B.A. in Political Science and International Relations is a flexible and applied programme designed to train the next generation of political scientists, as well as provide a solid and rigorous preparation for a variety of professions or further graduate studies.

The undergradute training in political science and international relations emphasizes the development of analytical, methodological, and applied skills to nurture mature and competent individuals that can function not only in governmental and legal careers, but also in the private sector.

A Minor in Political Science and International Relations is also available.

Students can choose from a range of courses to tailor their education in accordance with their chosen path and its separate course requirements.

English Language Requirements

IELTS – no less than 6.5 overall (with at least 6.0 in each sub-score) or TOEFL IBT – 79-93 (Reading – no less than 13, Listening – no less than 12, Speaking – no less than 18, Writing – no less than 21) or TOEFL PBT** – 574-599

Academic Requirements

– Minimum requirements for graduates or students of the final year of secondary school, colleges, UK Foundation program and graduates of the A-level program

SAT Reasoning Test ** or ACT SAT Reasoning Test – 1240 Essay is not required, no minimum score OR ACT – 27 composite score. Writing part is not required, no minimum score

– Minimum requirements for graduates and holders of NIS Grade 12 Certificate*

NIS 12 Grade Certificate – A B B (any subjects)

– Minimum requirements for graduates and holders of IВ Diploma Program***

IB DP 30 total score and 4, 4, 5 for 3 subjects of HL

*NIS Grade 12 Certificate holders can also participate in the competition in the “Graduates of secondary schools” category with IELTS and SAT results (see the minimum requirements for this category above).

** The Nazarbayev University applies the Superscoring for SAT scores.

***IB DP holders can also participate in the competition in the “Graduates of secondary schools” category with IELTS and SAT results (see the minimum requirements for this category above).

4 years

Public Sector
Legal Services
Private firms and Multinational organizations
Non-governmental Organizations
United Nations and other international organizations

BA program runs 4 years (8 semesters) where you are required to complete 240 ECTS credits.
PSIR requirements:
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Introduction to International Relations
Introduction to Political Theory
Quantitative Methods for Political Science
Social Science Research Methods
Credits in non-intro PSIR courses.

Distribution requirements:
History course
History of Kazakhstan
Philosophy/Religion
Rhetoric and Composition
Humanities electives
Social Science electives
Natural Sciences and Math
Any courses from SSH or SEDS/p>