BIR Program (Undergraduates)

The BIR Program is an undergraduate program in Politics and International Relations (International Program), established by the Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University, in 2009 in response to the changing global situation and new developments in knowledge. The faculty recognized the importance of an international program in politics and international relations as a source of producing personnel essential to the country’s development. The BIR program began as the first and only program in Thailand to offer political science education in English.

Over the years, the BIR program has continuously developed, recruiting permanent faculty members from leading universities and inviting renowned external speakers, including ministers, diplomats, senior state officials, human rights activists, and those with experience in international organizations. Additionally, BIR students have the opportunity to participate in exchange and double degree programs with leading universities in countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Australia, and more. The program’s alumni have gone on to achieve success in further education or professional careers across various fields, including diplomacy, mass communication, research institutions, state enterprises, public companies, and international organizations.

Program Details

Program Name:

Bachelor of Political Science Program in Politics and International Relations (International Program)

Program Type:

The program is a full-time, English-medium undergraduate course. It offers double-degree options and follows a bi-semester system, with each regular semester lasting at least 15 weeks.

Venue:

Thammasat University (Tha Prachan Campus)

Duration of Study:

4-8 years

Number of Students:

70 per academic year

Total Tuition Fees (approximately):

THB 560,000 (non-Thai) or THB 480,000 (Thai)

Admission Qualifications:

- - A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80 from high school or the last five semesters, or equivalent
  - Valid English proficiency test results (not older than two years from the application date) meeting one of the following requirements:

a. TU-GET (Paper-based): Minimum score of 500

b. TU-GET (Computer-based): Minimum score of 61

c. TOEFL (Paper-based): Minimum score of 500

d. TOEFL (Internet-based): Minimum score of 61

e. IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0

f. SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing): Minimum score of 50 percent

g. GSAT (Reading and Writing): Minimum score of 400

- - Applicants must not be currently enrolled in another university or higher education institution, except for open universities or distance learning programs
  - Applicants must not have any medical condition that could severely hinder their academic performance
  - Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and must not have engaged in any behavior that could be deemed severely inappropriate or unethical
  - For applicants from partner universities, eligibility is subject to the terms of the relevant partnership agreements

Selection Method

- - SAT or GSAT scores with an interview (Inter Portfolio Round 1)
  - Portfolio review with an interview (Inter Portfolio Round 2)
  - Written examination in specific subjects with an interview (Inter Program Admission Round 1)

Application Period:

October to March

Curriculum Structure:

Students in the Bachelor of Political Science in Politics and International Relations (International Program/Revised Program of 2025), except those in the double-degree program, must complete a minimum of 126 credits, structured as follows:

- - General Education Courses (30 credits)
  - Major Requirement (90 credits)

a. Core Courses (30 credits)

b. Required Courses in Concentration (18 credits)

c. External Faculty Courses (3 credits)

d. Elective Courses in Concentration (18 credits)

e. Minor Courses (21 credits)

- - Free Elective Courses (6 credits).

Double-Degree Program:

Eligible BIR students who pass the selection process may participate in a double-degree program with one of the partner universities, which currently include Meiji University (Japan), Aberystwyth University (UK), and the University of Bristol (UK).