Political Science and International Relations

Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences – Department of Political Science and International Relations

Introduction

An interdisciplinary department, Political Science and International Relations has a broad scope ranging from history to economics and from political psychology to the defense industry. Based on the principle that domestic and foreign politics are inseparable, it aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to interpret local and international developments at various levels and from various angles.

The department's academic staff is well recognized for its publication and project record, international experience, media visibility and the consultancy services it provides.

Located in Beşiktaş, one of Istanbul's most distinguished and centrally located districts, our department offers a comprehensive learning opportunity with its well-equipped staff specializing in different fields, while also creating an environment for personal development through various extracurricular activities. At departmental events, our students can connect with many politicians, journalists, experts and civil society organizations, either as participants or as supporting members. Thanks to the multicultural environment created by students from all over the world, our department offers a unique experience in understanding the priorities, values and traditions of different countries.

Program

To graduate, students must complete a course load of 130 credits/240 ECTS. Over four years, students take fundamental compulsory courses as well as elective courses aligned with their interests and future goals. Elective courses are divided into Departmental Electives, Non-Departmental Electives, General Electives and CO-OP Branded Courses. Each of them gives students the opportunity to specialize in the field, broaden their general knowledge and get to know the sector closely.

Mission of the Department of Political Science and International Relations

The mission of the Political Science and International Relations Program is to educate experts who question domestic and foreign political developments within an interdisciplinary framework, identify political elements that show continuity or change from the past to the present and make predictions about the future, transform risks, threats and opportunities in the international arena into win-win policies, know how to obtain and process accurate quantitative and qualitative data, and advocate pluralism and dialogue in the policy-making process.

Objectives of the Department of Political Science and International Relations

Graduates of the department:

1. Can interpret political, economic and social developments around the world in terms of risks and opportunities, and develop related projects and policies in various institutions and organizations;

2. Have the knowledge and skills to work in the public and private sectors, civil society organizations and international organizations;

3. Act with responsibility and sensitivity toward the environment and society in project and policy-making processes;

4. Continue their personal and professional development throughout their lives.

Learning Outcomes of the Political Science and International Relations Program

1. Has a command, at the level of application, of fundamental theoretical and factual knowledge in the field and the relationships between them.

2. Has basic knowledge of the causes and consequences of the political transformations societies undergo.

3. Is proficient in quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods in the social and behavioral sciences.

4. Recognizes historical patterns when evaluating current political and social developments.

5. Displays an interdisciplinary and critical approach in the processes of analysis, synthesis and forecasting of domestic and foreign politics.

6. Carries out work in the field thoroughly, both independently and as part of a team.

7. Has an awareness of lifelong learning based on research and development.

8. Expresses the knowledge and skills acquired in the field, in writing and orally, in at least one foreign language at the European Language Portfolio B1 General Level, using the necessary information and communication technologies.

9. Reflects the knowledge and skills acquired in the field in their individual career, projects aimed at sustainable development goals, and social responsibility initiatives.

10. Has the habit of following the domestic and foreign political agenda and international developments.

11. Is competent in interpreting the new political actors, theories and phenomena of the global age.

12. Evaluates the impact of advanced technologies on politics within a legal and ethical framework.

Career Opportunities

Thanks to the department's interdisciplinary curriculum, graduates can be employed in various institutions and organizations in both the public and private sectors, or pursue an academic career. They can find positions in a wide range of fields, from civil service to United Nations expertise, from translation to health tourism, and from foreign trade specialization to foreign news writing. In this context, they can benefit from the opportunities offered by the Career Center. Our graduates include successful young people who are rising rapidly in corporate firms or advancing their academic careers abroad.

Political Science and International Relations Ranking and Minimum Score

2024 Political Science and International Relations rankingand minimum scores have been announced. The 2023 TYT AYT (YKS) Minimum Scores and Success Rankings are the university placement scores and rankings for 2023. You can make your preferences by comparing your score and ranking for 2024.