Our century is characterized by increasing global networking on a political, economic, economic and cultural level. Emerging states from Asia are increasingly replacing the USA as an economic and political superpower.

International economic relations are becoming more and more complex and confederations of states such as the EU, but also internationally active NGOs and business groups, are gaining in importance .

Course content

This makes the scientific field of international relations all the more important. International Relations (IB) is part of the political science field. For the study also includes economic -, right – and social science content.

Students deal with questions such as:

• What effects does international terrorism have on international relations?
• Should all Central and Eastern European countries join NATO?

The International Relations course is only offered as an independent course at a handful of universities. It is much more often possible to specialize in international relations in a general degree in political science .

Prerequisite for studying international relations

According to Localcollegeexplorer.com, the numerus clausus is quite high at most universities, so a good Abitur certificate is in most cases a basic requirement for studying international relations.

English and at least one other foreign language are part of the course. A certain talent for languages ​​is particularly helpful in the master’s degree programs, which often only take place in English as the language of instruction.

Structure of the bachelor’s degree

At the beginning of the bachelor’s degree , students are introduced to the basics of political science and learn:

• how to define a state
• what you mean by global governance understands
• Business administration , economics and sociology

In the further course of their studies, the students deal more closely with the different facets of international relations.

It is about issues such as international rights , international security policy or European integration . Foreign languages ​​are also on the curriculum. In addition to the compulsory English language, there are also lessons in another language such as French, Spanish or Russian. There is also the option of taking modules from areas such as history or communication studies .

Structure of the master’s degree

Anyone who later aspires to management positions in a scientific or political career will add a master’s degree to the bachelor’s degree . Students deepen the knowledge acquired in their bachelor’s degree in the master’s program and specialize in a certain area. You can choose from subject areas such as the EU or global economic policy .

Numerous fields of work after graduation

The International Relations program is not geared towards a specific professional field. Rather, applicants qualify for a wide variety of fields .

Many graduates want to work for international organizations, such as the large NGOs that are active in areas such as environmental protection or development cooperation. But you can also work in the large field of public administration . Graduates take on positions at:

• the Foreign Service
• the EU
• the UN
• in the management

At the municipal level, activities in trade unions , political and church foundations as well as in employers’ associations are possible. The knowledge of international relations graduates is also needed in industry.

For example, they advise major internationally operating commercial enterprises in location decisions. A master’s degree also opens up the possibility of pursuing a scientific career and doing university research and teaching.

Qualification through study abroad

A semester abroad while studying International Relations deem employer for granted. Only in this way do the students ultimately have the opportunity to experience other political systems and the effects of economic and political interrelationships on site . A period of study abroad also proves to be extremely useful for foreign language training.

In addition, during one or more semesters abroad, students acquire many intercultural skills and additional qualifications that are important for their later professional life . The students learn, for example, to work in international teams and to communicate across cultural differences and also demonstrate flexibility, organizational skills and independence.