Studies & Degrees in International Relations
International Relations Study Programs
International relations is the study of how states, international organisations, companies and other actors deal with one another across borders. It grew out of political science and still sits close to it: the US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists international relations alongside national politics, comparative politics and political theory as one of the main areas in which political scientists do research. It also draws on history, economics and law.
A degree normally starts with the theories of international relations, diplomatic history, international law, political economy and the workings of bodies such as the United Nations and the European Union. Later courses turn to specific problems and regions. London Metropolitan University, for example, says students on its BA examine the relationships between states, the role of non-state actors and shifts in global power, with topics such as climate change, nuclear proliferation, cyber conflict, the causes of war, terrorism, human rights and migration. The University of Aberdeen lists international political economy and globalisation, democracy and democratisation, and power and security among its teaching interests, with regional expertise that includes the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
Qualifications and levels
- Bachelor's degrees. In Europe a bachelor's degree has 180 or 240 ECTS credits, at 60 credits per full year. In England, London Metropolitan University describes its International Relations BA (Hons) as a three-year degree. In Spain a bachelor's degree (grado) has 240 ECTS credits, and in the United States a bachelor's degree is usually completed in four years of full-time study, with international relations or international studies as the major.
- Combined degrees. The subject is often paired with politics, law, economics, languages or business. In Madrid, ISDE offers a Grado en Derecho combined with a master's programme in international relations and international legal practice.
- Master's degrees. A master's degree usually has 90 or 120 ECTS credits in Europe and 60, 90 or 120 in Spain. The Máster Universitario en Relaciones Internacionales of the Real Instituto Universitario de Estudios Europeos (Universidad San Pablo CEU) in Madrid has run since 2003, is bilingual in English and Spanish, and is, according to the institute, an official programme valid throughout Spain and the European Higher Education Area.
- Lifelong-learning master's programmes. Spain also has the Máster de Formación Permanente, a qualification that universities must keep clearly apart from official degrees. Instituto Séneca in Madrid lists one in international affairs, geopolitics and diplomacy. Ask each school what recognition its qualification has, particularly if you plan to continue to a doctorate or to sit public examinations.
Where to study international relations
SpainExchange lists 182 active schools for international relations. The United States has 30, Spain 29 and the United Kingdom 19, followed by Canada (9), Australia and Germany (7 each), Argentina (6), Mexico and Azerbaijan (5 each) and Brazil (4). In Spain the list includes Saint Louis University, Madrid, ESEI International Business School in Barcelona, ISDE and the Real Instituto Universitario de Estudios Europeos. Abroad it includes the University of Aberdeen, London Metropolitan University, Regent's University London, The University of Texas at Austin, the Universidad de Guadalajara in Mexico and the KDI School of Public Policy and Management in Seoul.
English is the usual language of instruction in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, and several schools in non-English-speaking countries also teach in English; in Spain and Latin America most programmes are in Spanish. London Metropolitan University notes that students in London can find work experience at think tanks, non-governmental organisations and embassies. When comparing programmes, check the languages offered, whether a placement or a semester abroad is included, and which regional specialisations the department covers.
Careers
Graduates work in diplomatic services and other government departments, international organisations, non-governmental and development organisations, think tanks, journalism, international business and consultancy. London Metropolitan University reports that its graduates have found positions in government, security services, national diplomatic services, aid and development agencies and international businesses. The CEU master's programme names journalism and international analysis, diplomacy and international organisations, consultancy and international trade, and development cooperation as its main career fields.
A degree in international relations does not by itself open the door to diplomacy. Diplomatic services recruit through their own competitive procedures. In Spain, entry to the Carrera Diplomática is through the selection process called by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is held at the Escuela Diplomática.
Research and analysis posts usually require postgraduate study. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that political scientists typically need a master's degree. It counted about 6,100 jobs for political scientists in the United States in 2025, 68 percent of them in the federal government, and projects that this employment will decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Most graduates work under other job titles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between international relations and political science?
Political science covers politics as a whole, including national politics and political theory. International relations is the branch that concentrates on relations between states and other international actors, and many universities teach the two together.
Do I need this degree to become a diplomat?
No specific degree guarantees it. Diplomatic services select candidates through their own procedures; in Spain this is the selection process for the Carrera Diplomática called by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Can I study international relations in English in Spain?
Yes, at some schools. The CEU master's programme in Madrid is bilingual in English and Spanish, and ESEI International Business School in Barcelona teaches its programmes in English. Check the language of each programme before applying.