Gisma University of Applied Sciences
BSc International Relations
- Berlin, Germany
- Potsdam, Germany
BSc
DURATION
36 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
EUR 13,125 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU fee: €9,600/ Year | International fee: €13,125 / Year
Key Summary
About: BSc International Relations at GISMA University of Applied Sciences is a state-recognition-in-process bachelor’s degree taught 100% in English with hybrid full-time or part-time study in Berlin and Potsdam. You’ll study transnational security, foreign policy, political risk and international organisations to build critical thinking, analysis and communication skills. GISMA reports 94% employment within a year and 66% graduates in managerial roles; students access industry partners and a Career Centre, and graduates can apply for an 18-month post-study residence permit.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter government, NGOs, think tanks and multinationals. Roles: Diplomatic Service Officer, Policy Analyst, International Project Coordinator, NGO Programme Manager, Political Risk Consultant. Coaching.
*degree programme in the process of being fully state-recognised.
Overview
By studying international relations, you will strengthen your critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. These capabilities are highly valuable across various industries, especially for those involved in diplomacy, global security, policy development, and international economics. Our full-time Bachelor’s Degree programme in International Relations equips you with the expertise to understand and influence the global processes shaping today’s rapidly changing world. You will delve into topics such as transnational security, foreign policy analysis, political risk assessment, and international organisations.
As a graduate of BSc International Relations, you will be in high demand by governmental bodies, NGOs, think tanks, and multinational corporations. Your strong grounding in global affairs and policy-making will enable you to navigate complex international issues and propose evidence-based, culturally aware solutions.
Why Gisma?
- AMBA accredited: 2% of educational institutions worldwide to hold this accreditation, which was awarded for our global MBA. A sign of excellence in education
- 88% of Gisma students secured a job before graduation by utilising our dedicated career services and strong industry connections.
- Alumni success: An astonishing 77% enjoy a salary ranging from €55k to €60k
- SAP partnership advantage: Gain a competitive edge through Gisma's partnership with software giant SAP. Access cutting-edge tools, resources, and internship opportunities, boosting your job prospects and positioning you for success in the digital economy.
- The most international university: 90+ nationalities of students, alumni and staff represented. Expand your network
- Excellent student services such as a dedicated Career Centre, visa support and accommodation team
- Graduates will be entitled to apply for an 18-month post-study residence permit to take advantage of career opportunities in Germany
- Over 25 corporate partners we work closely with such as Zalando, Amazon, Siemens
- Over 20 years teaching and inspiring students to reach lifelong goals
- Savings, incentives, and flexible payment plans available
- Free beginner German classes
- Programmes taught 100% in English - the language of international communication
Why Germany?
- Germany has one of the lowest unemployment rates within Europe
- One of the best Graduate starting salary in Europe, with a growing economy
- Germany is the most popular option for international students looking to study in Europe; It is recognised for its high-quality education, and you can experience this with Gisma
- Germany ranks in the top five countries in the world by the number of international students
- Berlin, Germany’s Capital is the largest city in the EU and has a thriving business scene, offering a range of job opportunities to young professionals and graduates
Germany is well known for its rich history in culture and arts, offering students an enriching international experience whilst combining world-class education from our globally ranked partner institutions.
How you will study
Gisma University of Applied Sciences supports flexible and individual learning by applying a systematic hybrid learning scheme.
You will spend part of your lectures in class at our campus. These face-to-face phases are complemented by e-learning sessions. You will work on cases, reflect on readings, take part in online discussions, and participate in group exercises and projects. This variety of learning methods is part of our unique teaching strategy, which includes student-centred pedagogy, project-based learning, collaborative learning, and personalised coaching.
The full-time bachelor’s degree programme comprises a standard study period of six semesters. The curriculum includes a ‘mobility window’ in the 5th semester: a semester reserved for you to study abroad or undertake further modules with an applied focus as part of career development.
For the bachelor’s programmes, the total student workload for the courses is 180 ECTS credits.
A key element of this programme is the Career Development Semester, within which you will work on an end-to-end project. This project will allow you to work on a business problem, similar to what you may be given by a future employer. You will take this problem and develop a solution by collecting data, then building software to resolve the problem. You will then evaluate, test, and deliver the business solution, just like you would for an employer or client.
The programme also includes a studio module, an immersive and collaborative learning experience. Through simulations, policy labs, and interdisciplinary projects, you will tackle real-world international issues, developing a deeper understanding of global governance and diplomacy while refining your problem-solving and analytical skills.
Modules
This is an overview of modules that you will explore throughout the programme:
- Transnational Security (10 ECTS)
- Introduction to Globalization (5 ECTS)
- Comparative Foreign Policy Analysis (10 ECTS)
- Intercultural Skills and Ethics (5 ECTS)
- Emerging Global Threats (10 ECTS)
- Comparative Country Studies and Political Risk Assessment (5 ECTS)
- Global Political Economy (10 ECTS)
- Leadership in a Digitalized and Globalized World (5 ECTS)
- Foreign Language II (10 ECTS)
- Digital Skills (5 ECTS)
- International Organizations and Multi-Level Governance (10 ECTS)
- Studio (5 ECTS)
- Internship (20 ECTS)
- Thesis (10 ECTS)
Accreditations and rankings
Gisma University of Applied Sciences is a state recognised University of Applied Sciences which also benefits from AMBA accreditation, an honour shared by only six business schools in Germany and 2% of all business schools worldwide. The prestigious AMBA accreditation represents innovation and excellence in education, which is core to our values at Gisma.
Accreditations and Recognitions
- AMBA Accredited:
At Gisma University of Applied Sciences, our Global MBA programme carries the prestigious AMBA accreditation, an elite honour held by only five universities in Germany and just 2% of business schools worldwide. - State Recognition:
Gisma University of Applied Sciences is proudly state-recognised by the federal state of Brandenburg, an assurance that our programmes meet Germany’s rigorous academic and quality standards. - CIM Accredited Marketing Degrees (BSc and MSc Business Management Marketing programmes):
Gisma University of Applied Sciences is the only university in Germany with CIM-accredited marketing degrees, setting a new standard in professional marketing education. - German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) via FIBAA:
Gisma University of Applied Sciences’ programmes are nationally accredited by the German Accreditation Council through FIBAA, a specialised agency for business and social sciences. - BSIS Impact Label (Business School Impact System by EFMD):
The prestigious BSIS Impact Label celebrates universities that create a measurable, positive influence on their communities and economies.
We offer a range of flexible saving options tailored to your needs. Get in touch with us to find the best solution for you.
Your Future Career
International relations play an increasingly crucial role in shaping both public and private sectors. As a graduate of this programme, you will be well-prepared to address complex geopolitical, economic, and social challenges. You can pursue diverse roles across government institutions, NGOs, global organisations, or private consultancies.
Potential graduate opportunities: Diplomatic Service Officer, Policy Advisor or Analyst, International Project Coordinator, NGO Programme Manager, Political Risk Consultant, Global Business Strategist
As a student at Gisma, you will be supported by our dedicated Career Centre, which offers personalised guidance, networking opportunities, and assistance in identifying the best career paths in international relations.
Who Is The Programme For?
The BSc International Relations programme is ideal if you want to develop a deep understanding of global affairs, diplomacy, and cross-cultural collaboration. Whether you aspire to be a policy advisor, consultant, political analyst, or NGO advocate, this course will give you the knowledge and strategic perspective to excel in a highly interconnected global environment. It’s well-suited for those eager to combine analytical insight with practical applications in international politics and diplomacy.