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Studies & Degrees in International Politics

International politics studies how power works within and between states. It asks why countries cooperate or go to war, how alliances, treaties and international organisations operate, and how trade, migration, human rights and the environment become matters of foreign policy. The subject is a branch of political science and is often taught under the name international relations.

The field is interdisciplinary. Penn State describes its major as a combination of economics, history and political science that examines human rights, ethnic conflict, terrorism, economic and political development, globalisation, the environment, foreign and economic policy making, and national security. The University of Stirling lists as core content the role of governments, international organisations and non-governmental organisations, who holds power and how they are held to account, and how conflict and cooperation shape the world. Students also learn research methods and how to present an argument in writing and in debate.

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor's degrees. In the United States the subject is a major inside a bachelor's degree. The B.A. in International Politics at Penn State requires a minimum of 123 credits, and students can concentrate in International Relations, International Political Economy or National Security Studies. In Scotland, the BA (Hons) International Politics at the University of Stirling lasts 48 months full time and can be combined with French or Spanish.
  • Spain. The equivalent official degree is the grado en Relaciones Internacionales. Spanish bachelor's degrees have 240 ECTS credits, and official master's degrees have 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits. The Universidad Complutense de Madrid, for example, teaches this grado at its Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociología.
  • Master's degrees. Graduates specialise in areas such as security, diplomacy, international political economy, development or regional studies. Wright State University offers a combined route: a BA in International Studies with an MA in International and Comparative Politics.
  • Non-formal courses. International People's College in Elsinore, Denmark, is a folk high school that offers global studies courses of four to six months and short courses of one to three weeks. It has no fixed curriculum and gives no grades, so it is a personal and intercultural experience and not an academic qualification.

A doctorate follows the master's degree for those who want an academic or research career.

Admission and languages

Bachelor's programmes ask for a completed secondary education and proof of the language of instruction. The University of Stirling, for example, asks applicants whose first language is not English for IELTS Academic 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each sub-skill. No particular school subjects are usually required, but history, economics and a second language help. A foreign language is an asset throughout the degree and in later work, and many programmes include a semester abroad.

Where to study it

SpainExchange lists 12 active schools for international politics. Seven are in the United States; Spain, Austria, Russia, the United Kingdom and Denmark have one each. Most programmes are therefore taught in English. Examples from the directory are Penn State, Wright State University, Kean University and SUNY Cortland in the United States, the University of Stirling in Scotland, the University of Graz in Austria and the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO-University) in Russia.

When comparing programmes, look at the concentrations on offer, the language requirements, the options for study abroad or internships, and the location: a capital city or a seat of international organisations makes placements easier.

Careers

Penn State states that its major prepares students for work with government agencies dealing with foreign affairs, security and the international economy, with parliamentary committees, with multinational corporations, banks and consulting firms, and with international organisations. It also prepares for law school, business school and graduate study. The University of Stirling names governments, human rights organisations and charities among the employers of its graduates. Journalism and political risk analysis are other common destinations.

Research posts are few. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, political scientists typically need a master's degree, and their employment is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 400 openings a year. Entry to a diplomatic service is normally by competitive examination and is often reserved for nationals of the country, so check the rules of your own foreign ministry.

Frequently asked questions

Is international politics the same as international relations?

Largely, yes. Universities use both names for the study of relations between states and other international actors; some programmes called international politics put more weight on political science and security.

How long does a degree in international politics take?

A bachelor's degree normally takes four years. The Stirling degree lasts 48 months, a Spanish grado has 240 ECTS credits, and the Penn State degree requires at least 123 credits.

Do I need to speak several languages?

You need the language of instruction, usually English, at the level the university asks for. A second foreign language is not always required but is useful for work in diplomacy and international organisations.

Can I become a diplomat with this degree?

The degree is relevant preparation, but it does not give access by itself. Diplomatic services select their staff through their own examinations and requirements.