Investigating Enrollment Decline in Political Science and International Relations Programmes in the Kurdistan Region

Abstract

Student enrolment in Political Science, International Relations and Diplomacy (IRD) is alarmingly low. In order to tackle this problem, this research aims to first determine the causes behind the decline in student enrollment in Political Science, International Relations, and Diplomacy programmes. Secondly, to explore the cultural, economic, and educational factors contributing to this downturn. Thirdly, examine the impact on academia, policymaking, and society at large. Finally, to develop workable plans and strategies to reverse this trend and highlight the value of studying Political Science, International Relations, and Diplomacy. The methodology that is employed to undertake this study is Focus Group Discussion (FGD), where educators, researchers, legislators, and other stakeholders interested in these fields across many universities in the Kurdistan Region collaborate to discuss the issue and come out with realistic conclusionsand recommendations. In addition,we gathered statistics about the number ofstudents enrolled in such departments from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The data will be analysed descriptively and thematically. The significance of this project lies in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 4: Quality Education and number 16: Peace, Justice,and Strong Institutions of the United Nations. The results showed the students'interest has changed in considering such courses to be studied by many of them.

Keywords

• sdgs
• kurdistan universities
• political science
• international relations
• diplomacy