Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and International RelationsProgramme Details

Required Credits/Units: 480

Aims of the Programme:

The aims of the programme are as follows:

1. To provide sufficient knowledge of the public administration and international relations disciplines including their main theoretical frameworks and interrelationships with other social science disciplines.
2. To equip students with an ability to deploy skills and knowledge in a range of contemporary themes surrounding the applications of public administration and international relations.
3. To encourage scholarship and research in the advancing fields of international relations and public administration.
4. To provide a solid understanding of current and historical events that have shaped international relations.
5. To explain the importance of being aware and respectful of ethical issues and responsible citizenship in the professional context of public administration.
6. To equip students with alternative moral and ethical frameworks for analysing and assessing contemporary debates related to public administration and international relations.
7. To produce graduates who think critically, innovatively and adaptively in the light of dynamic social, economic, and political changes.
8. To motivate students to participate in community life as active citizens.
9. To develop students’ research and analytical skills including their capacity to construct logical arguments and think critically.
10. To analyse political, social, economic and legal factors that influence international relations and public administration practice.
11. To enable students to think as researchers, developing a critical eye for statistics and data analysis.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the programme, the student will be expected to:

• Apply the public administration theories, principles and ideas to current real world situations.
• Describe the essential processes of public administration such as human and financial resource organization and management, policy-making, public budgeting and project management.
• Apply diplomacy, negotiation and conflict resolution strategies to real-world scenarios.
• Explain key fundamental ideas and concepts in international relations, including how power is gained and exercised globally, as well as how states interact with non-state actors.
• Place particular political events in broader historical, cross-national, and theoretical contexts.
• Determine the cross-cultural context of public and international organizations operating in a global setting.
• Describe the recent developments in the political, social and economic spheres and the ways these impact different countries.
• Explain the mechanisms and actors involved in the formation of public policies, as well as the impact of those policies.
• Explain key aspects of international relations such as state power, systems of governance, diplomacy, security and conflicts across different states.
• Identify the political, economic, legal, and social settings in which public policy and administration operate.
• Explain how globalization impacts the areas of international relations and public administration.
• Critically evaluate national or international policies or power dynamics.
• Describe the issues and opportunities emerging from delivering public goods and services in a diverse society.
• Coordinate effectively with others on a project.

Admission Requirements

The general admission requirements for entry to Unicaf University in Zambia Bachelor degree programmes are as outlined below.  Students are advised to contact the Office of Admissions to find out more about the range of equivalent international academic qualifications accepted.

• Regular admission to a Bachelor's degree programme requires a Full Grade 12 Certificate with 5 GCE O-levels at credit or higher including English or international equivalent qualification.
• Applicants with a Diploma or Advanced Diploma may be considered for entry.
• Applicants with a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a relevant subject area may be considered for entry to year 3 of a relevant Bachelor's degree, depending on the content of the curriculum previously taken.
• English proficiency: Grade 6 (Credit) or better on the General Certificate of Education or international equivalent qualification or demonstrated by approved English Language Tests.
• Copy of passport or national ID.

In addition to a strong academic record, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills and other relevant background information may be taken into account.