BSc in International Relations & Security (Distance Learning)

PROGRAMME INFORMATION

4 YEARS

240 ECTS

ENGLISH

DISTANCE LEARNING

AWARDED BY NEAPOLIS UNIVERSITY

OBJECTIVES OF THE BSC IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & SECURITY DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMME

The BSc in International Relations and Security (100% Distance Learning) offers students the opportunity to acquire extensive and in-depth knowledge in a wide range of issues related with international affairs and security, both in theory and practice, focusing particularly on recent and contemporary processes, trends, challenges and problematics.

Courses include International Relations and Diplomacy, International Organization and International Law, Security and Strategic studies as well as Politics and Economics.

The Programme aims at providing students with a rigorous and constructive understanding of international relations and politics; of conflict and security issues, globally and regionally across the world analyzing the efforts to respond to international and regional challenges in the spheres of policy and practice.

The programme combines in-depth academic teaching and cutting-edge research through key concepts, theories and case-studies, alongside a structured process of engagement with contemporary debates and experience.

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs)

  • PLO1. Explain the basic features of the contemporary International System.
  • PLO2. Identify the major players (states, international organizations etc.) in the International Environment.
  • PLO3. Define the main theoretical approaches on International Relations and Security.
  • PLO4. Describe the interdependence between International Relations and Security in the 21st century.
  • PLO5. Identify the main sources of instability and insecurity in the International System.
  • PLO6. Analyze international issues and formulate arguments in a clear, concise and effective manner, both orally and in writing.

Graduates of the Programme are expected to pursuit careers in the diplomatic corps, in international organizations, in NGOs, as well as in both the public sector and the private business as policy and security advisors and analysts.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PROGRAMME

  • The flexibility of distance learning.
  • The international prestige and recognition of Neapolis University Pafos.
  • Excellent academic staff with strong expertise in the taught subjects.
  • Strong links and partnerships with globally renowned academic institutions, scholars and professionals in the fields of International Relations.
  • The use of advanced technology tools and resources.
  • The adjustment of the Programme to current academic trends and market requirements.
  • Engagement of NUP with activities (such as public events) related with International Relations (e.g. public events)
  • The growing importance of the Eastern Mediterranean area both geopolitically and geoeconomically
  • Cyprus’ position at the crossroads of three continents (Europe, Asia, Africa)
  • Pafos: a vibrant international economic centre, strategically located at the heart of wider the Eastern Mediterranean basin.
  • Competitive tuition fees.

TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS

The BSc in International Relations and Security Distance Learning methodology involves a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, projects, presentations, assignments, case-study applications and independent research. In addition, it is designed to provide an academic experience going beyond that of the traditional classroom, in which the flow of information is primarily from the instructor to the student. The intention of the Programme is that each participant will contribute to the education of the entire class though active participation in the learning process, underlining the understanding that an BSc in International Relations and Security requires a holistic and interdisciplinary approach.

Synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning delivery mode are organized in a learning management system (Moodle), where the student is asked to follow a predefined learning path per week and module. The workload for the student is estimated at 15-20 hours per weekIn order to facilitate student self-regulation in asynchronous learning, we have created structured learning modules in the form of weekly learning paths, which consists of:

  • Short Introduction to the topic
  • Learning Outcomes of the Module
  • Tutor’s presentation on the topic
  • Bibliography and other resources
  • Self-assessment activities
  • Interactive Activities-Formative Assessment
  • Q&A Forum

The summative and formative assessment consist a comprehensive part of the learning and teaching methodology. 40% of the students’ final grade in each course corresponds to their performance in the midterm assessment (20%) as well as participating in activities (20%), whereas 60% corresponds to their performance in the final assessment. In order to secure a passing grade in a course, students need to secure a passing grade (i.e. 50% or higher) in all assessment components.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

SEMESTER 1

CodeCourse titleCourse typeECTS
DIRS111Introduction to International RelationsCompulsory6
DIRS112Diplomatic History, 1815-1945 Compulsory6
DIRS113Research Methodology in International Relations Compulsory6
DNOM160Political ScienceCompulsory6
DNOM158Political Economy Compulsory6

SEMESTER 2

CodeCourse titleCourse typeECTS
DIRS121International Relations TheoryCompulsory6
DIRS122Security Studies: Conceptual Approaches, Contemporary and Emerging IssueCompulsory6
DIRS123The World Since 1945 Compulsory6
DIRS124Introduction to Modern DiplomacyCompulsory6
DECON205MacroeconomicsCompulsory6

SEMESTER 3

CodeCourse titleCourse typeECTS
DIRS131Geopolitics and Geo-economics in the Eastern Mediterranean. Compulsory6
DIRS132Security Diplomacy Compulsory6
DIRS133International Political Economy Compulsory6
DIRS134The EU as a Global Actor Compulsory6
DNOM129Public International LawCompulsory6

SEMESTER 4

CodeCourse titleCourse typeECTS
DIRS141Economic Diplomacy Compulsory6
DIRS142Strategic Studies Compulsory6
DIRS143Political Economy of National Security Compulsory6
DIRS144Terrorism, Asymmetric Threats and International SecurityCompulsory6
DNOM380 International Economic Law Compulsory6

SEMESTER 5

CodeCourse titleCourse typeECTS
DIRS151Economic Sustainability and Security Compulsory6
DIRS152Risk Analysis and Forecasting Compulsory6
DIRS153Conflict Resolution Compulsory6
DIRS154International Organizations Compulsory6
DPSYC308 Political Psychology Elective 6
DIRS155Foreign Policy in the 21st CenturyElective 6

SEMESTER 6

CodeCourse titleCourse typeECTS
DIRS161China as a Global Actor Compulsory6
DIRS162Energy, Security and Foreign PolicyCompulsory6
DIRS163Environmental Sustainability and SecurityCompulsory6
DIRS164EU Neighbourhood PolicyCompulsory6
DIRS165Foreign Policy AnalysisElective 6
DIRS166 Peace building Elective 6

SEMESTER 7

CodeCourse titleCourse typeECTS
DIRS171Political Economy of EnergyCompulsory6
DIRS172European Security and Defense Compulsory6
DIRS173Risk Management Compulsory6
DIRS174Security in the Eastern MediterraneanCompulsory6
DIRS175International Development Cooperation Elective 6
DIRS176Practical Diplomacy Elective 6
DIRS177Human SecurityElective 6

SEMESTER 8

CodeCourse titleCourse typeECTS
DIRS181Nuclear Weapons and International SecurityCompulsory6
DIRS182Global Governance and SecurityCompulsory6
DIRS183Security in the Middle EastCompulsory6
DIRS184Cyber Security Compulsory6
DIRS185Migration, International Relations and SecurityElective 6
DBUSN405 Project ManagementElective 6
DIRS186 Placement Elective 6

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In order to be admitted to the Program, candidates must possess a Secondary School Certificate with grade no less than 14/20 or equivalent, or an International Baccalaureate Diploma with at least 26 points, or any other equivalent secondary education diploma.

The general admission criteria are based on the type and quality of previous studies, the grade obtained in previous studies and the suitability of the candidate for the program of study that has been applied for. In any case, the file of each applicant will be considered on its own merit.

More specific:

  • Secondary (High school) certificate
  • Adequate knowledge of English (B2 or higher)
  • Equal opportunities to all students regardless of their physical abilities
  • Prospective students fill in and apply form together with all the necessary documentation (secondary school certificate, English language certificate, ID/passport copy, photos)
  • Admission Committee (Head of School, Program Coordinator, two faculty members): decision to accept or reject the application
  • 2 Reference Letters.

DISCLAIMER

  • The University reserves its right to define the electives offered on an academic year basis.
  • The programme structure may change without prior notice, as a result of quality assurance procedures or/and programme recertification.

APPLY FOR THIS PROGRAMME

Register your interest and one of our admissions consultants will contact you with guidance and additional information.

FACULTY & STAFF OF THE PROGRAMME

Pantelis Sklias

Professor of International Political Economy

Rector of Neapolis University Pafos

Pantelis Sklias (1969) is a Professor of International Relations and International Political Economy (IPE) and since September 2018 Rector of the University.

Antonis Klapsis

Visiting Researcher in Diplomacy and International Organization

Assistant Coordinator of the MA in Modern and Contemporary Greek and European History (Distance Learning)

Antonis Klapsis is Assistant Professor of Diplomacy and International Organization at the Department of Political Science and International Relations of the University of Peloponnese.

Christos Christodoulou-Volos

Associate Professor of Economics and Finance

Head of the Department of Economics and Business

Dr. Christos N. Christodoulou-Volos is an Associate Professor of Economics and Finance and the Head of the Department of Economics and Business...
Floros Flouros

Floros Flouros

Assistant Professor in International Political Economy: Energy, Security and Climate Change

Floros Flouros is a post-doc researcher at the University of Aegean researcher with main focus on security, energy security and climate change in the Mediterranean and Middle East region. He defended his PhD Thesis at the University of Peloponnese...
Eleni Gavriil

Eleni Gavriil

Lecturer in International Economic Law and Human Rights

Dr Eleni Gavriil holds a Ph.D. from the European Law and Governance School of the European Public Law Organization. She obtained her LL.B. from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and her LL.M. in International and European Business Law....

Ben D. Mor

Professor in International Relations and Security

Ben D. Mor is Senior Research Fellow in International Security and head of the Graduate Program in Negotiation Management and Decision-Making at the University of Haifa, Israel, where he was also head of the International School..

Georgios D. Pavlidis

Associate Professor Of Private International Law & European Law

Jean Monnet Chair

UNESCO Chair

Coordinator in Greek Law

Dr. Georgios Pavlidis is Associate Professor of Private International Law & European Law at the School of Law of Neapolis University in Cyprus. Since 2020, he is holder of a Jean Monnet Chair funded by the European Union (Project: “Tracing Criminal Assets in the European Union”).

Efstathios Fakiolas

Visiting Fellow, Associate Professor of International Relations,Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of the Peloponnese

He earned his Ph.D. from the Department of War Studies, King’s College London. He holds a M.A. in

Victoria Pistikou

Visiting Fellow ,Assistant Professor, International Economic Relations, Democritus University of Thrace, Department of Economics

  More Info: https://econ.duth.gr/author/vpistiko/

EVALUATION, RECOGNITION & COLLABORATIONS