Are you interested in an international perspective? During the major International Relations, you will learn everything about how different countries and regions around the world interact or cooperate and which factors have an influence on this interaction. It focuses on both global politics and economics.

Interview with International Relations students and graduates

THOU Maradydewoo (20), THOU Kinthea (21) and SOK Sothvichea (23) are studying International Relations at Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia. Sokumthea (22) acquired a bachelor degree in IR at the Royal University of Phnom Penh and Chin has just graduated in IR at the University of Cambodia. They chose this major because political and social interaction is of global importance and they enjoyed history, world politics and global issues. Chin adds that his interest in this field began as a child when he first met foreign visitors.

In this major you learn how to analyse, solve problems, communicate, do research and provide evidence, and to think critically. You also get a good understanding of each theory, ideology and even psychology. What they like is that you get a clear idea of what is going on at home and abroad. Favourite subjects are amongst others UN, Internal Law, Negotiation and Diplomacy, study of the NGOs and Human Rights Laws.

The workload depends on the year you are in; reading and research take about 6 hours a day and you study 4-5 days a week. You also have to do teamwork and participate in group discussions. Kimthea adds that you will have to submit a term paper once a year, so good planning is essential.

In the future Maradydewoo would like to work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Kimthea would like to work as a PO in an NGO; Sokumthea in interested in a position with an IO or NGO and Chin would like to be a diplomat or representative of Cambodia.

The students agree that if you are interested in this major you should focus on the high school subjects of History, Civic Society and Geography. It is also important that you are interested in politics, laws, global issues and diplomacy and that you realise that English is essential for research. You should pay special attention to your reading skills as well.

The following universities offer this major:

• Asia Euro University, Phnom Penh
• Beltei International University, Phnom Penh
• International University, Phnom Penh
• National Institute of Business, Phnom Penh
• Norton University, Phnom Penh
• Panha Chiet University, Phnom Penh
• Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia, Phnom Penh
• Phnom Penh International University, Phnom Penh
• Royal University of Law and Economics, Phnom Penh
• Royal University of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh
• University of Cambodia, Phnom Penh
• University of Southeast Asia, Siem Reap
• Western University, Phnom Penh

_{Please be aware that the majors offered by universities change over time and that the overview given on this page might not be entirely up to date. We advise you to do your own research on the university’s website or to contact the university’s student affairs office to check that they offer the major of your choice.}