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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?
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Get an inside look at what makes this program truly exceptional
In this exclusive overview, Borja Santos, Academic Director from the Bachelor in International Relations, walks you through the core elements that shape the program’s vision, structure, and impact.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR
This 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.
EXPLORE OUR CAMPUSES & LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS IN SPAIN
Segovia Campus
A historic campus at IE University in a UNESCO World Heritage city, offering a close-knit academic environment with spaces designed for collaboration and creativity.
Madrid CampusÂ
A vertical campus at IE University in the heart of Madrid, offering a contemporary academic environment, an international community, and direct access to industry and entrepreneurship.
The program from a student perspective
 5 REASONS TO STUDY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AT IE
 5 REASONS TO STUDY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AT IE
Five reasons to take the Bachelor in International Relations at IE University:
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.
CORE PILLARS OF OUR BACHELOR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
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.
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.
THE DUAL DEGREES OF IE UNIVERSITY
Develop a multidisciplinary profile and specialize in two distinct, yet connected fields, by combining another bachelor degree with your studies in this program.
UNSURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT PROGRAM TO HELP YOU ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
Discover the Bachelor in International Relations related programs:
Read our blog
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A BACHELOR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS?
A 4-year undergraduate degree at IE University combining political science, economics and law, preparing students for careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors.
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IS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS A GOOD MAJOR FOR THE CORPORATE MARKET?
Yes. Graduates develop skills in negotiation, cross-cultural communication and strategic analysis valued by multinational corporations, not only by governments and NGOs.
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IS STUDYING INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS WORTH THE INVESTMENT?
Yes. The program combines practical case studies, IE University Labs, selective internship opportunities and a final thesis or consultancy-based capstone project. The Bachelor in International Relations is accredited by the Spanish government and complies with the European Higher Education Area. IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs is also a member of APSIA, NASPAA, ECPR and CIVICA.
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IS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS A DIFFICULT MAJOR TO COMPLETE?
It requires strong analytical and communication skills, but the program builds these progressively across 4 years, including language courses and hands-on labs.
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WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CAREERS?
International relations graduates can pursue careers across the public, private and nonprofit sectors, including diplomacy, international organizations, consulting, international business, policy analysis, development and corporate affairs.
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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A BACHELOR OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS?
Careers as a diplomat, intelligence analyst, political analyst, international consultant, NGO development expert or corporate executive, among others.
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IS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN HIGH DEMAND?
Yes. Professionals with international relations expertise are sought after by government agencies, nonprofit and international organizations, multinational corporations and think tanks. Potential roles include diplomat, analyst, consultant, researcher and policy adviser.
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WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED FOR IR? Â Â
Critical thinking, negotiation, cross-cultural communication, and the ability to analyze complex political, economic and social systems.
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WHAT IS THE HIGHEST PAID JOB IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS?
Some potentially high-paying careers in international relations include international lawyer, international business development manager, international economist, international marketing director and foreign service officer. Salaries vary significantly by country, employer, experience and role.
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