Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the questions most frequently asked by our students and prospective students about the Department of International Relations, together with the answers. If you cannot find what you are looking for, you may contact the Head of Department or reach us through GİMER.

Questions and Answers

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1. What kind of programme is International Relations?
It is an undergraduate programme that examines the history, structure and functioning of the international system, together with the conduct of states, international organisations and non-state actors, on a theoretical foundation and within a legal framework. See the About the Programme page for details.
2. How long is the programme?
The undergraduate programme lasts four years and is based on 240 ECTS credits, organised in fall and spring semesters.
3. Is there a compulsory preparatory year?
There is no compulsory language preparatory year. However, English I, II, III and IV are compulsory courses; an exemption examination is held at the beginning of each semester, and students who pass are exempted from the relevant course.
4. Which courses are taught?
Course distribution, credits and ECTS values by academic year are on the Curricula page, and the aims, scope and weekly content of courses are on the Course Content page.
5. What divisions does the Department have?
The Department is organised into the Division of Political History and the Division of International Law, with 14 academic staff in total. See the Organisation Chart page.
6. Are double major and minor programmes available?
Yes. Students who meet the conditions set out in the relevant legislation may apply. See the Double Major and Minor Programmes page for conditions, quotas and the timetable.
7. Can I take courses from higher semesters?
Students with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 may take up to three courses from higher semesters in a given semester. See the relevant regulation.
8. Can I study abroad through Erasmus?
Yes. Students may study at partner universities under the exchange programmes announced each year. The Department's Erasmus+, Mevlana and Farabi coordinators and application links are on the Student Exchange Programmes page.
9. What are the graduation requirements?
Students must pass all compulsory courses, complete at least 240 ECTS credits and achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 out of 4.00.
10. Is a final project required and how is it prepared?
The undergraduate final project is part of the programme. The writing guide and the template can be downloaded from the Final Project page.
11. Is an internship compulsory?
There is no compulsory internship in the Department. Students may nevertheless take up voluntary internships and practical experience in public institutions, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. See Internship and Practical Experience.
12. Who is my academic adviser and when can I meet them?
An adviser is assigned for each year of study. The current list and weekly office hours are published on the Academic Advisers page.
13. In which fields can graduates work?
Graduates may work in public institutions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions; in international trade, finance and consultancy in the private sector; in non-governmental organisations, international organisations and think tanks; and in academia.
14. What is required to work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
Applications to the Candidate Career Diplomat and the Consular and Specialist Officer examinations are made as an undergraduate degree holder. The programme supports preparation through its courses in international politics, international law and diplomacy alongside foreign language courses. Examination conditions are announced by the Ministry.
15. How is foreign language teaching organised?
Compulsory English courses are part of the curriculum. The programme outcomes include learning English at an intermediate level and a second foreign language at a beginner level.
16. Are there international students in the Department?
Yes. International students make up 32.3% of the undergraduate programme. Current figures are on the Student Statistics page.
17. Are graduate programmes available?
Yes. The MA in International Relations (with thesis) and the PhD in Political Science and International Relations are offered within the Institute of Social Sciences. Admission conditions and quotas are announced by the Institute.
18. Where can I find the course and examination schedules?
The current course schedule is on the Course Schedule page and examination schedules on the Examination Schedule page. For the academic calendar see Academic Calendar.
19. How can I get support with career planning?
Academic advising, alumni meetings, conferences and seminars, and career information activities are carried out. See the Career Guidance and Development page.
20. How can I submit a question, suggestion or complaint?
You may submit complaints, requests, suggestions and information requests through the Giresun University Communication Centre GİMER. Contact details for the Department are in the Contact section at the foot of the page.
Last updated: 12 October 2026