BA (Hons) International Studies

at University of Nottingham Ningbo China

Year 1 (Preliminary Year)
This year is not compulsory for students with appropriate qualifications for year two entry.
The first year comprises a special programme of English for Academic Purposes designed by highly experienced staff from the acclaimed Centre of English Language Learning (CELE) at The University of Nottingham. This is carefully integrated with the study programmes offered by each academic school so as to prepare students fully for years 2-4 of the degree.

Year 2 (Qualifying Year)
In this first year of specialist study you are introduced to the historical foundations of Western cultures and political systems together with themes and theories central to modern international organisations. Twenty-credit modules are structured around the student-centred approach with extensive reading as you practice the study skills you will need for more independent research later in your degree. Each semester you take twenty credits of options.

Year 3 (Part I)
In this year, you consolidate what you have learnt so far by applying the knowledge you have acquired so far with more in-depth study of contemporary issues covering regions including the West and Asia. Each semester you take twenty credits of options.

Year 4 (Part II)
Besides taught modules and options the focus of your study in this final year is an individual dissertation project. This is on a topic of your own choice and consists of guided research spread over the whole academic year.

The BA International Studies is organised in three thematic pathways. We strongly recommend students studying in the International Studies programme to follow one of these pathways. For each pathway the modules have been designed to sequentially build upon each other. Each pathway gives you a thorough introduction into a more specific area of international studies in the second year, develops the scope of the themes in the third year and allows for specialisation in the fourth year. In each pathway there is a core module for every semester and a number of options. The pathways are: International relations/comparative politics pathway; Development and gender studies pathway; World History Pathway.

Depending on your academic and English language qualifications, you may be eligible for a traditional three year degree programme, or a four year programme with a preliminary year enabling you to gain the subject-specific knowledge and skills required to embark on degree-level studies.

If you are a mainland Chinese student, your Gaokao score should be in the first division as a minimum requirement, and your English test score should be no less than 115/150. For more details, please check the Chinese version prospectus.

English language requirements 
If your first language is not English or your entry qualification was not obtained in the English medium (from an approved institution) you are required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. Minimum requirements:

• IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in writing) – eligible for three year programme;
• IELTS 5.5 (no less than 5.0 in any element) – eligible for four year programme;
• PTE Academic 76 (minimum 65) – eligible for three year programme;
• PTE Academic 59 (minimum 53) – eligible for four year programme.

Minimum age requirements
You should be at least 18 years of age on admission to the University. The date of "admission" is defined as the first day of September in the relevant academic year. This requirement may be waived on an individual basis if your parents or guardians give their written agreement in advance to additional safeguards and requirements. Visit here for more information.

• Mainland Chinese students  - 100,000 RMB / year
• Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan students  -  100,000 RMB / year
• International students  -  110,000 RMB / year

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Career Development Office can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

Most graduates found jobs with prominent Chinese and international employers in business and government agencies.

Of the 83 undergraduates who graduated from the school in 2014 and continued onto postgraduate studies, 82% were admitted by the world top 100 universities according to the 2014 QS World University Rankings - including Cambridge, Oxford, London School of Economics.