College/Institution: CSS

Department/School/Center: Department of Political Science and International Relations

Program title: BA in Political Science and International Relations

Program duration (in years): Three for regular and four for extension

Study Language: English

Credits and the equivalent ECTS:     ECTS – 180

Mode of delivery: Regular and Extension

Program Objectives:

General Objectives

• build capacity in teaching and research in the field of political science and international relations;
• provide training in the field of political science and international relations at the undergraduate and graduate levels at Addis Ababa University;
• produce skilled professionals in political science and international relations for civil service institutions, non-governmental and intergovernmental agencies;
• produce intellectually and professionally competent graduates in the field of study; and
• encourage the conduct of inter-disciplinary research in the field of political science and international relations with a focus on contemporary political developments in Ethiopia, Africa and the rest of the world.

Specific Objectives

• provide teaching and training in political theory, international relations, principles of government, politics of development, state-society relationships, comparative politics, research methods, and emerging and cross-cutting issues of domestic, regional and global significance;
• strengthen the undergraduate and graduate programs in political science and international relations by focusing on the students’ academic excellence, practical skills and professional career development;
• strengthen the department in terms of physical capacity, teaching and research outputs and staff development; and
• forge collaboration between the department, newly established counterpart departments and peer institutions in Ethiopia, Africa and beyond in the areas of research, staff-exchange and publication. In this regard, the department has identified the following thematic research themes:
  • State and civil society in Ethiopia,
  • Conflict and cooperation in the Horn of Africa,
  • The politics of ethnic relations in Ethiopia,
  • Federalism and constitutionalism in Ethiopia,
  • Conflict and security studies,
  • Governance and human rights,
  • Studies on democratization in Africa,
  • Studies on women and gender issues,
  • The politics of identity, gender, the politics of environment, and natural resources with emphasis on hydro-politics of Ethiopia’s trans-boundary water sources including other topical issues that are pertinent to the study of politics and international relations.

Admission requirements – fulfillment of all admission requirements of AAU

Graduation requirement – take a total ECTS of 180, no “F”, CGPA & MGPA of at least 2.00.

General Education Modules