Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is a four-year undergraduate degree that combines theoretical foundations and practical skills in politics, public policy, governance, and international affairs. It suits students who aspire to careers in government, public administration, diplomacy, research, or advocacy and offers a diverse curriculum including political theory, comparative politics, methods of research, and specialised regional and global topics. 

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students begin by grounding themselves in the core concepts of the discipline with courses such as Fundamentals of Political Science, Government & Politics of UAE, and Fundamentals of Political Economy. These courses introduce essential frameworks for understanding how political systems function and how economic principles intersect with political decision-making. Alongside general education modules like Critical Thinking and Academic English, students also engage with topics that strengthen their analytical and communication skills for later political analysis. 

Year 2:
The second year deepens students’ analytical capabilities with specialised courses such as Methods of Research in Political Science, Principles of International Relations, and Comparative Politics. Through these units, students learn to design and interpret research, compare political systems across different cultures and histories, and understand the dynamics of international interactions. Elective options allow learners to begin tailoring their focus, while foundational exposure to public administration broadens their view of political institutions. 

Year 3:
In the third year, the program emphasises applied knowledge and advanced political concepts with courses like Public Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Gulf Politics, and Public Policy. Students explore the unique political landscape of the Gulf region, develop leadership competencies relevant to public service, and analyse how policies are formulated and evaluated. Free or departmental electives allow students to explore thematic areas such as International Organizations or Foreign Policy of Global Powers, further enhancing their specialised understanding. 

Year 4:
In the final year, students consolidate their academic and professional readiness through an Integrated Capstone project and a semester-long Internship, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-world governmental, non-profit, or research settings. Advanced electives and special topics courses enrich their perspectives on contemporary political issues, and the internship experience prepares them for transition into professional roles. By combining theory with practice, students complete the degree with a comprehensive portfolio of skills and insights. 

Focus areas (in a string):
Political theory, public administration, international relations, comparative politics, public policy, research methods, Gulf politics, political economy, leadership and governance. 

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Understand political concepts and institutions, analyse national and international political systems, apply research methods to political inquiry, communicate effectively, propose evidence-based policy solutions, and demonstrate ethical reasoning and civic engagement. 

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program is delivered by United Arab Emirates University, which is accredited and licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), ensuring high national academic standards. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
UAEU is ranked among the top universities in the Arab region and globally (e.g., UAEU ranked within the top 300–400 in global university rankings), reflecting strong academic quality and graduate employability; graduates typically find roles in government, policy analysis, international organisations, and research sectors.