By Muslim Mirror Network
The Hamdard Institute of International Studies at Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, has inaugurated a flagship undergraduate program dedicated to the study and research of international studies, global politics, and world affairs for the academic year 2024-25, building upon the success of its M.A. program in International Studies.
In today’s world, marked by dynamic interconnections and numerous crises such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, global pandemics, and climate change threats, understanding the political, social, economic, and technological drivers of these processes has become imperative. India has seen a growing demand for students to delve into subjects encompassing international relations, geopolitics, and international political economy.
The newly launched program, titled B.A. (International Studies and Global Politics), spans four years, comprising eight semesters with multiple exit-entry options at the end of each year. Students can earn a UG Certificate, UG Diploma, and UG Degree at the end of the first, second, and third years, respectively, provided they meet the minimum credit requirements as outlined in the National Education Policy of 2020. Students keen on further studies after the three-year UG Degree can opt for a fourth year, leading to an Honours Degree or an Honours Degree with research in international studies upon submission of a research project/dissertation.
The undergraduate program aims to produce graduates well-versed in critical aspects of global politics. Besides conventional courses covering international peace, political economy, international bodies, and great power politics, the curriculum is meticulously crafted to focus on defense and security studies, maritime and Himalayan geopolitics, cyberspace security, global health, major global powers’ foreign policies, the influence of religion and culture on international relations, international trade and tourism, sport diplomacy, global food security, Non-State Actors in World Politics, and all dimensions of India’s foreign policy and international relations. Moreover, the program includes comprehensive area studies covering West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe, along with courses examining migration, diaspora, and individual-centric perspectives.
Aligned with the interdisciplinary and holistic approach advocated in NEP 2020, the curriculum also offers practical insights on international relations and diplomacy by eminent diplomats as Professors of Practice. Optional subjects include courses on the intricate interplay between religion, culture, and world politics in contemporary times, as well as multidimensional aspects like foreign language learning, social science statistics, India’s freedom struggle in a global context, and the impact of world politics on popular culture.
This pioneering B.A. program in international studies and global politics, a first for any government-funded university in Delhi, is designed not only to expose students to predominant Euro-centric views in international relations but also to highlight the roles and contributions of various civilizations such as Near Eastern, Indian, Chinese, and Islamic systems in shaping global order and international affairs. It adopts a historical-civilizational lens spanning five millennia, recognizing the diverse civilizations that have influenced global order long before the dominance of Western powers or European colonialism.
The program emphasizes knowledge systems beyond Western sources, incorporating India’s civilizational heritage into coursework and combining conventional and non-conventional aspects of International Studies. In line with NEP 2020, the program aims not just to impart domain knowledge but also to equip students with necessary skills for the professional market and foster a deep understanding of Indian ethos, creating well-informed citizens for the nation.
The inaugural batch will accommodate sixty students, with an annual tuition fee of ₹50,000. For further details on eligibility, application procedures, and admission, visit the Jamia Hamdard Admission Portal https://ums.jamiahamdard.ac.in/ or www.jamiahamdard.edu.
Employment Prospects: Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to specialize in international politics, paving the way for careers in think tanks, journalism, policymaking, research, bureaucracy, diplomatic missions, international organizations, and corporate environments requiring geopolitical analysis.
About Jamia Hamdard: Established with a vision of human service and educational excellence, Jamia Hamdard gained deemed-to-be-University status from the Government of India in 1989. It has since evolved into one of the nation’s premier universities, receiving an ‘A+’ Grade from NAAC in 2023 and achieving significant rankings in national and international assessments, including the NIRF and QS World University Rankings. Jamia Hamdard’s commitment to innovation and academic excellence continues to drive its growth as a leading institution in higher education