Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (B.A.I.S.)

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (B.A.I.S.) at American University in Dubai (AUD) is a four-year interdisciplinary degree that blends politics, history, economics, culture, and global systems to prepare students for careers in diplomacy, global policy, development, and international organisations. It suits students who are passionate about understanding world affairs, solving complex global challenges, and engaging with diverse societies and international institutions. 

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students establish essential foundations in global studies by engaging with introductory courses such as Introduction to International Studies, Global Politics, and World History, which help develop a broad understanding of international affairs, power structures, and historical context. Through foundational Arts & Sciences Core courses in writing, social science theory, and quantitative reasoning, students also sharpen critical thinking and communication skills important for analysing global issues. This year encourages an interdisciplinary perspective by connecting political science, history, and economics to real-world global problems. 

Year 2:
In the second year, students deepen their analytical grasp of global systems with core subjects like International Political Economy, Comparative Politics, and International Law, giving them tools to analyse how states, markets, and legal frameworks interact on the world stage. Elective options may include Culture and Society or Regional Studies that introduce students to cultural diversity and global contexts, enriching their understanding of how socio-cultural factors shape international relations. This year also strengthens methodological skills, such as research design and data interpretation, which underpin advanced inquiry in later years. 

Year 3:
In the third year, the curriculum becomes more specialised with courses such as Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Analysis, Global Development, and Human Rights, enabling students to explore substantive global challenges in depth. These modules blend theory with contemporary case studies—examining, for instance, how international organisations respond to humanitarian crises or how diplomatic strategies influence global cooperation. Students also start selecting track-specific electives (e.g., International Relations, International Development, or Middle Eastern Studies) that align their studies with career goals and interests. 

Year 4:
In the final year, students synthesise their knowledge through advanced seminars and specialised electives such as Geopolitics of the Middle East, Global Security Issues, or International Economic Policy, which emphasise both regional expertise and global analytical competence. Many complete a Capstone Project or major research paper that demonstrates their ability to integrate multidisciplinary concepts into an original study of a real-world international issue. Senior electives and possible internships prepare graduates for professional practice, policy analysis, graduate study, or roles in diplomacy, NGOs, and multinational organisations. 

Focus areas (in a string):
International politics, diplomacy, international law, global development, geopolitics, comparative politics, international political economy, human rights, regional studies, interdisciplinary analysis.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Critically analyse global issues through interdisciplinary frameworks, communicate effectively in writing and speech, apply political, economic, and cultural theories to international affairs, conduct independent research, and demonstrate awareness of ethical and cultural dimensions of global engagement. 

Professional alignment (accreditation):
AUD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, ensuring quality standards for its B.A.I.S. degree. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
The American University in Dubai is recognised internationally and features in global university listings (e.g., QS World University Rankings ~#678), and its graduates are noted for strong employability with careers in government service, international organisations, policy research, and related sectors.