The International Relations degree is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary programme that provides students with a solid analytical and critical understanding of global politics.
The challenges of armed conflict and peacekeeping, political violence and terrorism, economic production and inequality, the environment, energy and migration are increasingly beyond the capacity of states to regulate and are raising a growing number of political and ethical questions about the world of the future. International/global politics is so deeply interwoven with historical, economic and legal structures, institutions and processes that it cannot be approached in all its complexity from a single disciplinary perspective.
Overview
A comprehensive course to understand the world
The International Relations degree is a three-year course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of international relations. The programme focuses on history, politics, economics, culture and international institutions.
Linguistic and intercultural skills
Students also acquire the language and intercultural skills that are essential for working in an international context. They can learn several foreign languages, including English, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Japanese, Portuguese, Dutch, Korean, Polish, Turkish and BCMS. Students have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester at one of ESPOL’s partner universities.
Professional training
The International Relations degree is a professional course that prepares students for a career in the public, private or voluntary sectors. Students must complete eight-weeks of internship spread over the three years of the degree. They are also supported in their search for internships through technical workshops and career modules.
Core competencies
- Ability to analyse and understand international political and social issues
- Mastery of the theories and concepts of international relations
- Research and communication skills
- Ability to work in a team and solve problems
- Intercultural skills
A number of measures have been put in place to help students succeed:
- ORAL EXAM: This 30-minute oral examination generally consists of a question from the course or a commentary on a text and is divided into three parts: presentation, discussion and debriefing.
- TUTORING: You can ask a teacher for a meeting to discuss a problem you have seen in class or to go into more detail about issues linked to the taught material.
- ROLE PLAYING: Theatrical situations that encourage oral expression in a number of courses, including EU Policy Making and Economic, Social & Political Ethics…
Job opportunities
The Bachelor’s degree in International Relations is a level BAC +3 diploma (180 ECTS credits) which offers students the possibility of continuing their studies in France or abroad in a Master’s degree in several fields:
- Journalism.
- Communication.
- International relations.
- Social sciences.
- Law.
- Economics.
- Town planning.
- Sustainable development.
- Security.
- Governance.
Students can continue their studies by choosing one of the ESPOL Masters courses:
- Master’s in Multilevel Governance in Europe
- Master’s in Climate and Sustainability Politics
- Master’s in International and Security Politics
- Master’s in Digital Politics and Governance
They can also take competitive exams for the European, national and local civil services.
