Political Science and Global Challenges at VU TSPMI: what are the differences?

The Institute of International Relations and Political Science offers a Bachelor’s degree in either Political Science or Global Challenges in Politics. What are the differences between the bachelor programmes at VU TSPMI? 

The main differences between the programmes are:  

• The Bachelor of Political Science programme is conducted in Lithuanian, while the Bachelor of Global Challenges programme is English.  
• The Global Challenges programme is focused on the global context, while the Political Science programme is more focused on the Lithuanian context.  
• The Political Science programme has a strong emphasis on qualitative and quantitative methods. The Global Challenges programme teaches not only qualitative and quantitative methods but also Big Data and New Digital research methods. 
• The Global Challenges in Politics BA programme emphasizes transferable (soft) skills, with dedicated practical subjects such as negotiation, reasoned public speaking, and clear and concise writing.  

Similarities between the programmes:  

• The subject knowledge remains the same. The course of study focuses on political science, philosophy, and economics issues.  
• Option to choose to profile. Students will have to select one of three modules in the Political Science program: Global Politics, Politics and Society, Politics and Economics. In the Global Challenges in Politics programme, students can profile and deepen their interest in the challenge of their choice through electives and mobility windows at foreign universities. 
• There is a wide range of exciting events: meetings with diplomats, national and foreign politicians, top Lithuanian and international scholars, international conferences and seminars, cinema evenings, and traditional student and Institute community celebrations. 
• Opportunities to grow in an environment open to debate and diversity of views. 
• The application of the competencies developed will be put into practice in a real-life environment through professional pieces of training.