should be able to:

Explain similarities, differences, and interrelations across a range of critical issues affecting social life and change in contemporary Asia and beyond.
Compare and contrast patterns of change in Asia with those in selected regions in the rest of the world.
Apply methods and theories from across the social sciences to a range of issues relating to Asia and the wider international sphere.
Analyze regional and international issues through the application of a substantive body of knowledge concerning social, political, economic, environmental, and cultural conditions in Asia and beyond.
Appraise problems organizations face in the conduct of regional and international projects and offer ways of resolving them.
Develop and independently conduct data gathering activities and analysis for decision-making in diverse organizational and professional settings.
Communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
Identify and reflect on the social and ethical dimensions of a range of critical issues and the responsibilities they entail for citizens and professionals in Hong Kong.
Work effectively in teams.
Display and continue to develop a positive and flexible approach to learning and/or employment.

Degree Requirements

Requirements	Normative 4-year Degree	Advanced Standing I¹	Advanced Standing II²
Gateway Education requirement	30 credit units	21 credit units	NA
College requirement*	6 credit units	6 credit units	NA
Major requirement	63 credit units (Core: 51 Elective: 12)	60 credit units (Core: 48 Elective: 12)	NA
Free electives / Minor (if applicable)	21 credit units	3 credit units	NA
Minimum Graduation Requirement:	120 credit units	90 credit units	NA
Maximum Credit Units Permitted:	144 credit units	114 credit units	NA

* Remark: Students of 2015 entry or before transferred from another department of CLASS to the Major will be required to take 15 / 9 credit units of College Requirement for normative four-year degree / Advanced Standing I. Normative four-year degree and Advanced Standing I students transferred from departments outside CLASS to the Major in 2016/17 and thereafter will be required to take 6 credit units of College Requirement.

Additional Information

Requirement for BSSIRGA students concerning International Experience (PIA3812)

Preamble

As an international studies department with an Asia focus and global orientation it is essential for students to understand something of the world beyond Hong Kong from an overseas exchange semester, international internship or summer study programme abroad of at least a month during their undergraduate studies. In this regard, all BSSIRGA students have to fulfil at least one of the below-mentioned activities organized by the University for at least 4 weeks to fulfil the graduation requirements. The below sets out the basic principles and arrangements governing the international experience of PIA undergraduate students in going at least 4 weeks of international experience.

Basic Principles and Arrangements

BSSIRGA students will have to fulfil at least 4 weeks international experience to fulfil the graduation requirements. The 4 weeks international experience will include:

a. Joining overseas exchange programmes arranged by the University;

b. Participating in overseas study tour, overseas internship, overseas fieldtrips arranged by the University;

c. Joining overseas service learning programmes organized by the University

Upon satisfying the international experience requirements, students are expected to submit the completion proofs to the departmental general office by semester before their expected graduation to facilitate recording PIA3812 International Experience in their academic transcripts.

If any student indicates that they cannot join any of the above programmes, they need to write to the Internationalisation Coordinator of the Department at the beginning of the final year of study before their expected graduation.

i) A letter with strong justifications they cannot join any of the above activities;

ii) Documents proofing the difficulties mentioned in i) should be provided.

The Head of Department or his delegates will consider the student’s request on a case by case basis.