MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Political Science and International Relations aims not only to equip students with the ability to understand and interpret political, social, economic, and cultural phenomena and dynamics, but also to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills. Another objective of the department is to cultivate individuals with a broad vision in the field of social sciences, in line with the qualifications of a Political Science and International Relations undergraduate program. In this context, our core mission is to nurture individuals who are concerned with understanding, interpreting, questioning, and improving the world. Guided by science and knowledge, the Department of Political Science and International Relations envisions transforming students into competent, ethically grounded, and innovation-oriented individuals.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Department of Political Science and International Relations brings together various academic disciplines, offering a multidisciplinary synthesis. With an interdisciplinary approach, the program incorporates knowledge from Sociology, Economics, History, Law, Statistics, Psychology, and Philosophy, contributing to students' development of a rich intellectual perspective. These diverse viewpoints help students enhance their ability to approach global issues, comprehend complex events, and conduct evaluations and analyses. Within the program, students attain comprehensive knowledge in core subjects such as Political and Social Theory, Administrative Science, International Relations Theories, History of Political Thought, International Law, Political History, Comparative Politics, International Political Economy, Political Sociology, Turkish Political System, Turkish Foreign Policy, Contemporary Political Movements, Turkish Economy, International Security, International Organizations, Globalization, and Regional Policies.

OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED
In a globalised world where international organisations and multinational corporations are increasingly influential, the program places special emphasis on foreign language proficiency and computer literacy to prepare students for contemporary demands. Through academic exchange programs with partner institutions in Turkey and abroad, our students have the opportunity to gain international academic experience. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in academic events such as congresses, conferences, panels, symposiums, workshops, and seminars, where they can apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. Throughout their undergraduate studies, students are guided toward their areas of interest or preferred sectors under the mentorship of our qualified academic staff, thus preparing for their professional careers.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing university research projects based on their interests. They are also supported and guided toward internship opportunities aligned with their career goals. These experiences play a critical role in preparing them for the professional world. Furthermore, students can benefit from seminars and events organised by Ufuk University’s Career Guidance Unit and student societies. Through the Internship Mobility Programs organised by the International Relations and ERASMUS+ Coordination Office of Ufuk University, students may also undertake internships abroad with partner institutions before graduation. For more information about the international internship mobility program, please click HERE.

DOUBLE MAJOR / MINOR PROGRAMS
Double Major and Minor Programs involving other departments within the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences—namely International Trade and Finance, Management Information Systems, and Business Administration—are under development. For information about application requirements for Double Major and Minor Programs, please click HERE. 

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Through the efforts of Ufuk University’s International Relations and ERASMUS+ Coordination Office, exchange agreements have been established with various universities in EU member states. Based on GPA and foreign language proficiency, students may qualify to participate in international mobility programs during the Fall and/or Spring semesters. These programs allow students to discover different cultures and academic environments while gaining valuable insights and new perspectives related to their field. For details regarding ERASMUS+ programs and application requirements, please click HERE. 

HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES
Students may transfer into the Department of Political Science and International Relations or other departments within the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences through various channels: internal transfer, inter-institutional transfer, or transfer based on national placement scores. For detailed information on Horizontal Transfer Methods and Regulations, please click HERE. For information regarding the Vertical Transfer to the Political Science and International Relations undergraduate program, please click HERE. 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Thanks to the multi-dimensional analytical skills provided by the discipline of Political Science and International Relations, graduates enter the professional world as creative, entrepreneurial, inquisitive, collaborative, socially conscious, objective, critical, open-minded, and visionary individuals with strong leadership potential. Our graduates can pursue careers in public institutions, including ministries such as Foreign Affairs and Interior, other ministries, undersecretariats, state-owned enterprises, governorates, district governorships, and development agencies, as specialists, inspectors, or career diplomats. In the private sector, they may hold mid- and upper-level managerial positions, particularly in international trade. Additionally, graduates may work in central and branch offices of national and international banks. Our alumni also find employment in mass communication institutions and public opinion research companies. Other possible career paths include roles in political parties, non-governmental organisations, international organisations (such as the United Nations and NATO), and European Union institutions, where they may work as consultants or experts. Furthermore, graduates who complete postgraduate studies (Master’s and Doctorate) in their fields of interest may pursue academic or research careers at universities and research institutes.