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Bachelor in International Relations

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Bachelor In International Relations

duration4 years

languageEnglish

locationSegovia or Madrid

intakeSeptember

Mode of studyFull-time

FormatIn-person

duration4 years

languageEnglish

locationSegovia or Madrid

intakeSeptember

Mode of studyFull-time

FormatIn-person

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.

Brochure Cover - Bachelor in International Relations | IE University

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BACHELOR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS STUDY PLAN

YEAR 1

1ST SEMESTER

Courses

INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

POLITICAL THEORY

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS UP TO 1945

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

MICROECONOMICS

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

UNPLUGGED I

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

LANGUAGES NI

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

2ND SEMESTER

Courses

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SINCE 1945

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

MACROECONOMICS

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

UNPLUGGED II

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

LANGUAGES NII

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

HUMANITIES

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

YEAR 2

1ST SEMESTER

Courses

COMPARATIVE POLITICS

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

RESEARCH METHODS IN IR

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

NEW ECONOMICS

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

HUMAN RIGHTS

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

TECHNOLOGY

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

LANGUAGES NIII

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

UNPLUGGED III

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

2ND SEMESTER

Courses

AID, DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

INTERNATIONAL LAW

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

LANGUAGES NIV

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

UNPLUGGED IV

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

YEAR 3

1ST SEMESTER

Courses

PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL COMMUNICATION

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

TOPICS IN FOREIGN POLICY

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

LANGUAGES NV

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

UNPLUGGED V

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

IE CHALLENGE

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

2ND SEMESTER

Courses

MANAGEMENT OF THE MULTINATIONAL CORPORATION

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

GLOBAL GOVERNANCE AND INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

UNPLUGGED VI

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

LANGUAGES NVI

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

YEAR 4

1ST SEMESTER

Courses

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCE

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

ELECTIVES

Professors

Type

Elective

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

2ND SEMESTER

Courses

ELECTIVES

Professors

Type

Elective

ECTS

Syllabus

PDF

Courses

FINAL PROJECT

Professors

Type

ECTS

Syllabus

Components

Credits

BASIC COURSES

CORE COURSES

126

ELECTIVE COURSES

FINAL PROJECT

CREDITS NEEDED TO GRADUATE

240

CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT FOR DETAILS AND UPDATES

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BACHELOR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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.

Bachelor of Laws - Fourth year - Study Plan

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.

Bachelor of Laws - Third year - Study Plan

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: Global Affairs and Diplomacy; Peace, Conflict and Security; International Development; and International and Social Business.

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.

THE BACHELOR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS LEARNING JOURNEY

Your path to career success unveiled through our engaging infographic: Explore it to discover more about the program structure!

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.

GLOBAL AFFAIRS AND DIPLOMACY

The Global Affairs and Diplomacy track will teach students what sparks political and social struggles and how to address these complex global challenges. This track covers a wide range of challenges the world faces today, focusing on Asia, Africa, South America, North America and the Middle East, and more specifically, those facing China, Russia and India.

IS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE…

excited to dive into topics including populism, democracy, the political economy and geopolitics, and corporate and multilateral diplomacy. Students will focus on international and diplomatic relations not only between nation-states but also non-state actors such as NGOs.

LOOKING FOR…

an opportunity to discover what sparks political and social struggles and how to identify the best ways to address these complex global challenges across different regions of the world.

TO BECOME…

a diplomat
an academic
a consultant
work in government
work in politics
work in public affairs
work in corporate diplomacy

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The International Development track deepens students’ understanding of the complex factors at play in international politics, global development, economics and sustainability. Armed with this knowledge, they will be prepared to manage international development projects and analyze the politics behind aid and international agreements.

IS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE…

interested in addressing issues like poverty, inequality, sustainability, development and economic growth. Students will be sensitive to the world’s most pressing issues and committed to creating an impact at a local and global scale.

LOOKING FOR…

an opportunity to grow into a leader who understands how to bring people together across the international community to spur sustained economic growth while helping developing countries across the world. Students will discover 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
work at an NGO or foundation
work at a think tank

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. Students of this track often want to engage with the expansion of multinational corporations or family businesses to explore the national and international 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, and as a result, this track includes the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice as they explore social entrepreneurship.

LOOKING FOR…

an opportunity 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 as well as the opportunities introduced by the rise of social businesses.

TO BECOME…

an international consultant
an entrepreneur
a professional within a multinational corporation

PEACE, CONFLICT AND SECURITY

Peace, Conflict and Security is a core area of international relations that needs more experts to guide decision-making and understand how people function in today’s rapidly changing society. This track delves into the dynamics of peace and security to sharpen students’ negotiation skills while gaining unrivaled insights into alliance creation through real-world experiences.

IS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE…

passionate about pursuing a career in international advocacy who want to work to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts. Students of this track will be excited to address the relationship between politics, technology and economics with global peace and security.

LOOKING FOR…

an understanding of the relationship between state sovereignty, international law and armed intervention. Through these courses, you will gain the tools needed for an unparalleled perspective on human rights, human security, humanitarian law and cybersecurity.

TO BECOME…

a public administrator
a consultant
a legal advisor
to work in defense
to work for a multilateral organization

IE UNIVERSITY LANGUAGE CENTER

Languages are essential to a career in international relations. As a Bachelor in International Relations student, you will participate in a mandatory language course that lasts for six full semesters, consisting of 18 ECTS credits. In addition, we provide further opportunities to widen your linguistic ability, and you will have the option to learn Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Arabic, or Chinese.

CHECK OUR LANGUAGE CENTER

THE DUAL DEGREES OF IE UNIVERSITY

Develop a multidisciplinary profile and specialize in two distinct, yet connected fields, by combining another bachelor’s degree with your studies in international relations.

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.

Discover more

Undergraduate Degrees | English | Five years

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.

Discover more

Undergraduate Degrees | English | Five years

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.

Discover more

Undergraduate Degrees | English | Five years

Learn more about our dual degrees

COMPETENCES

Basic competences

Click here to know more about Basic Competences

GENERAL COMPETENCES

Develop arguments that demonstrate a critical understanding of political and social phenomena.
Apply the knowledge acquired to develop interpretations of current economic phenomena and argue the case.
Make use of historical and current documentary sources.
Develop the technical IT competences necessary for a professional setting.
Present a global vision with regards to trends and debates in international relations.
Evaluate the economic dimension of international public and private policies.
Plan and implement public and private policies at the international level, providing justification for their implementation.
Use different information sources and channels to create and convey information, ideas, problems and solutions related to current international affairs.
Train to conduct research and studies on the international sphere and its political, economic, social and cultural facets.
Possess a critical understanding of the legal implications of international relations.
Develop public- and private-sector strategies for real economic contexts.
Communicate orally and in writing in both Spanish and English in a professional and academic context.
Analyze and consider contemporary challenges and the social and cultural complexity of globalized society through a critical and creative lens.
Apply suitable ethics-based judgements to all professional activities and relationships, with the ability to differentiate between personal and professional life.
Apply and adapt knowledge and competences to a variety of international academic and professional contexts.
Develop flexible problem-solving tools for organizational management that take the satisfaction of different stakeholders into consideration.

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC COMPETENCES

Understand classical and contemporary political theories.
Analyze and compare the structure and functioning of the main political systems.
Recognize the paradigms, concepts and principles of political science.
Understand microeconomic and macroeconomic models and obtain specific information from them.
Be capable of identifying the key aspects of an economy and the operation of local and global markets.
Understand international relations’ evolution as a discipline by placing it in the corresponding political, economic, legal and social contexts.
Understand the historical dimension and evolution of the political and social processes hitherto in play in international relations.
Produce, gather, analyze and interpret data and statistics.
Understand the concepts, framework of application and theoretical foundations of international relations.
Justify political and social stances in line with the discipline’s different theories.
Understand the relationships between the different stakeholders in play as a function of a region’s current economic policy model.
Understand the legal aspects and decision-making processes used as a part of nations and international organizations’ foreign policies in accordance with international law.
Evaluate cases related to international jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition and enforcement of judgements.
Understand the structure, organization and operation of different types of international and supranational institutions, with particular focus on the European Union and the challenges it will face in the future.
Analyze the course of global issues such as international terrorism, challenges in health and education and development cooperation.
Understand and analyze the international economic environment and the economic dimension of international institutions using economic and financial tools in line with a given policy direction.
Analytically connect past and current knowledge and processes through interdisciplinary analysis.
Design communication strategies and apply political communication techniques.
Apply the knowledge acquired to experimentation and the generation of new knowledge. Integrate and deploy all knowledge acquired throughout the program.

TRANSVERSAL COMPETENCES

Identify the main cultural identity traits that characterize today’s world by understanding the main contemporary ideological trends.
Behave professionally in accordance with the core principles and ethics of the profession.
Manage unforeseen situations by being able to adapt to organizational changes.
Use knowledge of the discipline to analyze and evaluate current situations.
Form a part of interdisciplinary and multicultural teams to achieve shared goals in a diverse environment.
Work actively in an international context.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in international relations?

At IE University the Bachelor in International Relations takes 4 years to complete.

What do you study when you study international relations?

When you study international relations, you typically study topics such as international politics, international law, foreign policy, global economics, international organizations, conflict resolution, diplomacy, and global development. At IE University 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.

Do you need to be good at math for international relations?

While there is some quantitative analysis involved in international relations, you generally do not need to be particularly good at math to succeed in the field. However, having basic proficiency in math and statistics can be helpful when working with data or conducting research.

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.

What is the core subject of international relations?

The core subject of international relations is the study of the relationships between countries and the interactions that occur on a global level. At IE University students get a real feel for the complexity of international relations as a global discipline with our multidisciplinary approach. They 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.