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A UNIQUE BACHELOR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The study plan for the Bachelor in International Relations at IE University has been designed with the prestigious academic experience at its core, our academic faculty’s expert knowledge and research in each area, and the linkages between the University and the professional world.
The Bachelor in International Relations aims to provide young, ambitious individuals the necessary skill set to become professionals capable of facing real-world challenges.
Through our hands-on teaching methodology, students will find the ideal balance between what is studied throughout their degree and projects based on real-world scenarios.
This will allow them to develop profiles that can seamlessly adapt to new trends in the 21st century.
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FIRST YEAR - GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
Your first year will begin with a broad introduction to international relations, history, and economics. You will become aware of the global challenges and acquainted with the main periods and events that have shaped its history since the 16th century. We will provide you with the practical and methodological tools needed to understand and evaluate arguments about contentious issues in international affairs. Alongside this, you will be given the opportunity to complete an internship, contribute in one of the many IE labs, or both.
In this year, you will also start language courses and hone your ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty.
By the end of the year you will be able to apply economic and IR theories to your daily work, and understand important social and political phenomena, as well as different forms of international governance and organizations. You will also learn to be accountable, self-disciplined, and diligent, with an increased capacity for self-reflection and improved writing and communication skills.
SECOND YEAR - IMPACT AND CHANGE
In your second year you will continue to deepen your understanding of international relations from the perspectives of international law, international political economics, and international development. You will be introduced to the most innovative trends in economics, social inclusion, and environmental politics in order to understand how global challenges can be approached in a sustainable way.
You will also acquire the analytical skills that will allow you to research and analyze how to change and impact global challenges while cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset with regard to ideas and initiatives. By the end of the year, you will be more confident with discussing scholarly articles and communicating your own points of view in order to become an impactful change-maker.
Also, we offer you the opportunity to put everything you have learned into practice during your first two years in an amazing two-week journey in which you will visit different countries with your classmates whilst making an impact and learning.
THIRD YEAR - LEADERSHIP
During your third year you will focus on advanced international relations topics such as international trade, global governance, public opinion, and the European Union. Your first year was concerned with developing awareness about the most relevant global issues, and the second more focused on identifying and analyzing the changes and the impact needed. Now, in your third year, it is time to learn how to lead those changes. Therefore, you will also acquire the knowledge and the skills to solve international conflict, to manage projects in multinational corporations or in international institutions, to design successful partnerships, and to lead and negotiate trade agreements and diplomatic initiatives.
This year, you will be required to choose an exchange program with one of the 160 available partner universities around the world. You will also have the chance to participate in a one-day mock debate, where you will discuss and negotiate a range of issues related to international trade between the EU and the US.
FOURTH YEAR - EXPERTISE
Your fourth and last year is mainly focused on developing your expertise. You will have a broad array of subjects from which to choose your elective courses, with an added option to focus on a particular field of specialization and obtain an additional certificate from the school. Four academic tracks will be available for you: Soceity and Politics in World Regions; International Development; International and Social Business; and Peace, Security and Diplomacy.
In the second semester, you will carry out your final project, where you will apply all of the knowledge gained throughout your courses, internships, IE Labs, extracurricular activities, and exchange programs. You will have two options: either to complete an individual academic thesis, or to carry out a team consultancy type capstone project with a real client from the public or private sector. Each capstone project is unique and should be approached as a career-building exercise. The purpose is to test out your skills and knowledge in a realistic work environment, collaborating closely with your teammates to produce original and impactful research and strategic policy recommendations, and deliver these to your client.
BACHELOR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TRACKS
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 tracks entitling you to a supplemental diploma.
Technology, innovation, and sustainability are transversal dimensions across the entire curriculum. Students will also be able to take part in regional studies.
SOCIETY AND POLITICS IN WORLD REGIONS
The Society and Politics in World Regions track provides students with deep insights into the political systems, cultures and histories of key global regions. This track emphasizes how countries manage international relations, cooperate in multinational institutions and address societal challenges.
Focusing on Asia, Africa, South America, North America and the Middle East, and particularly on the dynamics of China, Russia, and India, students will gain specialized knowledge of how these regions influence global affairs.
IS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE…
eager to explore regional politics, democracy, culture and ethnicity, and develop a nuanced understanding of the societal structures and political institutions shaping different areas of the world.
LOOKING FOR…
an opportunity to specialize in regional political systems and understand how countries interact with each other and within multinational frameworks, gaining the tools to address complex social and political issues at a global level.
TO BECOME…
- a diplomat
- an academic
- a consultant
- a government administrator
- a political systems expert
- a public affairs specialist
- a corporate diplomacy manager
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The International Development track deepens students’ understanding of the intricate factors at play in international politics, global development, economics and sustainability. With this knowledge, students will be prepared to manage international development projects and analyze the politics behind aid and international agreements.
IS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE…
sensitive to the world’s most pressing issues and committed to creating a local and global impact by addressing poverty, inequality, sustainability, development and economic growth.
LOOKING FOR…
an opportunity to become leaders who understand how to bring people across the international community together to spur sustained economic growth while helping developing countries worldwide by discovering the keys to sustainable finance, building smart cities and the role of gender in international development.
TO BECOME…
- an academic
- a consultant
- a UN officer
- an NGO or foundation staffer
- a think tank analyst
INTERNATIONAL AND SOCIAL BUSINESS
The International and Social Business track teaches students how businesses expand and internationalize and the social impact that comes with them. In this track, students often engage with the expansion of multinational corporations or family businesses to explore the national and international scaling of the economic environment.
IS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE…
keen to deepen their understanding of how businesses can have a social footprint. Students often want to become entrepreneurs and are committed to driving positive change in society. As a result, this track includes the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice as they explore social entrepreneurship.
LOOKING FOR…
a chance to explore the importance of sustainability, technology and innovation in today’s markets. Students will become familiar with what is driving change in international corporations and the opportunities introduced by the rise of social businesses.
TO BECOME…
- an international consultant
- an entrepreneur
- a professional within a multinational corporation
PEACE, SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY
Peace, Security and Diplomacy are core areas of international relations that need more decision-making from experts who understand how people and countries function in today’s rapidly changing society. This track examines the dynamics of peace, security and diplomacy around the world. Students will sharpen their negotiation skills and gain insight into alliance creation through real-world experiences. They will also acquire the tools for effective diplomatic communication and conflict resolution, preparing to navigate complex international diplomatic negotiations while fostering global cooperation.
IS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE…
passionate about pursuing a career in diplomacy, international advocacy or defense to prevent, manage or resolve conflicts and improve international relations. Students will be excited to address the interlinkages between politics, technology and economics with global peace, security and diplomacy.
LOOKING FOR…
a deeper understanding of the forces underpinning diplomacy and the relationship between state sovereignty, international law and armed intervention. Through this track, students will shape an informed perspective on human security, human rights, humanitarian law, public diplomacy, cybersecurity and national branding.
TO BECOME…
- a diplomat
- a public administrator
- a consultant
- a legal advisor
- a defense staffer
- a multilateral organization manager
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
MEET OUR FACULTY
Meet the professors teaching on your programme and explore their academic backgrounds, areas of expertise and professional experience.
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.
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.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW LONG DOES A BACHELOR'S IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TAKE?
The Bachelor in International Relations takes four years of full-time study to complete. Students may study all four years in Madrid or begin in Segovia for the first two years, before moving to Madrid. In the third year, students are required to undertake an exchange program with one of IE University's 160 partner universities.
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WHAT IS THE CORE SUBJECT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AT IE UNIVERSITY?
A multidisciplinary combination of political science, economics and law, deepened year by year from foundational theory to advanced topics like global governance and the EU.
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DO YOU NEED TO BE GOOD AT MATH FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS?
Quantitative skills are useful but not the program's main focus — the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, negotiation and policy analysis alongside economics coursework.
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WHAT DO YOU STUDY IN THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CURRICULUM?
History, economics, international law, political economy, global governance, the EU, and a final-year specialization track, culminating in a thesis or Capstone project.
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IS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COURSE HARD?
International relations courses can be challenging, as they involve studying complex political systems, theories, and policies that can be difficult to grasp. However, with dedication and effort, many students find the material engaging and intellectually stimulating. Like any course of study, success in international relations largely depends on the individual's interest, effort, and study habits.
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WHAT SPECIALIZED CONCENTRATIONS CAN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS STUDENTS CHOOSE?
Bachelor in International Relations students may choose between four specialized concentrations: Soceity and Politics in World Regions; International Development; International and Social Business; and Peace, Security and Diplomacy.
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