Bachelor of International Relations + Bachelor in Business & Management
This undergraduate double-degree pathway combines international relations and diplomacy at the Geneva School of Diplomacy with business and management studies through Malta Business School. Eligible students complete the required first- and second-year credits at GSD before progressing to the one-year MBS Bachelor in Business & Management Top-Up programme.
Programme Overview
This undergraduate double-degree pathway enables students to combine the study of international relations and diplomacy with business and management.
Students begin their studies at the Geneva School of Diplomacy, where they develop a strong foundation in international relations, diplomacy, global governance, political economy, research, and intercultural communication.
After successfully completing the required first- and second-year studies at GSD, equivalent to an EQF Level 5 qualification comprising 120 ECTS, eligible students may apply to progress to the one-year Bachelor in Business & Management Top-Up programme delivered by Malta Business School.
Upon successful completion of the entire pathway and all applicable academic and institutional requirements, students receive two Bachelor qualifications: the Bachelor of International Relations from GSD and the Bachelor in Business & Management from Malta Business School.
Learning Outcomes
By completing the double-degree pathway, graduates develop an interdisciplinary combination of international-relations knowledge and business-management capability. They learn to connect developments in global affairs with the strategic, organisational, and operational challenges faced by institutions and businesses.
- Analyse international political, economic, diplomatic, and governance systems.
- Apply business and management principles in international and cross-cultural settings.
- Evaluate organisational challenges from strategic, ethical, and global perspectives.
- Understand how public institutions, international organisations, and private enterprises operate across borders.
- Conduct academic and applied research in international relations and business-related contexts.
- Communicate effectively with diverse professional, institutional, and cultural audiences.
- Demonstrate critical thinking, leadership, collaboration, and responsible decision-making.
- Connect developments in global affairs with their implications for organisations, markets, and communities.
Programme Structure
Years 1 and 2 — International Relations at GSD
Students complete the first two years of the Bachelor of International Relations at GSD in Geneva.
Their studies develop foundations in international relations, diplomacy, political science, global governance, political economy, research, critical analysis, and professional communication.
By the end of this stage, students must have successfully completed an eligible EQF Level 5 qualification comprising 120 ECTS, or the accepted equivalent, to be considered for progression to Malta Business School.
Year 3 — Business and Management at Malta Business School
Eligible students progress to the one-year Bachelor in Business & Management Top-Up programme delivered by Malta Business School.
This final stage develops business and management knowledge and complements the student’s existing background in international relations. The programme is delivered through a flexible learning format.
The definitive curriculum, academic calendar, module selection, assessment arrangements, and delivery schedule are confirmed by Malta Business School.
Double-Degree Awards
Upon successful completion of the complete pathway and satisfaction of all applicable academic, administrative, and financial requirements, students receive the Bachelor of International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy and the Bachelor in Business & Management from Malta Business School.
Each institution delivers, assesses, and awards its respective qualification in accordance with its own academic regulations.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants initially enter the GSD Bachelor of International Relations in accordance with GSD’s undergraduate admissions requirements.
Progression to the Malta Business School stage is not automatic. Students must successfully complete the required GSD studies and receive separate admission approval from Malta Business School.
MBS retains responsibility for admission, enrolment, registration, programme administration, assessment, and the award of its qualification.
Education and Progression
- A recognised secondary-school qualification or equivalent for initial admission to the GSD Bachelor of International Relations.
- Successful completion of the required first- and second-year studies at GSD.
- Completion of an eligible EQF Level 5 qualification comprising 120 ECTS, or the accepted equivalent.
- Official academic transcripts and supporting documentation confirming the completed studies and credits.
- Satisfaction of Malta Business School’s admission and programme-entry requirements.
- Successful completion of an interview or additional assessment if requested by Malta Business School.
- Formal acceptance of the admission offer issued for the Malta Business School stage.
English language proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following (or equivalent):
- IELTS Academic 6.5 overall
- TOEFL iBT 85
- Cambridge C1 Advanced 180
- Duolingo English Test 115
Applicants who have completed prior education entirely in English may request consideration for an English-language waiver, subject to supporting evidence and institutional approval. An English-language waiver granted by GSD does not automatically bind Malta Business School. MBS may conduct its own assessment or request additional evidence before confirming admission.
GSD assesses applications for entry to the Bachelor of International Relations. Progression to the Malta Business School stage is assessed separately by MBS and is subject to successful completion of the required GSD studies, submission of official academic documents, satisfaction of MBS entry requirements, and formal acceptance of an MBS offer.
Tuition and Fees
- GSD Bachelor Tuition: CHF 35,000 per academic year (Standard GSD Bachelor tuition applies in accordance with the student’s official enrolment and fee schedule.)
- Application Fee: CHF 300 (Non-refundable application fee.)
- Enrolment Fee: CHF 1,500 (Payable in accordance with GSD’s enrolment conditions.)
- Malta Business School Pathway Tuition: EUR 4,000 or EUR 7,000 (EUR 4,000 for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. EUR 7,000 for international students, including UK citizens. The final fee is confirmed in the formal offer.)
The Malta Business School pathway fee is payable in addition to the applicable GSD Bachelor tuition and fees.
The signed institutional agreement specifies a fee of EUR 4,000 for citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland, and EUR 7,000 for international students, including citizens of the United Kingdom.
Current promotional material refers to an indicative pathway cost of approximately CHF 4,500. Applicants must therefore rely on the final amount, currency, and payment arrangements stated in their formal admission offer.
Tuition does not include accommodation, travel, visa or residence-permit expenses, insurance, learning materials, or other personal costs. Fees may be reviewed or changed.
Double-Degree Progression and Awards
Students receive the two qualifications only after successfully completing the complete pathway and satisfying the academic, administrative, financial, and award requirements of both institutions.
Progression to Malta Business School is subject to successful completion of the required GSD credits, submission of official documentation, MBS admission approval, and formal acceptance of the MBS offer.
Each institution delivers, assesses, and awards its respective qualification in accordance with its own academic regulations. Programme content, fees, delivery arrangements, and institutional requirements may be reviewed or updated.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of this double-degree pathway develop an interdisciplinary profile combining international relations and diplomacy with business and management.
The two qualifications prepare graduates for professional environments where an understanding of global affairs, organisational strategy, international cooperation, leadership, and cross-cultural decision-making is increasingly valuable.
Graduates may pursue opportunities across diplomacy and foreign services, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, public affairs, international business, management, consulting, business development, trade, and international partnerships.
Graduates pursue a wide range of academic and professional pathways, including:
- Diplomatic Service or Foreign Affairs Officer
- International Organisation Programme Officer
- NGO or Humanitarian Project Coordinator
- International Business Development Specialist
- Public Affairs and Government Relations Officer
- International Partnerships Coordinator
- Business Operations Coordinator
- Management or Strategy Consultant
- Policy and Research Analyst
- International Trade and Market Development Specialist
- Project and Programme Manager
- Corporate Affairs Coordinator
The combination of international relations and business education provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in international relations, diplomacy, business, management, public policy, international trade, and related disciplines.
Career opportunities depend on each graduate’s experience, language skills, professional network, and the specific employment requirements of the relevant organisation or jurisdiction.