Course Details
Why choose APU?
Requirements
Admission Requirements
- 3 Credits in at least 3 subjects including English at SPM level, with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History);
- 3 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 3 subjects including English at IGCSE/O-Levels;
- 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects including English in UEC;
- Pass relevant Certificate Programme or its equivalent;
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).
- IELTS : 5.0
- TOEFL IBT : 40
- Pearson (PTE) : 47
- MUET : Band 3.5
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Programme Outline
What We Teach
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.
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Semester 1
Semester 1 builds academic, digital, and business foundations through research skills, IT competencies, and innovation. Students develop information literacy, problem-solving, and organisational awareness, gaining confidence and preparation for structured study in international studies and related disciplines.
Modules
- Academic Research Skills
- Digital Thinking and Innovation
- Managing Business
- Practical IT Skills
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Semester 2
Semester 2 strengthens professional communication and analytical skills, introduces international relations and global dynamics, and builds quantitative data interpretation. Global business trends highlight economic interdependence, while international relations concepts, actors, and issues prepare students academically for advanced international studies.
Modules
- Professional Communications
- International Relations
- Co-Curriculum
- Global Business Trends
- Quantitative Methods
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Semester 3
Semester 3 deepens analytical and ethical understanding through quantitative, economic, and strategic perspectives. Statistics and business economics strengthen analytical reasoning, marketing develops global strategic thinking, and integrity and anti-corruption emphasise ethical governance, accountability, and transparency, enhancing critical assessment of international, economic, and governance-related issues.
Modules
- Statistical Methods
- Marketing
- Business Economics
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Semester 4
Students explore political, economic, and entrepreneurial dimensions of global affairs. International business and accounting develop financial literacy within cross-border contexts, while fundamentals of entrepreneurship encourage innovation and enterprise thinking. Modern political ideas introduce key political ideologies shaping governance systems. This semester builds a strong interdisciplinary understanding of the global political economy and institutional decision-making.
Modules
- International Business
- Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
- Modern Political Ideas
- Introduction to Accounting
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Semester 5
Semester 5 advances students’ engagement with international politics and governance through applied and regional perspectives. Foreign affairs of Malaysia enhances understanding of national diplomacy and foreign policy, while international organisations examine global governance structures. People power and revolutions in world politics explore political mobilisation and systemic change, enabling students to apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary international case studies.
Modules
- Foreign Affairs of Malaysia
- International Organisations
- People Power and Revolutions in World Politics
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Semester 6
The final semester consolidates academic and professional readiness for degree study. Globalisation, international studies, and comparative politics build analytical skills, business law enhances regulatory awareness, and environmental studies promote sustainability, preparing students for higher education and international career pathways.
- Globalisation and International Studies
- Introduction to Comparative Politics
- Legal Framework of Business
- Environmental Issues and Case Studies
**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.
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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 International Business Management with a specialism in:
- Supply Chain Management**
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management**
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in:
- E-Business**
- Digital Leadership**
- AI & Business Analytics **
- Business Economics**
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management**
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management** with a specialism in:
- People Analytics**
- 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 EntryStudents 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 Level 2 Semester 2 of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations.
For the full listing of our Diploma Programmes, please refer to the Pre-University programme brochure.
Facilities at APU
The APU Centre Point & Atrium serves as a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. Here, cultural activities are organised regularly at the campus, fostering long-lasting intercultural relationships among APU students, who come from over 130 countries.
Dual Degree
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.
Ready, Set, Go.
Whether you are locals or traveling here, we have the options for you to pursue your dreams.
RM45,000
Total for Malaysian
RM54,200
(USD14,265)
Total for International
Programme code : (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.
Note : All fees are payable in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Any USD amounts indicated by APU are for reference only and are non-binding. The final amount payable is the RM amount stated in the official invoice, and the University will not entertain any claims arising from foreign exchange fluctuations.
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