Bachelor in International Relations
- Home
- Studies
- Undergraduate Degrees
- Bachelor In International Relations
THE BACHELOR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The Bachelor in International Relations prepares students for an international career in the public, private and non-profit sectors. The program draws on the extensive expertise of IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs and the United Nations System Staff College, and guarantees world-class education. Students will be immersed in a unique learning environment where they will be shaped into tomorrow’s global leaders. They will acquire the skills needed to drive change and address complex cross-border economic, political and social challenges. The curriculum encompasses the 5Ps defined by the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership.
Well-connected and highly accredited, IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs is a member of exclusive academic alliances like the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA); the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA); the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR); and the European Alliance of Universities in Social Sciences (CIVICA). Your degree certificate will be highly prestigious!
As part of this enriching academic experience, students, have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program, emphasizing the program's commitment to fostering an international perspective.
The Bachelor in International Relations is fully compliant with the Bologna Process, and accredited by the Spanish government and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR
IS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE…
comfortable with debating and engaging in challenging issues at an international level. It’s for confident change-makers who are passionate about making a difference in the world and wish to acquire an in-depth understanding of different economic challenges, political issues, and cultures in order to solve complex global problems.
LOOKING FOR…
a multifaceted, cross-sector program that will equip them with the necessary hard and soft skills to influence policy on a global level and impact change in society.
TO BECOME...
- a senior member of the United Nations, a development bank or another multilateral organization
- a diplomat serving in your country’s Foreign Service
- an executive in a multinational corporation
- a consultant or a partner in an international consultancy firm
- a development expert in an NGO or foundation
- a leader in a political party
- a manager in a humanitarian operation
- a research manager in a think tank or academic institution
- a founder/CEO of a social business
location
location
You can study the Bachelor in International Relations in Segovia and Madrid.
If you decide to start in Segovia, you will spend year one and two at the campus in Segovia, before moving to Madrid for year three and four. If you start the program in Madrid, however, you will spend all four years of the program in the Spanish capital.
FACT SHEET
PROGRAM
Bachelor in International Relations
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGE
English
CENTRES OF STUDY AND NUMBER OF PLACES
Centro de Estudios Superiores IE (Madrid) – 160 places
Facultad de Ciencias Humanas, Sociales y de Comunicación (Segovia) – 60 places
CREDITS
Total number of credits: 240 ECTS*
Distribution of credits and subjects**:
Core subjects – 60 ECTS
Mandatory subjects – 126ECTS
Elective subjects – 42 ECTS
Final Project – 12 ECTS
AREA OF KNOWLEDGE
Social Sciences, Social Work, Labour Relations and Human Resources, Sociology, Political Science and International Relations
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
Face-to-face
SPANISH MINISTRY’S REGISTRY OF UNIVERSITIES, CENTRES AND DEGREES
ASSURANCE AGENCY
ACSUCYL*** – Buscador TÃtulos Oficiales
Â
*European Credit Transfer System
**The character of the subjects is defined by the Spanish legislation
***Quality Assurance Agency for the University System in Castilla y León
A SURE PATH TO SUCCESS
Five reasons to take the Bachelor in International Relations at IE University:
- 01.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM STAFF COLLEGE (UNSSC)
Our program has a high component of United Nations activities and content. You can complete courses designed for UN staff through a tailor-made IE University online platform and receive certified diplomas. You’ll meet United Nations experts and practitioners who teach and participate in career events and extracurricular activities. And you’ll enjoy numerous professional opportunities with the UN throughout your studies, including summer research programs, mentoring sessions with selected UN staff and capstone projects.
- 02.
LEARN BY DOING WITH OUR INNOVATIVE PEDAGOGY
Gain practical skills by participating in the UN Cybersecurity Challenge, competing with other world-renowned universities in Model United Nations conferences, and organizing our own student-led IE Model United Nations competition. Experience how international negotiations work in our US-EU Trade Simulation and our Middle East Peace Simulation. Understand humanitarian crises and responses by taking part in our Refugee Camp Simulation. Travel from your classroom to the field through our virtual reality scenarios.
- 03.
TRAVEL THE WORLD
Engage with other cultures in our highly diverse community. Explore the world and grow spiritually through our IE Transformational Journey. Spend a semester abroad in one of our prestigious partner universities in over 50 countries across all continents and enrich your academic and personal development. Learn other languages and open a world of possibilities.
- 04.
PERSONALIZE YOUR STUDIES
Decide which path you want to pursue during your studies. Enrol in seminars of your choice during the beginning of your program to complement your academic profile. Choose elective courses to explore different academic areas. Select a concentration and earn a specialization diploma in Global Affairs and Diplomacy; Peace, Conflict and Security; International Development; or International and Social Business. Define an area of interest to be the focus of your thesis.
- 05.
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Take part in a rigorous academic program with a strong focus on your professional success. Work in a lab to gain professional skills in an internship-like experience. Participate in our Professional Success workshops to improve your job-seeking skills and decide the best career path for you. Benefit from personalized mentoring and advising from our Careers Department to find an internship or a job after graduating. Strengthen your CV with academic research opportunities, including summer programs with the UNSSC, research assistantships with IE University professors, or writing in our International Policy Review. Work on a Capstone Project with a real client in a consultancy-like experience and acquire highly demanded skills.
BACHELOR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS PILLARS
A PRACTICE-BASED APPROACH
Get to grips with real-life challenges through our practical case-study approach and seminar discussions in the Policy Lab. These semester-long courses will delve into critical areas such as conflict resolution, negotiation, strategy, and public speaking. End your studies with a capstone project—a group-based, consultancy-oriented final project with a real client in the IR space. Get further experience with selective internship placements in a variety of institutions, and prepare yourself for success.
A MULTIDISCIPLINARY PROGRAM
Get a real feel for the complexity of international relations as a global discipline with our multidisciplinary approach. Students will explore topics such as the role of multilateral organizations, states, and the corporate world in shifting the international order through a variety of academic lenses, including social sciences, history, culture, economics, and politics.
MANAGEMENT IN THE GLOBAL ARENA
Acquire the skills you need to become a well-grounded global-affairs professional, adept at working in a corporate setting. Students of this program will benefit from IE University’s world-ranked experience in management and business. This is a fundamental part of becoming a decision-maker, able to manage projects and policies at the highest levels.
THINK CRITICALLY, FIND SOLUTIONS
Success in international relations requires a number of skills. Critical thinking is as important as the ability to influence actors and negotiate effectively. Learn to apply all these analytical and reasoning skills, alongside the art of persuasion and diplomacy, to bring about solutions at an international level.
DISCOVER THE IE SCHOOL OF POLITICS, ECONOMICS & GLOBAL AFFAIRS
At IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, we promote diverse points of view and perspectives. Our students benefit from valuable connections within our extensive global network. We have garnered global recognition, holding international accreditations, fostering partnerships with over 200 universities through exchange programs, collaborating with esteemed international institutions and establishing numerous agreements with various organizations and companies, providing extensive professional opportunities.
Manuel Muñiz, Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, explains our mission and what makes us exceptional.
Student Stories
At IE University, more than 75% of our student body comes from outside Spain, representing an average of 130 nationalities on campus each year. We take great pride in these numbers—and in the individuals behind them.Â
Our students are natural go-getters with a global outlook and a dream of a better future. Regardless of their degrees or passions, they strive every day to unleash their innovative potential and reach their goals. Driving this shared vision are people from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. They are both united and entirely unique. These are our students. Discover their stories.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Borja Santos, Executive Director at IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, explains in-depth the Bachelor in International Relations.
Faculty Stories
Our 500-strong faculty guides students to unleash their potential day in, day out. Their influence across all five Schools can’t be overstated, inspiring young, energetic minds as they define their personal and professional trajectories.Â
But what kind of person does it take to create such impact? The individuals that make up the IE University faculty are special. Coming from diverse, global backgrounds, they each bring distinct perspectives and innovative ideas that embody what makes IE University stand out. Their stories are personal and unique—but don’t take our word for it. Read their stories to see for yourself.
UNSURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT PROGRAM TO HELP YOU ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
Discover the Bachelor in International Relations related programs:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is international relations a good major?
Yes, the Bachelor in International Relations prepares students for an international career in the public, private and non-profit sectors. At IE University the program draws on the extensive expertise of IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs and the United Nations System Staff College, and guarantees world-class education. Students will be immersed in a unique learning environment where they will be shaped into tomorrow’s global leaders. The curriculum encompasses the 5Ps defined by the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership.
Is there a demand for international relations?
Yes, there is a demand for professionals with expertise in international relations. In today's interconnected world, countries, organizations, and individuals need to understand global issues and challenges to make informed decisions. International relations professionals are sought after in various industries, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, international organizations, multinational corporations, and think tanks. They work in roles such as diplomats, analysts, consultants, researchers, policy advisors, and more. As globalization continues to impact the world, the demand for individuals with knowledge and skills in international relations is likely to increase.
Is studying IR worth it?
Whether studying International Relations (IR) is worth it depends on your interests, career goals, and personal aspirations. Studying IR can provide you with a deep understanding of global issues, politics, and diplomacy, which can be useful in a variety of career paths. It can also provide you with skills such as critical thinking, analysis, research, and communication that are highly valued by employers. At IE University students will be immersed in a unique learning environment where they will be shaped into tomorrow’s global leaders. They will acquire the skills needed to drive change and address complex cross-border economic, political and social challenges.