Programme Overview

Academic Level

Bachelor's Degree,

Awarded by

University of London, UK

Programme type

Full-time, 3 years

Campus location

SIM Campus

Application Dates

Applications are open till 2 Feb 2025 (local and international applicants)

Estimated Fees
(incl. GST)*

S$26,440 to S$42,335

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* All fees inclusive of current 9% GST (exclude textbooks / course materials, SIM application fee, preparatory / bridging course fee, and other fees). Refer to GST Notes under Fees Tab for more information.

Programme Outline

Awarded by University of London, UK and Developed by federation member, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.

Critical understanding of international issues

International relations is the study of the interaction of nation-states and non-governmental organizations in fields such as politics, economics, and security. It is suitable for those who wish to work in academia, government, and non-profits to understand and develop cooperative exchanges between nations that benefit commerce, security, quality of life, and the environment. It provides a framework for students to understand the international aspects of world problems such as environmental degradation, trade conflicts and globalisation.

Prerequisite(s)

In order to cope with the demands of the subjects in international relations, students must have a good command of the English Language.

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Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be able to:

Engage critically with a range of materials about contemporary international relations;
Plan and produce lucid, coherent, analytic written work;
Establish a framework to understand the international aspects of problems such as environmental degradation and economic globalisation.

Further Studies & Career Prospects

Graduates may progress to postgraduate studies either locally or overseas.

This programme is designed for those who wish to pursue a career in private and public sectors that require knowledge of international trends and development, cultural empathy, and an understanding of transnational changes.

Job positions include business analysts, trade and business journalists, research analysts in governmental bodies, NGOs and think-tanks.

Overall employment rate for SIM-UOL graduates: 82.3%*

*Based on the SIM Graduate Employment Survey 2022/23 conducted by Media Research Consultants on the 2022 cohort of graduates from the full-time Bachelor degree programmes, approximately 6 months after completing their studies. The overall employment rate includes graduates in both full-time and part-time employment.

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Hear from our students

Marcus Chee / Jonah Foong

The courage to steer away from a familiar path to nurture an underlying passion, or pursue an interest discovered midway is laudable. What better way to appreciate this than hearing the real stories of those who have self-discovered, recalibrated and made informed shifts towards fulfilling careers of their yearning? Hear first-hand from former engineering students Marcus Chee and Jonah Foong, who graduated with First Class Honours, from the University of London’s BSc (Hons) in International Relations (BIR) programme at SIM.

Read story

Why study at SIM x University of London

SIM is the leading private education institution in Singapore.

Excellent value, with opportunities for overseas study.

Globally recognised – Programmes offered have the same academic standards as the London School of Economics and University of London, UK.

LSE is one of the foremost social science universities in the world with a worldwide reputation for the quality of its reasearch.

Learn more about the University of London

Intake Dates

2025 Aug intake

PROGRAMME DURATION

Aug 2025 to Jun 2028 (3 years)

APPLICATION PERIOD

Applications are open till 2 Feb 2025 (Local and Intl).

Early submission of application is strongly recommended.

2025 Sep intake

PROGRAMME DURATION

Sep 2025 to Jun 2028 (3 years)

APPLICATION PERIOD

Applications are open till 2 Feb 2025 (Local and Intl).

Early submission of application is strongly recommended.

Minimum / Maximum Candidature Period
Standard BSc (Hons) (12 modules) 3 years / 6 years
Graduate BSc (Hons) (9 modules) 2 years / 6 years

*The candidature period may be extended by the University on a case-by-case basis.
No refund or recourse should student fail to complete within the maximum period.

SIM reserves the right to recommend and withdraw a student who cannot cope with the demands of the programme, especially when the student’s pass has expired.

Curriculum

Structure

Blended lectures, group discussions, workshops and online study.
Duration of each lesson is 3 hours.
Classes are taught by local faculty, supplemented by webinars by the London School of Economics on the Virtual Learning Environment.
View a list of lecturers (PDF 95.2 KB)

Academic materials include Virtual Learning Environment, SIMConnect portal, subject guides, past exam papers and exam commentaries, reading lists and handbooks on good study strategies.
Learning support include intensive revision, classes on study skills, academic writing and the Peer-Assisted Learning sessions.
Minimum class size to commence is 25 students. Students will be informed within 30 days after the application period.
Full time classes are held in three-hour blocks between Monday and Friday, starting at 8.30am, 12pm, or 3.30pm. There are occasional classes on weeknights at 7pm and weekends.
View sample of full-time class schedule (PDF 67 KB)
Average teacher-student ratio: 1:79

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Assessment & Attendance

Assessment by the University is made up of examinations and coursework (for selected modules).
Attendance and Coursework are part of the University's requirements to sit for the examinations every May/June. SIM students may take resits in the Oct/Nov sitting.
A pass or exemption from at least two Level 100 modules is required before they attempt Level 200/300 modules.

Students may have a maximum of 3 attempts for each paper prior to classification.
Key dates:
- University Exams: May – Jun 2025
- Results released: Mid-Aug 2025
Attendance requirement:
- Local: 75%
- International (Dependent Pass holders/ Long-term Visit Pass holders): 90%

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Requirements to Graduate

The award of the BSc (Hons) degree requires successful completion of all 12 modules (standard entry) or 9 modules (graduate entry).

Grading Scheme:
- 70-100: First Class Honours
- 60-69: Second Upper Class Honours
- 50-59: Second Lower Class Honours
- 40-49: Third Class Honours
- 0-39: Fail
Graduates can attend the SIM ceremony held every April on campus. Alumni may also attend the University of London graduation ceremony held in end-April/ May in the UK.

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Modules

100 modules
1. IR1198 International relations: theories, concepts and debates**
2. PS1172 Introduction to political science or PS1130 Introduction to international political thought
3. One 100 module (or two half modules) from Selection group F1
4. * One 100 module (or two half modules) from Selection group F1

200 and 300 modules
5. IR3210 International political economy (EC1002 or IR1011 or IR1198**)
6. IR2209 International political theory (IR1011 or IR1198**)
7. IR2085 International organisations (IR1011 or IR1198**)
8. IR2214 Foreign policy analysis (IR1011 or IR1198**)
9. IR3140 Security in international relations (IR1011 or IR1198**)
10. One 300 module from Selection group IR or P
11. One module from Selection group E, IR or P
12.* One 100, 200 or 300 module (or two half modules) chosen from any of the Selection group

Notes:
* RPL awarded from one named or unnamed 100 module can be placed here.
** IR1198 International relations: theories, concepts and debates is the replacement course for IR1011 Introduction to international relations from August 2022.

View 2024-2025 modules offered at SIM

View modules information

Admission Criteria

Accepted Entry Qualifications

Standard Entry Requirements:
General Entrance Requirements (GER) are:

Applicant must be 17 years or older by 30 November in the year of registration with UOL
Two approved GCE ‘A’ /H2 level subjects and three approved GCE ‘O’ level subjects, OR
Three approved GCE ‘A’ /H2 level subjects and one approved GCE ‘O’ level subject, OR
Three H2 passes provided that at least grades D, E, E are obtained, OR
Two H2 and two H1 passes provided they are in non-overlapping subjects, OR
Its equivalent

The following qualifications* meet GER for admission into Year 1:

Diploma in Accounting, Banking and Finance, International Business and Management Studies awarded by SIM
Diplomas awarded by Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic or Temasek Polytechnic

Graduate Entry Requirements:

Applicant must be 17 years or older by 30 November in the year of registration with UOL
A first degree completed in a minimum of three years duration on a full-time basis (or equivalent) from a university or other institution acceptable to the University of London

View the University of London Prospectus.

*All listings are not exhaustive and they are subject to annual revision.

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Equivalent International Qualifications

University of London International Foundation Certificate
University of London Certificate of Higher Education in Social Sciences

For information on international qualifications, refer to SIM’s International Student Prospectus.

Other Requirements

GCE ‘O’ level - C6 or better in English

Alternatively, candidates should have one of the following qualifications:

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, OR
Cambridge English Language 1119 (at grade 6 or better) conducted by University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate OR IGCSE English as a 2nd Language, passed at grade B or above, OR
IB Diploma - English at grade 4 or better

Candidates may also take a Test of Proficiency to meet the English Language course requirement, provided they have been awarded within the past three years.

TOEFL - a score of 580 (computerised - 237) plus TWE - 4.5, OR
Internet based TOEFL - a score of 87, at least 21 in both the reading and writing skills sub-tests, and at least 19 in both the speaking and listening skills sub-tests, OR
IELTS – overall score of at least 6 with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four sub-tests

Learn more about other UK GCSE equivalents

GCE ’O’ Level Maths passed at Grade C6 or better
Local polytechnic diploma with 2 acceptable Maths at grade B or better. Acceptable Maths includes polytechnic modules in Mathematics, Engineering Mathematics, Statistics, Business Statistics and Calculus
Malaysia SPM Maths passed at Grade 6C or better
Malaysia UEC Maths passed at Grade C8 or better
IB Diploma (Must have completed Mathematics / Mathematical Studies at Higher / Standard Level at grade 3 or better)
NUS High School upon successful completion
IFP upon successful completion with a pass in Mathematics
Pass Mathematics in the SIM Bridging Course for Economics, Mathematics and Accounting (EMA)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is the recognition of previously acquired learning which may be awarded if you have previously studied a similar module in the same depth, and you achieved good marks in the corresponding examination. A student who is awarded RPL for a specific module is considered to be exempted from the module.

You would need to complete all coursework and assessment for your Polytechnic or SIM Diploma before you embark on the bridging course. The qualification must have been obtained within the five years preceding the application for RPL.

Qualifications that do not qualify for an automatic exemption will require an exemption application fee of £113 per full module or £58 per half module. For the bridging courses listed in the next section which meet the UOL automatic exemption requirement, no exemption application fee is needed.

For more information on RPL, visit the UOL website.

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Bridging Courses

All bridging courses are developed and awarded by the Singapore Institute of Management Pte Ltd, Singapore. There will be only one intake per year.

To be eligible for the Bridging programme, applicants must first meet the entry requirements and be accepted into a Bachelor's degree programme. This applies to both Bridging (EMA) and Bridging (EMFSS).

Bridging Course for Economics, Mathematics and Accounting (EMA)

Course Fees: S$850.20 per module, inclusive of 9% GST, payable at the start of each intake

Course Dates:

Economics and Mathematics: Jun – Jul 2025 (FT / PT)
Mathematics and Accounting: Jul – Aug 2025 (FT only)

Attendance requirement:

Local: 75%
International (inclusive of Dependent Pass/Long-term Visit Pass holders): 90%

Applications open for EMA Bridging (Jun 2025 intake) till 2 Feb 2025 (Local and Intl).

Applications open for EMA Bridging (Jul 2025 intake) till 2 Feb 2025 (Local and Intl).

The two-month intensive bridging EMA course via either face-to-face or blended learning is targeted at business-related diploma holders intending to study for a UOL degree in an accelerated mode.

Depending on the applicant’s prior academic background and the University of London academic credit exemption system, they are allowed to study up to two modules. It will either be a combination of Mathematics with Economics or Mathematics with Accounting.

Bridging module(s) will be offered based on the degree applied.

The average teacher-student ratio is 1:55 for full-time Bridging EMA, and 1:47 for part-time Bridging EMA.

View more course details (PDF 5.2 KB)
Download a sample timetable (PDF 74 KB)
View a list of lecturers (PDF 65.4 KB)

Bridging courses and their corresponding RPL:

Bridging modules	RPL from UOL modules in
Economics	EC1002 Introduction to economics (full module)
Mathematics	MT105A Mathematics 1 (half module)
Accounting	AC1025 Principles of accounting (full module)

Certification
A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successful passing of the Bridging (EMA) programme. There will not be any refund or recourse should students fail to complete the course within the specified duration.

Notes:

Min 25pax to start the course. The student shall be informed within one month before programme commencement.
All bridging courses are 100% written exams that are set and marked by SIM lecturers. 
Students must pass with at least a C grade (40%) in all bridging examinations to qualify for RPL.
Fees do not include textbooks and application fee.

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Fees & Financial Aid

All fees inclusive of current 9% GST (exclude textbooks / course materials). The estimated overall fees are payable in instalments. The amount of each instalment is dependent on the number of modules undertaken for each semester and based on the following components:

SIM Programme Fees, UOL Module Fees and Exam-related Fees - Payable and calculated on a per module basis.

View all payment modes

Programme Fees

Estimated Overall Fees (FT/PT)

Standard Entry BSc (12 modules for 3 years)	Year 1: S$13,120 Year 2: S$13,240 Year 3: S$13,485 Total programme fee: S$39,845
Standard Entry BSc with exemption from 4 full modules (8 modules for 2 years)	Year 2: S$13,160 Year 3: S$13,280 Total programme fee: S$26,440
Graduate Entry BSc (9 modules for 2 years)	Year 1: S$13,160 Year 2: S$16,600 Total programme fee: S$29,760

Breakdown of Estimated Overall Fees

Payable to SIM	12 full modules: S$22,628.40 8 full modules: S$15,085.60 9 full modules: S$16,971.30
Payable to University of London (UOL)	UOL Application Fee (One-Time Payment): £65.40 UOL Module Fee (12 modules for 3 years): £8,631.80 UOL Module Fee (8 modules for 2 years): £5,613.06 UOL Module Fee (9 modules for 2 years): £6,331.81 Exam admin fee (Per paper): S$203

Additional UOL and SIM fees apply for those who repeat/resit the coursework/exam and also for those who extend their registration with the University.

*The fees above are inclusive of the prevailing Goods and Services Tax.
While SIM fees do not fluctuate during a student's study period, the other fees to UOL are likely to increase each year.

Estimated Overall Fees (FT/PT)

Standard Entry BSc (12 modules for 3 years)	Year 1: S$13,950 Year 2: S$14,070 Year 3: S$14,315 Total programme fee: S$42,335
Standard Entry BSc with exemption from 4 full modules (8 modules for 2 years)	Year 2: S$13,990 Year 3: S$14,110 Total programme fee: S$28,100
Graduate Entry BSc (9 modules for 2 years)	Year 1: S$13,990 Year 2: S$17,635 Total programme fee: S$31,625

Breakdown of Estimated Overall Fees

Payable to SIM	12 full modules: S$25,113.60 8 full modules: S$16,742.40 9 full modules: S$18,835.20
Payable to University of London (UOL)	UOL Application Fee (One-Time Payment): £65.40 UOL Module Fee (12 modules for 3 years): £8,631.80 UOL Module Fee (8 modules for 2 years): £5,613.06 UOL Module Fee (9 modules for 2 years): £6,331.81 Exam admin fee (Per paper): S$203

Additional UOL and SIM fees apply for those who repeat/resit the coursework/exam and also for those who extend their registration with the University.

*The fees above are inclusive of the prevailing Goods and Services Tax.
While SIM fees do not fluctuate during a student's study period, the other fees to UOL are likely to increase each year.

S$850.20 per module for Bridging EMA

Mandatory Fees

All fees inclusive of prevailing GST.

Student Development Fee

Applicable to all students embarking on a full-time Diploma or Undergraduate programme at SIM. This fee goes towards activities that will help in students’ personal growth and equip them with functional skills that enhance their employability.

Payable with the programme fees’ first instalment.

S$512.30

International Student Induction Fee

A one-time fee payable by new full-time international students. This fee covers pre-arrival and arrival support, including activities to enhance the international student learning experience.

As applicable, payable with the programme fee's first instalment.

S$436.00

Application Fee

Payable for each application form that is submitted. Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The fee will be refunded fully only if the intake does not commence. Unpaid applications will not be processed.

Local applicants: S$109.00
International applicants: S$545.00 (not inclusive of Student’s Pass application)

Scholarships & Bursaries

SIM GE Bursary

The SIM GE Bursary aims to provide financial assistance to needy students studying at SIM GE. This award is given based on our eligibility criteria, as well as the assessed level of neediness of the applicants.

Learn more

SIM GE Bursary

SIM GE Scholarship

The SIM GE Scholarship is given to students with exemplary academic results or achievements in sports and arts. It is applicable to Singapore citizens, permanent residents and international students.

Learn more

SIM GE Scholarship

Upcoming Events

Events

Future Beyond Os, As and Poly 2025

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Bachelor of Science (Honours) in International Relations

Programme Overview

Academic Level

Awarded by

Programme type

Campus location

Application Dates

Estimated Fees (incl. GST)*

Programme Outline

Learning Outcomes

Further Studies & Career Prospects

Hear from our students

Marcus Chee / Jonah Foong

Why study at SIM x University of London

Intake Dates

2025 Aug intake

2025 Sep intake

Curriculum

Structure

Assessment & Attendance

Requirements to Graduate

Modules

Standard Entry Route

Standard Entry Route

Graduate Entry Route

Graduate Entry Route

Admission Criteria

Accepted Entry Qualifications

Equivalent International Qualifications

Other Requirements

English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

Mathematics Requirements

Mathematics Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Bridging Courses

Fees & Financial Aid

Programme Fees

For Local Students

For Local Students

For International Students

For International Students

Bridging Course Fees

Bridging Course Fees

Mandatory Fees

Scholarships & Bursaries

SIM GE Bursary

SIM GE Scholarship

Upcoming Events

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Programme Guidance

Programme Listing

Estimated Fees
(incl. GST)*