Diploma in International Studies | Asia Pacific University (APU)

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Diploma in International Studies


Duration:
2+ Years
(6 Semesters)

 


Awarded by:
APU, Diploma


Intakes:
22 May 2025 | 03 Jul 2025 |
25 Sep 2025

 


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
SPM• 3 Credits in at least 3 subjects at SPM level, with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History);
IGCSE/O-LEVELS• 3 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 3 subjects at IGCSE/O-Levels;
UEC

• 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC;

CERTIFICATE

• Pass relevant Certificate Programme or its equivalent;

A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above. Credit in English is required at SPM/IGCSE/O-Level or equivalent.

Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The qualification and entry requirements for the programmes will be determined based on the "Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)" published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
 
ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• IELTS : 5.0
• TOEFL IBT : 40
• Pearson (PTE) : 47
• MUET : Band 3.5

For more information please click HERE


PROGRAMME OUTLINE

This APU Diploma in International Studies is designed to:

  • Provide the academic aspect as well as the vocational aspects of International Studies.
  • Prepare students for careers in the International Studies environment.
  • Provide students with academic and professional skills to develop solutions requiring a holistic outlook in the area of International Studies.
  • Provide students with critical, independent and cooperative learning skills so as to facilitate their response to continuous change in international arena.
  • Develop students’ intellectual skills, communications ability and team working capability.
  • Provide students with opportunity to progress into degrees of International standard in relevant areas.

SEMESTER 1

In this semester, students will be introduced to preparatory modules which would be essential for them to embark on their journey in completion of their diploma. Students will be taught English for academic purpose, basic of entrepreneurship and business plus computing skills. Students are also required to take one General Studies module as required by the Malaysian Qualification Agency.

MODULES

  • Academic Research Skills
  • Digital Thinking and Innovation
  • Managing Business
  • Practical IT Skills

SEMESTER 2

This semester is a continuation from semester 1 on preparatory modules where students will be equipped with professional communications skill. They will also embark on some academic  research skills which are essential for their future careers. They will be exposed to global business trends as well as Critical International Film Studies that will give them a glimpse to some of the international related issues. 

MODULES

  • Professional Communications
  • International Relations
  • Critical International Film Studies
  • Global Business Trends

SEMESTER 3

Starting from semester 3, students will be exposed to the core area of international studies that will include introduction to international relations and international history. The semester will also focus on understanding political ideologies and their impact on global affairs. Contemporary issues and challenges facing Malaysia in its foreign relations will also be covered.

MODULES

  • Globalisation and International Studies
  • International History Since 1900
  • Modern Political Ideas
  • Foreign Affairs of Malaysia

SEMESTER 4

Continuing from semester 3, students will be exposed to more relevant international studies issues, particularly the impact of globalisation and the role of international organisations in global affairs. They will also learn about the different array of global political systems and governments, as well as understand how social movements and revolutions impacts the core features of the international system. Additionally, they will also study environmental issues and concerns such as climate change, biodiversity loss and poor governance.

MODULES

  • Introduction to International Political Economy
  • People Power and Revolutions in World Politics
  • Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
  • Introduction to Comparative Politics
  • Environment Issues and Case Studies 1

SEMESTER 5

In semester 5, students will be further introduced to various theoretical and conceptual frameworks for them to apply to real-world case studies in the international arena. They will also learn about international political economy that focuses on how and why countries integrate themselves into a global economy and regionalism for e.g. Southeast Asia where students will study about ASEAN. Also as a continuation from the previous semester, students will be exposed to other environmental issues and concerns.

MODULES

  • Theories of International Relations
  • International Organisations
  • Regionalism in Southeast Asia
  • Environment Issues & Case Studies 2

SEMESTER 6 - Internship (8 weeks)

Students will undertake an Internship/Industrial Training for a minimum period of 8 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

* In addition to the above, all students are also required to successfully complete General Studies modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency, as well as fulfill credit requirements for Co-curricular activities.


FURTHER STUDIES

Upon successful completion of this programme and fulfilment of requirements for credit transfer, you will be eligible to progress into Level 2 of the following degree programmes offered at APU.

  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Business Management**
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management**
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in:
    • E-Business**
    • Digital Leadership**
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management**
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management**
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing**
** Please take note that Bridging module/s needed before progress into Level 2

Year 2 Semester 2 Entry
Students who obtained a Credit (B) or above for all the core modules in Semester 3, 4 and 5, they will be eligible to progress straight into Year 2 Semester 2 of BA (Hons) in International Relations.

- For the full listing of our Diploma Programmes, please refer to the Pre-University programme brochure.
  
  

APU-DMU DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMME

Students who are under Bachelor’s Degree Programme will have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme. Under this Scheme, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts upon graduation: 1 from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia and 1 from De Montfort University (DMU), UK.

To know more about APU-DMU Dual Scheme, please click HERE


COURSE FEES

Malaysian Students

International Students

RM 45,200

RM 52,600 (USD 12,235)

​* Fees stated here do not include Deposits and other Miscellaneous Fees. Please refer to Fee Guide for details.


MQA ACCREDITATION

(R2/0312/4/0002)(02/30)(MQA/FA4059)

All information is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change in the interest of continuing improvement.