Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (BA-IR) Program is challenging, stimulating and practical. The three year program aims to introduce students to the broad field of International Relations, its basic concepts, theories and methods, as well as specialized and interdisciplinary fields. Students will be trained in research, analytical, and presentation/communication skills.

The BA-IR Program has been established to cater for the interests of students seeking both a broad scholarly understanding of the way the world works, and/or for those preparing for a variety of employment options related to international careers in government, business, non-government organizations, media and international agencies.

Students come to the Geneva School of Diplomacy from over 45 countries spanning the globe and carry with them a diversity of not only cultures, but also interests, worldviews, experiences and dreams. Such diversity, along with our commitment to exceptional quality and individual attention, are hallmarks of the Geneva School of Diplomacy experience. Download the BA-IR programme handbook 2018-2019 here.

 

Student Exchange Programs

GSD has several partnerships with prestigious universities worldwide. These partnerships include the possibility for students to do an exchange programme of 1 or 2 semesters abroad. Students can choose between Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Georgetown University, Washington DC among others.

BA-IR Courses

Please see the BA-IR Programme courses for the Spring semester of 2019 here. Please note that schedules are subjected to changes and you will receive the final course schedule on the first day of your studies.

Application Procedure

Our approach

GSD focuses very clearly on preparing individuals for a successful career within management-level positions within the public and private sectors, principally through its combined theoretical and practical approach in our teaching methods.  We therefore offer a unique combination of conceptual courses focused on theory and the development of essential diplomatic skills.

The GSD curriculum is based on 3 main pillars:
1. International Relations
2. International Law
3. International Economics

Theoretical content

We offer a number of courses on specific topics such as:

  • Global Health
  • Disarmament
  • Introduction to International Law
  • International Economics
  • Migration
  • Humanitarian Operations
  • Academic Writing
  • Diplomatic Neighbourhood: Intergovernmental Organisations

Diplomatic skills content:

  • Key Leadership Skills
  • Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette
  • Political Rhetoric & Discourse Analysis
  • Mediation, Dispute Settlement and Conflict Resolution
  • Policy Scenarios
  • Media Communication & Public Speaking
  • Negotiation Techniques
  • Analytical Thinking Skills
  • Decision-making skills

Student Profile

Nationalities GSD student body:

  • 32% Europe
  • 23% Asia Pacific
  • 17% Africa
  • 16% Americas
  • 12% Middle East

Some statistics on BA student body

  • Average age of bachelor students: 21 years
  • Average languages spoken: 4

Type of high school:

  • 82% private
  • 18% public

Type of originate degree:

  • 30% International Baccaulerate
  • 70% Standard Diploma

Entry requirements

Students are required to have completed any recognised school leaving certificate, the International Baccalaureate Programme, A-Levels, American Placement, French baccalauréat, Maturita, Abitur, etc. to be able to apply for the Bachelor’s Programme. Due to the diversity of applicants, there are other international qualifications that we may accept as equivalent of a university entry level. As the language of instruction is English, you need to submit a proof of your language proficiency. Prospective students may be dispensed from written proof of English language test if they have: 1) Attended an international school where the language of instruction was English. 2) Their mother tongue is English. 3) Passed the admissions interview (in person or facilitated via IT media) resulting in a satisfactory command of the English language by the admissions department. 4) Passed the compulsory motivational essay as part of the application process written in English.

Graduation Requirements

A normal year of full-time study, therefore, earns the student 60 credit points towards the necessary graduation total of 180 credit points (ECTS), achievable in three years. An internship program and other special events/study experiences throughout the academic year are mandatory components of the program.

testimonial author
When deciding on where to attend university, I came to the realization that I have never been one to follow the typical education system, which was why GSD first appealed to me. I did not want to sit doing prerequisite courses that had little relevance to my major, in classes where I would just be a number out of hundreds of students. Taking specialized courses in International Relations, with a small student to teacher ratio sounded like a dream. Although leaving the security I felt in the Canadian education system was a difficult choice, I do not regret doing so. At GSD I have relationships with my professors, which has become invaluable for me. Each of my classes teaches me skills that I will use in my future career. Also, living in Geneva, you are literally in the heart of the international community. Because of the opportunities that are available just living in Geneva, it is the best possible place to study International Relations, as every day you are immersed in it.
JILLIAN JEAN NECKAR
Canada
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (BA-IR)
testimonial author
I looked for different schools on the web and found GSD’s website very attractive with excellent pictures of the school and a very impressive list of DIR laureates. This gave me an overview of the quality of students and faculty. International relations, as studied under the supervision of GSD professors, have become something more than just dry theory out of books. The people teaching here are the ones who have been making the history they teach us, be that the negotiations of first START treaty under Professor Nazarkine to the International Jurisprudence under Professor Alfred de Zayas. The different student origins and professor backgrounds make diplomacy a lifestyle, because you need to learn to be sensitive to cultural differences and opinions on the appliance of theory, negotiating the best possible solutions on a daily basis.
DIANA KAZINA
Latvia
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (BA-IR)
testimonial author
My time at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations was a one-of-a-kind academic experience. Thanks to GSD’s competent professors and its small-sized classes, every lecture was filled with accessible and well-structured information and intensive discussions. The friendly but demanding attitude of the academic staff, our enthusiastic discussions and a busy schedule evolved my academic interests and let me dive deeper into international security issues. As an Alumnus of GSD, I made my way to the United Nations University Office at the UN in New York and I will do my best to contribute to its noble missions.
DORUKHAN ARAS
Turkey
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (BA-IR)
Assistant to the Representative of the Rector of United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General at the United Nations, New York.
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