The Bachelor's degree program in Political Science at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has received accreditation from the ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance (AUN-QA).
In an interview with a reporter from the Vietnam Education e-magazine, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu - Head of the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, stated: Political science is a social science related to governance systems, political ideology, and the analysis of activities in the political field.
Accordingly, students majoring in Political Science will be equipped with both foundational theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to many fields within the Social Sciences such as Public Policy, Law, International Relations, Communication, etc. Based on this, learners will develop the ability to apply the theories, methods, and professional skills of Political Science in relevant fields and activities.
Currently in Vietnam, many people still understand Political Science in a narrow sense, limited to just the word "politics," while the field of study is very broad in scope, plays a significant role in society, and can complement many positions and professions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu (Head of the Department of Political Science)
Agreeing with the above viewpoint, Ms. Vu Thi Huyen Trang, lecturer in Political Theory at Capital University, said: "Most people still understand and imagine Political Science as a field of study that focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of politics in a dry and boring way. Studying this field will only be suitable for those who have the need and orientation to work within the political system."
However, in reality, the field of Political Science is very diverse, and the knowledge gained from this discipline is interdisciplinary and applicable, enabling one to work in many different positions and jobs.
Knowledge of Political Science can be beneficial in many fields and professions.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu, the notion that graduates must work in their field of study is merely a criterion for evaluating the quality of graduates from all disciplines.
The notion that graduates in Political Science can only work in the "political field" has narrowed the potential for the field to contribute to society. In reality, career opportunities for Political Science graduates are very broad, with a wide variety of job positions available.
Professor Chieu stated that, in the context of education in the Industry 4.0 era, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, along with the Faculty's leadership, has set the requirement to constantly innovate and improve training programs in an interdisciplinary direction, increasing practicality to equip learners with specialized, multidisciplinary, and multi-field knowledge, as well as comprehensive professional skills to meet the needs of the labor market and the mission and responsibility of basic science disciplines in the Vietnamese higher education system.
Accordingly, besides being able to take on specific job positions, graduates in Political Science can also effectively perform advisory, consultative, and policy-critical functions in agencies responsible for formulating the Party and State's guidelines and policies; political and social organizations, professional and social organizations, international organizations, and economic organizations in the public and private sectors.
Nguyen Duc Trung, currently an editor at Media 21 Lab, and a former student of the Faculty of Political Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, shared: Political science students are equipped with a wide range of knowledge. Therefore, after graduation, students have diverse career options with many positions and opportunities to work in various organizations.
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Graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science can become lecturers, theoretical researchers, officials in local or central government agencies or public institutions, journalists, marketing professionals in private companies, or even entrepreneurs. Job opportunities for Political Science graduates are vast and diverse, spanning many fields. However, it is crucial for students to cultivate skills and social connections during their university years. This will prepare them to seize any opportunities that may arise, even before graduating."Mr. Trung shared.
Students at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities are not only equipped with in-depth knowledge but also directly participate in scientific research activities on practical issues currently facing the university.
We cannot refrain from training just because a language is difficult.
In reality, many students are still hesitant about the distinctive name of the field of study, but according to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu, we cannot be afraid to train students just because of the difficult name, because each field of study has different principles, purposes, responsibilities, and socio-political missions.
As modern society develops, knowledge of political science becomes increasingly important and valuable for many jobs and professions. Specifically, in the field of journalism and media, relying solely on journalistic skills without a fundamental knowledge base on political issues, the characteristics of political systems, and the relationships between stakeholders within those systems will make it very difficult to perform well. The more developed society becomes, the more professions and fields require political science expertise and knowledge, such as: policy consulting, startup support, law, journalism and media, foreign affairs, and international cooperation.
Therefore, training high-quality human resources in Political Science is not only about meeting the needs of practice but also a national mission and responsibility of leading institutions in basic sciences such as the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
To fulfill that mission effectively, according to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu, the Political Science department needs to focus on the quality of training rather than chasing after the number of students enrolled. Currently, at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the Political Science department prioritizes enrolling students to meet the set target. Specifically, for each course, the number of students is set at 60/course, which is just enough for the university to focus on training and providing the best possible care and support for students.
Innovate training methods in the field of study to adapt to practical realities.
To ensure society continues to have a comprehensive understanding of Political Science, according to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu, it is necessary to constantly innovate the content and methods of training so that theory and politics can be transformed into policies, promoting interdisciplinary applications to adapt to and suit the changes in society.
Specifically, in terms of specialization, the Political Science program at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, is currently promoting "professional application" by identifying six main training directions including: Party and State Administration, Vietnamese Politics, Ho Chi Minh Studies, Policy Communication, Comparative Political Science, and Global Politics.
The school emphasizes strengthening practical modules to help students develop professional skills and apply theory to practice. Every year, the school organizes and supports students through international exchange activities with professors, experts, and students from major universities around the world.
Academic exchange session between Political Science students and Professor Detlef Briesen, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
The university regularly and consistently implements faculty and student exchange programs with partners from South Korea, Japan, China, the United States, the Russian Federation, and other countries over the years.
In addition to internships within the training program, students also participate in short-term experiential trips and visits to businesses and organizations in various locations. Through these activities, students acquire new knowledge and gain valuable practical experience.
Political Science students participate in a field trip to Nam Dinh province.
After completing their regular undergraduate program, Political Science students at VNU-USSH have many opportunities to transfer to higher education.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu, the opportunity to pursue higher education and simultaneously hold two official university degrees from VNU-USSH provides a favorable stepping stone for career advancement and high prospects for future success in Political Science.
In addition, Political Science students at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, benefit from the dual degree program offered by Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Specifically, students can pursue a second university degree at the university's faculties/institutes, as well as at several member universities of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, such as the University of Law, the University of Education, and the University of Foreign Languages.
Political Science is also one of the nine basic science disciplines that Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) are interested in investing in. Outstanding students in the nine basic science disciplines (including Political Science) have the opportunity to receive the Talent Attraction Scholarship (including tuition fee waiver, free accommodation, a living allowance of 2 million VND/month, with a total support amount that can reach up to 50 million VND/student/year). In addition, students have the opportunity to receive many scholarships and academic support from domestic and international corporations and businesses.
Students from 9 basic science majors at VNU-USSH receive scholarships from the KBSV Young Scientist Incubation Program – Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
Students from the Faculty of Political Science, along with students from 16 other faculties/departments/institutes of VNU-USSH, received scholarships awarded by SHB Bank.
