Dual Swiss/U.S. Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (BA-IR)

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1 Dual Swiss/U.S. Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (BA-IR) admissions@ubis-geneva.ch URL :

2 Program Description: The Dual Swiss/U.S. Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (BA- IR) offers a comprehensive education with two sets of specialized courses that cover international relations and in international business. This allows students to prepare themselves not only for work in the international relations (IR) arena of public, multilateral or international affairs, they are trained to acquire the necessary skills to manage an office, prepare budgets, make decisions based on financial indicators, and oversee projects from start to finish. Students in IR typically look towards careers in international and multilateral organizations, in ministries of foreign affairs, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profit associations, and international foundations or in humanitarian agencies. These all have one thing in common: they must operate on the basis of financial budgets, cash flow, and sustained backing from supporters. These supporters may be target audiences, donors, voters, stakeholders or recipients of services. This program therefore offers students in IR the opportunity to learn not only about politics, history, IR theory, international organizations and foreign affairs, but also about project budgeting, project management, marketing and performance evaluation techniques that are commonly used in both business and non-profit environments. These skills are important and this is why the Bachelor in International Relations combines proven IR content with international business courses. 2

3 Because of the international dimension of education at, students gain a broad knowledge of multilateral relations, international communications and global public policy across all sectors of society. Students can opt for a number of courses during their studies that will broaden their knowledge for working in the different for-profit and non-profit sectors where concrete business and communication skills are important. Graduates who earn a BA-IR are equipped to apply for careers in the public and civil society sectors, as well as in businesses and in multinational firms. They will have gained a thorough knowledge of international relations at the political, economic and social levels and understand how all three interinfluence each other in business, government and international policymaking. Student will be able to work as political or foreign affairs analysts, information officers, or project managers in any of the non-profit or forprofit sectors. With the knowledge gained, students may opt to apply for employment in international agencies including global NGOs, international development agencies, human rights groups, humanitarian organizations, political advocacy, campaigning or lobbying groups, professional associations, trade unions or other social sectors. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in International Relations will: know how to prepare written and oral communications in English in any professional setting; be able to organize and write correspondence, memoranda, reports, and proposals; be confident in interpersonal communication with fellow workers, as well as in international dialogue, consultations and negotiations; understand the social dynamics and the psychology of inter-personal interaction and team work; be able to plan and conduct meetings; 3

4 know how to apply concepts and principles in their profession which they learned in their course of study; have knowledge of different management cultures and of various contractual agreements and styles; have a good understanding of how management methods in human resources impact on the performance of staff members and employees; understand the various differences in cultural, economic and legal norms and standards as they relate to business development and international collaboration; have a good understanding of international law and business law; be familiar with models and methods of corporate social responsibility that includes sustainability thinking in fragile environmental contexts, as well as with cross-sector stakeholder dialogue and civil society partnerships for good socio-economic governance; be able to interpret financial statements and reports, as well as to carry out responsibilities in accounting and budgeting; know how to assess the added value of product deliveries or services (such as humanitarian aid or international development assistance), including outsourcing and upstream/downstream contracting; understand basic quality measurement and performance evaluation methods and tools that are used in business, in project management, in on-time delivery and in quality management; have a broad understanding of international banking, finance and trade; and finally, understand the direction and control of processes that convert resources into goods and services in all areas of professional specialization, including the private, the public and civil society sectors. 4

5 In addition to the specific subjects related to IR, student will have learned a number of skills through general education courses. These include the use of computer applications and communications, principles of economics and of business mathematics, research methods, fundamentals of social psychology, as well as supervisory and decision-making skills in complex social and ethical environments. In addition, the business element for the program also includes courses in international political economy, macroeconomics and trade, international business management, international business law, cross-cultural communications, financial reporting, accounting, marketing and management techniques used in different geographic regions. Graduates who are awarded a BA-IR will have an internationally recognized university diploma through the partnership between and Potomac College in the US. Thus, they will also receive a Bachelor of Arts in International Business. This will allow them to pursue further studies anywhere in the world should they want to pursue graduate-level studies. 5

6 Study online with The Online Education Center (our Virtual Classroom) is designed to provide students, working adults, and career-oriented individuals in professional development, an interactive, worldwide academic community for learning, training, and skills development. By delivering coursework directly to your computer, learning becomes flexible and fits with your personal time and location constraints. s online faculty is ready to communicate with you concerning any inquiries you may have, and is motivated to make your educational experience as stimulating and rewarding as possible. The virtual campus was developed in response to the growing need for classroom flexibility and distance education. This course of study allows the student to take classes when he or she has the time and from any international location with internet access. It is highlighted by the following features: Scenario-Based Learning: At, we believe that students learn best through the application of theory. Our theoretical application is designed to enable students to actively apply that which is learned in the concurrent theory course. Flexible & Adaptable: launched its Virtual Campus offering adult learners the flexibility to manage the demands of their busy schedules for a portion of, or their entire course of study 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Eight Week Terms: All classes are eight weeks in length, giving students the opportunity to focus on the core material of the course and without wasting time or energy. 6

7 Your Dual Degree Swiss/U.S with has an articulation agreement with Potomac College, a regionally accredited post-secondary institution located in Washington, D.C. It facilitates the transfer of credits to Potomac College and Potomac credits to, so that our students can combine courses from both institutions, and graduate with a degree from the United States and another from Europe with no extra cost nor supplementary courses. This collaboration is designed to provide a unique opportunity for students to pursue their educational goals while gaining international exposure and marketability. Geneva s articulation agreement with Potomac College allows you to expand your international career. In addition, the online program allows you to accommodate work and family obligations. Both institutions share a mission and vision to provide the best educational opportunities for our students. * is a registered Institution of Higher Education offering internationally recognized degree programs designed in accordance with the European Credit and Accumulation System (ECTS). To qualify for the program you must currently be enrolled or seeking enrollment in the undergraduate programs. ** Potomac College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education. 7

8 Details The undergraduate full course requires completion of 120 US credits (40 3- credit classes). Usually, it takes 3-4 years to complete the full course of study. However a degree can be earned in about 2 and a half years, depending on the intensity of studies. At, there are 6 entry dates per year. Format Online only Attendance Part time or Full time Entry dates* January February April June August October * Please note, the final on ground intake for NEW students will be Module E (September 02, 2013). Moving forward, will only accept applications for on line studies. However, transfer students will still be able to apply for on ground or on line studies after Module E Tuition Fees Undergraduate Course Fees: CHF 17,640 /year (Tuition Fees) The cost of the full program is CHF Scholarships and Financial Aid For information regarding scholarships and financial aid, please refer to the website: 8

9 Undergraduate Admission Policies First year undergraduate applicants must be able to provide with proof of completion of secondary education equivalent to an American high school diploma or 5 passing O levels in the British system. As a rule, only accepts grades of C or higher for transfer credits for undergraduate studies. Undergraduate applicants should submit the following materials to register for admission: A completed and signed Application Form A non-refundable application fee of 100 CHF Original language and certified copy, in English, of official high school/secondary school transcript along with grade point average Original language and certified copy, in English, of student s high school/secondary school diploma. Official English proficiency test score (unless native English speaker). Personal statement detailing why the applicant wishes to attend for undergraduate studies. Curriculum Vitae detailing educational and professional experience. Photocopy of the identity page(s) of personal passport and Swiss permit if the student has one Proof of Medical Insurance valid in and equal to Swiss Medical Insurance as required by Swiss (if on ground student) Bank Statement showing at least CHF 9,000 or equivalent (if on ground student in need of visa) 9

10 YOUR CONTACT: Admissions Department Direct Phone: +41 (0) Fax: +41 (0) If your application and all supporting documents are complete when submitted, on average a student hears back from Admissions within a week's time. An electronic copy of papers will be sent first to the student's address followed by signed copies being sent by registered mail. 10