February Intake 2026Late Admission for the February 2026 intake will open on Thursday, 29th January 2026 at 12:00 pm. The application deadline is Wednesday, 11th February 2026 at 2:00 pm.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations

Level: Bachelors Degree(MNQF Level 7)
Duration: 3 years(6 Semesters)
Modes: Available Modes (Full-Time)
Course Fee: Course FeeMVR 33,150 (Applicable for Free First Degree Scheme)

current Intake: February Intake 2026
Campus: Male' (Full-Time (Evening))

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Overview

In recent years the Maldives has seen the birth of new political concepts like democracy. The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of politics and government and an opportunity to become knowledgeable in major trends, debates, theories and methods in political science. The programme will build students’ analytical skills to better understand politics and government in both the Maldivian and international contexts. The programme offers a wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from areas such as political theory, human rights, gender studies, politics of development and environment, governance and international relations. Completion of the course will also prepare students for further research and graduate studies in the areas related to Political Science and International Relations.

Entry Requirements

General Entry

i) Two passes at GCE AL/HSC or equivalent and certified proficiency in English Language (GCE O'Level/IGCSE English Language or satisfactory performance in a written test of English Language or equivalent); OR
ii) Attainment of a Level 4 qualification in a related field; OR
iii) Completion of MNU Certificate 4 - Foundation Studies program (any) or equivalent; OR

Alternative Entry

i) Completion of a level 4 qualification (unrelated) and successful completion of MQA approved University Preparation Program; OR
ii) 20 years old, completion of secondary school, 2 years of relevant work experience and successful completion of MQA approved University Preparation Program

General Notes

Entry requirements are indicative. Depending on the sequence and the number of applications received, all qualifying students may not gain entry.
Circumstances may require the University to defer or cancel some courses, especially when the minimum class size (10 for certificate & diploma courses, 15 for Degrees courses) is not achieved.
Passes at GCE OL/SSC and HSC is considered to be grades "C" or above and passes at GCE AL is considered to be the grades "E" or above.

Structure

Semester 1

Type	Code	Name	Prerequisites	Credit Points	Fee (MVR)
CORE	DHI113 Dhivehi for Professionals (CORE)	Dhivehi for Professionals	Nil	15 Dhivehi for Professionals (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	GEN105 Academic Discourse (CORE)	Academic Discourse	Nil	15 Academic Discourse (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	HIS101 Ancient History of the Maldives (CORE)	Ancient History of the Maldives	Nil	15 Ancient History of the Maldives (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL103 Introduction to Political Science (CORE)	Introduction to Political Science	Nil	15 Introduction to Political Science (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
Semester Total				Semester Total	60	5,400 5,400

Semester 2

Type	Code	Name	Prerequisites	Credit Points	Fee (MVR)
CORE	POL105 Introduction to Political Theory (CORE)	Introduction to Political Theory	Nil	15 Introduction to Political Theory (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL107 Introduction to International Relations (CORE)	Introduction to International Relations	Nil	15 Introduction to International Relations (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL109 Islam & Political Thought (CORE)	Islam & Political Thought	Nil	15 Islam & Political Thought (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL111 Maldivian Government (CORE)	Maldivian Government	Nil	15 Maldivian Government (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
Semester Total				Semester Total	60	5,400 5,400

Semester 3

Type	Code	Name	Prerequisites	Credit Points	Fee (MVR)
CORE	POL203 Culture & Politics in a Modern World (CORE)	Culture & Politics in a Modern World	POL103	15 Culture & Politics in a Modern World (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL205 Politics of Development & Environment (CORE)	Politics of Development & Environment	POL103	15 Politics of Development & Environment (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL207 Foreign Policy (CORE)	Foreign Policy	POL103	15 Foreign Policy (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	PSY201 Critical Thinking (CORE)	Critical Thinking	Nil	15 Critical Thinking (CORE) (15) (15)	2,100 2,100
Semester Total				Semester Total	60	6,150 6,150

Semester 4

Type	Code	Name	Prerequisites	Credit Points	Fee (MVR)
CORE	HIS201 Medieval History of Maldives (CORE)	Medieval History of Maldives	Nil	15 Medieval History of Maldives (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL201 Politics & International Human Rights (CORE)	Politics & International Human Rights	POL103 & POL107	15 Politics & International Human Rights (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL209 Governance and Democracy (CORE)	Governance and Democracy	POL103 & POL107	15 Governance and Democracy (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL211 Documenting Politics in Print & Digital Media (CORE)	Documenting Politics in Print & Digital Media	Nil	15 Documenting Politics in Print & Digital Media (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
Semester Total				Semester Total	60	5,400 5,400

Semester 5

Type	Code	Name	Prerequisites	Credit Points	Fee (MVR)
CORE	POL301 Political Leadership (CORE)	Political Leadership	POL103	15 Political Leadership (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL303 Research & Political Science: Skills and Methods (CORE)	Research & Political Science: Skills and Methods	Nil	15 Research & Political Science: Skills and Methods (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL305 International Organizations (CORE)	International Organizations	POL103 & POL107	15 International Organizations (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL307 International Law (CORE)	International Law	POL103 & POL107	15 International Law (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
Semester Total				Semester Total	60	5,400 5,400

Semester 6

Type	Code	Name	Prerequisites	Credit Points	Fee (MVR)
CORE	HIS301 Modern Maldivian History (CORE)	Modern Maldivian History	Nil	15 Modern Maldivian History (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL309 Politics of Gender (CORE)	Politics of Gender	POL103	15 Politics of Gender (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL311 Comparative Politics & Public Policy (CORE)	Comparative Politics & Public Policy	POL103	15 Comparative Politics & Public Policy (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
CORE	POL313 Regional Politics and SAARC (CORE)	Regional Politics and SAARC	POL107	15 Regional Politics and SAARC (CORE) (15) (15)	1,350 1,350
Semester Total				Semester Total	60	5,400 5,400

Course Total

360 CP

Total: 33,150

33,150

Fees stated above are tuition fees for local students. Fees for international students is twice the stated fees. All fees are quoted in MVR.

While every reasonable effort has been exerted to ensure the accuracy of the fees published by the Maldives National University, it is important to note that the University reserves the prerogative to modify fees without prior notification, whether prompted by altered circumstances or otherwise. Applicants are hereby alerted to the fact that the outlined plans for various courses (including but not limited to lecturers and terms) as disclosed in the University's publications are indicative of intent. Such representations shall not be construed as constituting a binding offer or covenant for which the University assumes liability. Should you desire to pursue a specific subject as an elective, it is incumbent upon you to verify its availability in the respective term. In the event of any verbal communication from a University representative conflicting with a document officially published by the University, the latter shall be deemed authoritative.

Careers

Foreign Service Political Analyst Civil Service Teaching Campaign management Social Researcher Public Affairs consultant NGO work Policy Analyst