About International Relations
International Relations (IR) stands as a cornerstone in our modern interconnected world, offering insights into the interactions, conflicts, collaborations, and dynamics that shape the global arena. This field delves into the study of how nations, international organizations, non-state actors, and transnational networks navigate the complexities of international politics, economics, security, and culture. Through the lens of International Relations, scholars and practitioners seek to understand the ever-evolving relationships between states and explore the myriad forces that influence global affairs.
The conceptualization of International Relations is not uniform across all European countries, leading to variations in its emphasis and interpretation. While the fundamental ideas remain consistent, local contexts, historical experiences, and cultural perspectives can shape how the subject is approached and studied. This diversity enriches the field, encouraging a multiplicity of viewpoints that contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of global dynamics.
The evolution of International Relations is characterized by both continuity and transformation. While diplomacy and interstate relations have existed for centuries, the formalization of International Relations as an academic discipline is relatively new. It gained significant prominence after the events of September 11, 2001, which underscored the urgency of comprehending transnational threats, terrorism, and the need for enhanced global cooperation. This event catalysed an increased demand for experts who could analyse, interpret, and predict international developments.
The interdisciplinary nature of International Relations sets it apart as a unique and essential field of study. Global issues do not adhere to the boundaries of a single discipline, demanding insights from various realms like political science, economics, sociology, history, anthropology, law, and more. The interdisciplinary approach enables researchers to capture the multifaceted nature of international interactions, drawing from different methodologies to provide holistic analyses.
Within International Relations, distinct sub-fields have emerged to address and respond to specialized aspects of global affairs. These include, for example, international security, international political economy, global governance, environmental politics, human rights, among others. These sub-fields allow scholars to delve deeper into specific topics while contributing to a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of global challenges.
International Relations has garnered recognition as an autonomous discipline with its own theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and research paradigms. This recognition has led to the establishment of autonomous degree programs at various educational institutions worldwide. These programs provide students with a structured curriculum that equips them with analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of global dynamics. At the undergraduate level, programs often provide a broad foundation in International Relations theory and practice. At the master's level, students can delve into specialized areas of interest, combining core courses with elective concentrations that align with their career aspirations.
In terms of career prospects, International Relations graduates are equipped with a diverse skill set that has extended increasingly beyond traditional diplomatic roles. While the diplomatic service remains an option, the emphasis has shifted towards cultivating global citizenship and problem-solving competencies. Graduates often find opportunities in international and regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and academia. The focus on complex problem-solving and understanding the nuances of global interactions makes International Relations graduates valuable contributors to a wide array of professional contexts.
In conclusion, International Relations offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate web of global interactions, politics, economics, security, and culture. While its interpretation may vary across European countries, its significance as a field that facilitates cross-disciplinary analysis is indisputable. The evolution of International Relations as a formal academic discipline underscores its relevance, particularly in the wake of significant global events. With its autonomy as a discipline, the multifaceted nature of its sub-fields, and its focus on fostering global citizenship, International Relations continues to shape the minds and careers of individuals prepared to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world.
Typical Degrees Offered in the Subject Area of International Relations: Bachelor’s level
Bachelor's degree programs in International Relations typically touch upon a wide range of themes and topics ranging from diplomacy, security, international organisations, international political order, social justice or global financial flows. These themes and topics can be organised as questions related to actors, structures, and processes of global politics and international relations. These questions are addressed in a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary way, combining perspectives from international law, international political economy, political science, global history, and cultural studies.
While the organisation of the curricula often depends on the specific national contexts and academic cultures of the programmes, here are some typical BA degree programs in International Relations:
International Relations is typically either integrated in political science programmes or is taught as an interdisciplinary field combining Political Science, Economics, Sociology, History and Law. Most programmes have a strong foundation in theories of international relations and introduce students to the main issues in world politics. Programmes vary from minimalist/traditionalist understandings of world politics (focused mainly on interstate politics) to more inclusive understandings focusing on multiple actors and levels of analysis. Programmes vary from more traditional academic programmes based on readings taught (almost) exclusively by university faculty to programmes actively seeking integration with foreign and security policy practice and including practitioners (although still with a strong grounding in the International Relations discipline). Some programmes explicitly aim at providing students with knowledge of foreign policy and international challenges and opportunities of their state.
This is the most common programme in international relations that covers a broad range of topics including global governance, international politics, international organisations, international law, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and regional studies. This program often provides a strong foundation in political science alongside the study of international relations. Students explore topics such as comparative politics, political theory, international political economy, and global governance.
This is the most common programme in international relations that covers a broad range of topics including global governance, international politics, international organisations, international law, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and regional studies. This program often provides a strong foundation in political science alongside the study of international relations. Students explore topics such as comparative politics, political theory, international political economy, and global governance.
Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Diplomacy:
Examples of the most typical BA degree programmes:
Bachelor of Science in International Relations:
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations:
This programme focuses on the interconnections of global issues and international relations. It combines elements of political science, international political economy, history, law, anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of global dynamics.
Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies:
This interdisciplinary program focuses on understanding the causes of conflicts, methods of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and reconciliation. It incorporates subjects like international security, conflict analysis, humanitarian intervention, and post-conflict reconciliation and development.
Bachelor of Arts in Area Studies:
This program concentrates on different regional areas and combines social science and humanities-based approaches to study integration and disintegration dynamics in these given areas. Students study regional institutions, policies, history, and regional integration.
Typical Degrees Offered in the Subject Area of International Relations: Master’s level
MA degree programmes in International Relations offer students the opportunity to specialise in e.g., peace and conflict studies, security studies, international development, or foreign policy analysis. Some institutions have a degree programme in International Relations, whereas other institutions offer specialisations within e.g., Political Science programmes. Typically, there is a focus on offering students the opportunity to deepen and expand their theoretical and conceptual knowledge and methodological skills in analyses of world politics in combination with and integration into practice through e.g., internships. Additionally, MA programmes offer closer connections to the professional field(s) through an internship or other forms of “professionalisation”-based training such as providing students with the skills necessary to work and take up leadership positions in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, or international business.
This general program provides a broad understanding of international relations theory and practice, global politics, diplomacy, and foreign policy analysis. It also explores the structures and processes of global governance, including international organisations, global governance institutions, and global policymaking.
This program focuses on issues related to international security, strategic studies, conflict resolution, terrorism, arms control, and national security policies.
Master of Arts/Science in International Security:
Examples of the most typical MA degree programmes:
Master of Arts/Science in International Relations:
Master of Arts/Science in International Development:
This program examines issues related to economic and social development, humanitarian action, and global equality and justice.
Master of Arts/Science in Diplomacy:
Master of Science in International Economics:
Master of Science in International Economics:
This program combines international relations with international political economy, covering topics such as global trade, macro, and microeconomic policies, or international finance.
Typical Occupations of Graduates and Typical Tasks Applied in the Work Field
In the dynamic field of international relations across Europe, graduates find themselves engaging in a diverse range of tasks that span from foundational advisory roles to strategic policy formulation. Both Bachelor's and Master's level graduates contribute significantly, with the latter often occupying higher echelons of administration and decision-making.
Bachelor's graduates commonly assume roles such as advisors, analysts, drafters, planners, managers and implementers. These roles involve tasks like political analysis, case-specific research, and preparation of documents. Their adeptness in organizing events, excellent oral and written communication and strong administrative skills contributes to the smooth functioning of various organizations.
Moving up in the career and academic training ladder, Master's graduates assume more comprehensive responsibilities such as higher-level administration, policy formulation, and decision-making. They engage in activities such as negotiating agreements and treaties, developing public programs, and providing evidence-based advice to shape policies. Additionally, their involvement in political activities, like proposing and supporting laws, aligns with their more pronounced impact on governance.
Graduates across Europe share a common set of tasks that reflect the multi-faceted nature of international relations. In Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands, for example, graduates tend to excel in policy and media analysis, policy brief writing, project development, and risk assessment. In Estonia and Poland, they tend to actively engage in policy design, project development, and administrative tasks that ensure effective decision-making. Greece, on the other hand, highlights graduates' capabilities in writing memos, brief analyses, and press releases while also emphasizing their role in event organization and customer service.
In countries like Italy, Lithuania, and Spain, graduates usually contribute and get to engage professionally in a variety of domains, such as resource management, project planning and oversight, and are also often at the forefront of policy implementation. Their research, analysis, and advocacy skills resonate across these roles, as they work to represent their countries' interests, inform policy-making, and contribute to international networks.
Ultimately, the distinction between tasks performed by Bachelor's and Master's graduates lies in the scope of impact. While Bachelor's graduates contribute actively to the analytical and operational aspects of international relations, Master's graduates operate at a strategic level, engaging in high-level administration, policy formulation, and decision-making. Together, they create a synergistic force that drives the advancement of international relations across Europe, enabling nations to collaborate effectively in an increasingly interconnected world.
Graduates of IR study programs most typically find employment in public administration, international organizations, NGOs, media, research institutions or the private sector.
Overview of typical field related Generic and Subject-specific Competences
In the dynamic field of International Relations (IR), the quest for defining the competences and learning outcomes expected from graduates is an evolving process. These competences serve as the cornerstone for ensuring that IR graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complex global landscape, contribute to society, and excel in their chosen careers. Within the field of International Relations, competences for graduates can be broadly divided into two overarching categories: generic competences and IR-specific competences. While it is true that across Europe, there exists a multitude of IR programs, each with its distinct structures and contents, a significant consensus has emerged regarding the essential learning outcomes and competences that an IR graduate should possess.
The process of defining these competences involved a comprehensive and collaborative approach, drawing insights from institutions across Europe. The initial phase involved the dissemination of questionnaires to gather insights from individual study programs dedicated to International Relations, spanning universities all over Europe. This step provided a comprehensive overview of the existing landscape and the diverse range of competences being imparted. Subsequently, the process advanced to the first meeting, held in Pisa, Italy, which focused on qualifications reference frameworks. It was here that the decision was made to concentrate on the Bachelor's (BA) and Master's (MA) levels, as opposed to the Doctorate (PhD) level. This choice was driven by the recognition that many universities offered more generalized PhD programs encompassing political science, with IR topics included. The following phase involved collaborative work conducted online, fostering active engagement with faculty members and colleagues from various institutions. This online platform served as a dynamic space for sharing ideas, receiving feedback, and incorporating valuable insights into the evolving competences framework. Building upon the progress made in the previous phases, the second meeting convened in Coimbra, Portugal, further advancing the Qualifications Reference Frameworks (QRF) and Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA). The culmination of this comprehensive process took place during the third meeting in Madrid, Spain. At this juncture, the team meticulously incorporated feedback, refined competences, and brought the framework to its final form.
The tables presented below serve as a visual representation of the competences jointly developed together with corresponding learning outcomes of IR programmes at Bachelor and Master levels. They are organized to align with the Dublin descriptors, which encompass knowledge, skills, autonomy, and responsibility. Vertically, they refer to the identified European Higher Education Area (EHEA) cycle descriptors and subdimensions. This organization ensures a comprehensive and systematic delineation of the competences that IR graduates are expected to embody.
BA-Level Competences
Knowledge and understanding of the IR discipline and its complexity and ability to use, share and apply this knowledge in the context of international relations and global politics developing arguments regarding local and global challenges.
Ability to apply IR-relevant knowledge and skills to address global and local challenges in a critical, creative, principled, and engaged way.
Application of knowledge addressing global problems in a critical, creative, principled, and engaged way
Knowledge and understanding of IR theories and concepts: power, governance, institutions, norms, values, identities and cultures
Ability to gather and interpret relevant data to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues
Be able to collect and critically process large amounts of information and conduct ethical, empirically-grounded and methodologically-sound academic research as well as contribute to public debates to identify and implement individual and collaborative ways to either move forward and/or solve complex global challenges within a given timeframe.
Communication and inter-cultural competences
Ability to effectively develop and communicate convincing and evidence-based arguments orally and in writing, preferably in different languages, in a clear and precise manner to a variety of audiences, by adapting to diversity, demonstrating empathy, tolerance and active listening.
Professional development
Ability to use the acquired knowledge and learning skills that are necessary for continuing further study with a high degree of autonomy.
MA-Level Competences
Advanced and systematic knowledge and understanding of the IR discipline and its complexity, its subfields and interdisciplinary nature as well as of the interplay between the local, the national, and the international levels. Ability to use, share and apply this knowledge in order to address complex challenges, and contribute to professional knowledge, policy formulation, decision making and other practices.
Advanced ability to apply IR-relevant knowledge and skills to address global and local challenges in a critical, creative, principled, and engaged way.
Application of knowledge addressing global problems in a critical, creative, principled, and engaged way
Knowledge and understanding of IR theories and concepts: power, governance, institutions, norms, values, identities and cultures
Ability to gather and interpret relevant data to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues
Be able to collect and critically process large amounts of information and conduct ethical, empirically-grounded and methodologically-sound academic research as well as contribute to efforts to identify and implement individual and collaborative ways to either move forward and/or solve complex global challenges within a given timeframe.
Communication and inter-cultural competences
Ability to effectively develop and communicate convincing and evidence-based arguments regarding complex information and multi-dimensional challenges orally and in writing, preferably in different languages, in a clear and precise manner to a variety of audiences, by adapting to diversity, demonstrating empathy, tolerance and active listening.
Professional development
Ability to use the acquired knowledge and learning skills that are necessary for trends for personal and professional learning and development with a high degree of autonomy.
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Competences + Learning Outcomes full tables
