Bachelor in International Relations

Program Overview

The Bachelor in International Relations program at IE University prepares students for careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors through a practice-based approach that emphasizes multidisciplinary learning and real-world challenges. The program draws on the expertise of IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs and the United Nations System Staff College, providing students with access to UN activities and content, professional opportunities, and a strong focus on professional success. Graduates can pursue careers as senior members of multilateral organizations, diplomats, executives in multinational corporations, consultants, development experts, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor in International Relations prepares students for an international career in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. It draws on the expertise of IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs and the United Nations System Staff College, guaranteeing 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. The program is fully compliant with the Bologna Process and accredited by the Spanish government and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Teaching:

The program utilizes a practice-based approach with real-life challenges through case studies, seminar discussions in the Policy Lab, and a capstone project. The program also emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, exploring topics such as the role of multilateral organizations, states, and the corporate world in shifting the international order through various academic lenses, including social sciences, history, culture, economics, and politics.

Careers:

The program prepares students for a variety of career paths, including:

• Senior member of the United Nations, a development bank, or another multilateral organization
• Diplomat serving in your country’s Foreign Service
• Executive in a multinational corporation
• Consultant or partner in an international consultancy firm
• Development expert in an NGO or foundation
• Leader in a political party
• Manager in a humanitarian operation
• Research manager in a think tank or academic institution
• Founder/CEO of a social business

Other:

• The program has a high component of United Nations activities and content.
Students can complete courses designed for UN staff through a tailor-made IE University online platform and receive certified diplomas.
• Students will meet United Nations experts and practitioners who teach and participate in career events and extracurricular activities.
• Students will enjoy numerous professional opportunities with the UN throughout their studies, including summer research programs, mentoring sessions with selected UN staff, and capstone projects.
• Students can gain practical skills by participating in the UN Cybersecurity Challenge, competing with other world-renowned universities in Model United Nations conferences, and organizing their own student-led IE Model United Nations competition.
• Students can experience how international negotiations work in the US-EU Trade Simulation and the Middle East Peace Simulation.
• Students can understand humanitarian crises and responses by taking part in the Refugee Camp Simulation.
• Students can travel from their classroom to the field through virtual reality scenarios.
• Students can engage with other cultures in the highly diverse community.
• Students can explore the world and grow spiritually through the IE Transformational Journey.
• Students can spend a semester abroad in one of the prestigious partner universities in over 50 countries across all continents and enrich their academic and personal development.
• Students can learn other languages and open a world of possibilities.
• Students can decide which path they want to pursue during their studies.
• Students can enroll in seminars of their choice during the beginning of the program to complement their academic profile.
• Students can choose elective courses to explore different academic areas.
• Students can select a concentration and earn a specialization diploma in Global Affairs and Diplomacy; Peace, Conflict, and Security; International Development; or International and Social Business.
• Students can define an area of interest to be the focus of their thesis.
• Students can take part in a rigorous academic program with a strong focus on their professional success.
• Students can work in a lab to gain professional skills in an internship-like experience.
• Students can participate in Professional Success workshops to improve their job-seeking skills and decide the best career path for them.
• Students can benefit from personalized mentoring and advising from the Careers Department to find an internship or a job after graduating.
• Students can strengthen their CV with academic research opportunities, including summer programs with the UNSSC, research assistantships with IE University professors, or writing in the International Policy Review.
• Students can work on a Capstone Project with a real client in a consultancy-like experience and acquire highly demanded skills.
• IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs promotes diverse points of view and perspectives.
• Students benefit from valuable connections within the extensive global network.
• The school has 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.