Bachelor in International Relations
Become an actor at a global level
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.
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.
- a senior member of the United Nations, a development bank or another multilateral organization
- a diplomat serving for your country’s Foreign Service
- an executive in a multinational corporation
- a director of international expansion
- 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
Well-connected and highly accredited, the IE School of Global & Public Affairs is a member of the exclusive Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), and the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR).
The Bachelor in International Relations is fully compliant with the Bologna Process, and it is accredited by the Spanish government and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
Undergraduate Degrees
4 years
English
2 years Segovia + 2 years Madrid or 4 years Madrid
September
Liquid Learning at IE University
In this new reality, we understand it’s not always possible to attend class in person. That’s why we developed our Liquid Learning approach, which seamlessly adapts to individual needs and provides equal access to world-class education—whether on campus or online wherever you are.
LOCATION
You can study the Bachelor in International Relations both in Segovia and Madrid. If you choose to start your international relations studies in Segovia, then you will study the first two years in Segovia and the last two years in Madrid. On the other hand, if you choose to start your international relations studies in Madrid, then you will study all four years in Madrid.
MAP YOUR OWN PATH TO SUCCESS
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM STAFF COLLEGE
United Nations experts and practitioners will participate in some courses, workshops, career events, and extracurricular activities such as study trips, internships, and special events. At the end of the program, the students that demonstrate outstanding academic performance and commitment to making a difference will receive a special certificate from the United Nations System Staff College.
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BUILD PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
The program applies hands-on, practical methodologies in academic activities like policy labs, case studies, or simulations and promotes experiences beyond the classroom, such as study trips, international competitions, internships, research studies, and consultancy-type projects. This will make you face real-world professional challenges from the first day.
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BENEFIT FROM CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS
Today’s professionals are expected to be more dynamic to meet the needs of a complex and interconnected world. International Relations students develop the skills needed in both the private and public sectors.
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BE PART OF A SCHOOL RECOGNIZED BY APSIA
The IE School of Global and Public Affairs is a member of the exclusive Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), assuring the high quality of our program as part of one of the world’s best universities for international relations.
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PERSONALIZE YOUR STUDIES
Reach your goals with customizable study paths that allow you to choose between four different concentrations in specialized areas of international relations. Under the guidance of a mentor who will help you integrate different dimensions adapted to your particular interests, you will build a strong professional profile that stands out.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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.
CONCENTRATIONS
We give you the chance to build your own career path.In the fourth year, you can choose from a range of electives which make up one of the four offered concentrations entitling you to a supplemental diploma.
The four concentrations available are:
- Global Affairs and Diplomacy
- Peace, Conflict and Security
- International Development
- International and Social Business
Technology, innovation, and sustainability are transversal dimensions across the entire curriculum. Students will also be able to take part in regional studies.
GO TO CONCENTRATIONS
UN SCHOLARS
A group of students that demonstrate outstanding academic performance, strong interest in the 2030 Agenda, and an extraordinary commitment to making a difference in the world will be selected to act as UN scholars. The United Nations System Staff College will award a special certificate to those Scholars who meet predefined requirements which may include participation in study visits, completion of courses, significant achievements, and/or the submission and approval of concrete deliverables that demonstrate their outstanding contribution
SPEAK LANGUAGES TO TRULY CONNECT
Become part of a highly diverse class with students from every corner of the world and develop your language skills to truly connect with others. Being proficient in another language will open up an entire world of new personal and professional opportunities. International relations students take language courses during the first three years. You can choose from a wide range of options, including Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Arabic, and Portuguese, and you will develop your skills in small groups adapted to your level.
Mars Conquest - Take the challenge
International relations are all about creating a balance between leadership and security. It’s all about engaging in difficult economic, political and social dynamics that go beyond borders and cultures to solve global issues.
Mars conquest is a negotiation simulator game created by the IE School of Global and Public Affairs. The objective is to gain and develop the right amount of power and technology to colonize Mars. Play as Russia, USA, Iran, Brazil, India, Japan, Pakistan, China or the European Union. Every country or the EU has a space program with some more powerful than others and, during the game, you have to share or steal technology from other countries, spy on them or create a bilateral agreement with another country.
You also have the option to isolate yourself from other countries and the EU and conquer Mars for yourself. Every action has a consequence which could strengthen the relationship with other countries and institutions or avoid any kind of collaboration and break international agreements such as the Outer Space Treaty.
This is just one approach that shows the importance IE School of Global and Public Affairs places on learning the art of negotiation, and the need to keep up with new technological trends.
PLAY MARS CONQUESTABOUT IE SCHOOL OF Global and Public Affairs
PARTNERS & ACCREDITATION
The IE School of Global and Public Affairs is a full member of APSIA, the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs. Comprising of only thirty-seven schools worldwide, the association assures academic excellence and a first-rate commitment to education in the field of International Relations.
MORE ABOUT OUR PARTNERS & ACCREDITATION
PROGRAMS
IE School of Global and Public Affairs offers programs both at an undergraduate and graduate level. The full-time programs are offered entirely in English to train internationally oriented students for successful multi-sector careers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMSMEET OUR STUDENTS!
THE DUAL DEGREES OF IE UNIVERSITY
Dual Degree in Business Administration + International Relations
The Dual Degree in Business Administration and International Relations offers a comprehensive and practical study of international affairs and solid business skills that will give you a global perspective of economic, political and social interactions.
PROGRAM
Undergraduate Degrees
LANGUAGE
English
DURATION
5 years
AACSB represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide
EQUIS represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide
IE School of Global and Public Affairs is a member of APSIA
UNSCC
Dual Degree in Laws + International Relations
This program offers a practical degree, focused on the fundamentals of international affairs and global law. You will acquire critical thinking skills along with the credentials required for legal practice, allowing you to provide solutions that address issues on a global scale.
PROGRAM
Undergraduate Degrees
LANGUAGE
English
DURATION
5 years
The European Module is a prestigious endorsement by the European Commission in recognition of the innovative methodology of our undergraduate law degrees.
The IE School of Global and Public Affairs is a member of APSIA.
IE Law School is a member of Law Schools Global League.
UNSSC
Dual Degree in Economics + International Relations
The Dual Degree in Economics and International Relations is a rigorous and challenging program where students obtain solid economic foundations combined with global geopolitics, powered by advanced analytical technologies and tools.
PROGRAM
Undergraduate Degrees
LANGUAGE
English
DURATION
5 years
APSIA
UNSSC
OUR FACULTY STORIES
Nina Wiesehomeier
"Open-mindedness, perseverance and a willingness to make mistakes and overcome setbacks is vital for personal growth. It’s what you make of these experiences."
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROFESSOR WIESEHOMEIER
D.J. Flynn
"Set clear goals and organize your life around achieving them. It’s okay if you don’t know exactly what kind of career you want after university, you can still set intermediate goals. Once you’ve achieved that goal, move on to the next one. You’ll be impressed by how much you can achieve in your brief time at IE University if you manage your goals this way."
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROFESSOR D.J. FLYNNThe diplomatic keys to successful negotiation
How to master the art of negotiation
Managing a complex negotiation process is a diplomatic and international relations artform. This report explores the key negotiation skills needed to be a top negotiator or mediator, regardless of experience.
How to maximize the opportunity for success
The outcome of a negotiation depends on the performance and behavior of both parties. While nobody can fully control the negotiating process, it is possible to maximize the situation to increase the likeliness of success.
Unsure if this is the right program to help you on your professional journey?
Explore these 2 areas to find the specific program that fits with your career goals.