Kandidatprogrammet i internationella relationer

Are you interested in the contemporary global challenges we face? Do you seek deeper knowledge on issues such as war, global inequality, and environmental change? In the Bachelor's Programme in International Relations, you learn about international structures and interactions, and gain skills to analyse, investigate and evaluate issues related to key global challenges.

About

International and global contexts, processes and institutions are playing a more important role in working life as a whole and for our everyday lives. In a globalized world, international relations are complex and shifting, and the demand for professionals with knowledge of global issues and competence to analyse international events have increased.

The Bachelor's Programme in International Relations give you skills to analyse, investigate and evaluate issues related to international conflict and cooperation. You will investigate different theoretical perspectives and how they bring varied understandings and analysis of our world.

The programme gives you specific knowledge on:

• war, conflict and security;
• peacebuilding;
• global political economy;
• interventions in order to end armed conflict;
• migration and sustainability;
• structure of the international system;
• complex and shifting power relations;
• multilateral organizations, global governance and world regions;
• political theory originating in different schools of thought as well as in different world regions;
• diplomacy and international negotiation;
• and the impact of climate change and new technologies on international relations.

Gender equality perspective
The programme has a focus on gender equality issues related to international relations, and different perspectives on gender and gender equality will play a role in all courses. 

Programme structure and content
The introductory and in-depth courses during the first year, provide you with different theories and perspectives on international relations as well as knowledge on pressing global issues. You learn about the global political economy and how war and security affect international relations and what tools the international system has to manage and end international armed conflicts.

During your second year, you develop a deeper understanding through advanced courses and attend proficiency courses to prepare you for the labour market.

During the third year's autumn semester, you apply to optional courses of your choice, or apply for exchange studies. The spring semester offers unique courses on foreign policy and diplomacy and in international conflict resolution. You complete your studies in the programme by writing your thesis guided by a supervisor.

Current research is given space in the program, and the programme balances traditional concepts with the latest research findings and perspectives, especially from the global south.

After graduation
After graduation, you are eligible for studies at the masters level, in Sweden and internationally.

The programme gives you specialized and in-depth knowledge of international relations as well as comprehensive knowledge within social sciences. Studying International Relations equips you with the knowledge and analytical tools required for various international-focused roles, especially in in organizations that focus on peace, security, conflicts, political economy, global governance, cooperation, and the global multilateral system.

You will gain a competency that is highly valued by government and municipal agencies, NGOs, many businesses, and international organizations. You may engage in regional analysis, investigative and evaluative work, project management or policy development. Potential career opportunities include government positions or NGO roles focusing on integration/migration and human rights, as well as positions in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental issues within the private sector.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for future doctoral studies within Peace and Development Studies (after the completion of a masters degree).