BA in International Relations
Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland
BA
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
31 Jul 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
CHF 35,000 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* This is the application deadline for EU and Swiss students who do not require a visa.
Key Summary
About: The BA in International Relations at The Geneva School of Diplomacy (GSD) is based in International Geneva, a center for diplomacy and global governance. Small classes, expert faculty, and engagement with multilateral organizations give students a grounding in political, economic, and legal aspects of international relations, including diplomacy, negotiation, international law, and global policy. Students work with practitioners and build research, communication, and analytical skills for careers in international affairs, global governance, and public policy.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter diplomacy, international civil service, policy analysis, NGOs, and consultancy; roles also include think tanks and multilateral organizations and private sector.
The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy offers an academically rigorous and internationally focused education in diplomacy and global affairs.
Located in Geneva, Switzerland, one of the world’s most important centres for diplomacy and international cooperation, the programme allows students to study international relations in close proximity to the United Nations, diplomatic missions, international organisations, NGOs, and multinational companies.
The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of the political, economic, and legal dimensions of international relations. Students explore key areas including diplomacy, international law, global governance, security studies, political economy, and international organisations, while developing practical skills in negotiation, policy analysis, research, and strategic communication.
Teaching takes place in small cohorts, allowing students to benefit from personalised academic support and close interaction with faculty composed of scholars and practitioners, including former ambassadors, diplomats, policy advisors, and professionals working in international organisations and the private sector.
The programme also integrates practical experience through a supervised internship, giving students the opportunity to gain professional exposure within international organisations, NGOs, diplomatic missions, consulting firms, or multinational companies.
Graduates of the programme are prepared for careers in international organisations, diplomacy, government, global policy, consulting, and international business, or for further graduate study in international relations and related fields.
The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (BAIR) is a three-year programme (180 ECTS) structured across six semesters. The curriculum combines foundational courses in political science, international law, economics, and diplomacy with specialised electives, professional workshops, internships, and a final dissertation.
Students complete approximately 60 ECTS per academic year, progressively developing theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and practical diplomatic competencies.
Core Courses
(Foundation courses across Years 1–3 – each 6 ECTS)
- Introduction to Political Science
- Academic Writing and Research Methods Thinking: Core Principles
- International Economics
- World History from 1500 to Modern Times
- Contemporary International Relations: Framework and Issues
- International Law for Diplomats I
- Diplomacy: Theory and Practice
- International Law for Diplomats II
- Peacekeeping, Peacemaking and Peacebuilding
- Global South in International Relations
- Applied Macroeconomics
- International Trade: 21st Century Issues
- Geo-Economics
- Contemporary Armed Conflicts: Political Analysis
Specialised Courses
(Elective modules typically in Years 2–3 – each 4 ECTS; selection may vary)
- Politics and Megatrends
- Diplomatic Neighborhood: Intergovernmental Organizations
- International Migration: Current Challenges and Policy Responses
- International Development
- Sustainable Development Diplomacy
- Artificial Intelligence: A New World Order?
- Regional Studies
- Business Diplomacy
- Blue Diplomacy
- Project Management
- Sports Diplomacy
- International Law Clinic
- Good Governance and Ethics in Multilateral Organizations
Professional Skills Workshops
(2 ECTS each)
- Influence, Persuasion and Impact
- Diplomatic Communications
- Diplomatic Negotiation
Experiential Learning
Seminar Series – Emerging Issues and Persistent Challenges
Guest lectures and policy discussions with practitioners from international organisations and diplomatic missions.
Internships – 8 ECTS
Students complete two supervised internships during Years 2 and 3 to gain professional experience in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, or related sectors.
Final Year Research
Bachelor Dissertation – 20 ECTS
Students conduct independent research on a topic related to international relations, diplomacy, or global governance under faculty supervision.
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor, graduates will be able to:
Understand core concepts of international relations
Demonstrate knowledge of key theories and historical foundations of international relations, political science, and international law, and understand how political, economic, and social forces shape global affairs.
Analyse complex global issues
Critically evaluate contemporary international challenges such as conflict, development, environmental change, technology, and global governance using interdisciplinary frameworks.
Conduct independent research
Apply qualitative and quantitative research methods, gather and evaluate sources, and develop coherent academic arguments through independent research projects.
Communicate effectively in international contexts
Present ideas clearly in written and oral formats, using professional diplomatic communication techniques suited to multicultural and international environments.
Apply practical diplomatic skills
Use negotiation, public speaking, media engagement, and diplomatic protocol skills in simulations and applied learning scenarios.
Demonstrate ethical awareness and leadership
Reflect on ethical dimensions of international work, including governance, human rights, and responsible leadership in global affairs.
Develop professional readiness
Work effectively in teams, demonstrate initiative and professionalism during internships or projects, and prepare for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, or related sectors.
The Geneva School of Diplomacy offers a range of financial support opportunities to help outstanding and motivated students pursue their studies.
Academic Excellence Scholarship
The Academic Excellence Scholarship is awarded to applicants with strong academic performance and notable achievements such as leadership, community engagement, or extracurricular accomplishments.
Selected students receive a tuition fee reduction of approximately 10% to 25% depending on their academic profile. Applicants are typically expected to demonstrate a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.5/4.0.
Fellowship Programme
The GSD Fellowship Programme supports students who combine academic merit with demonstrated financial need.
Each year, a limited number of fellowships are awarded providing 30% to 50% tuition fee reductions. Fellowship recipients may contribute several hours of administrative assistance to the school each week in proportion to the level of financial aid received.
Continuation Scholarship
Students who have successfully completed a programme at GSD and wish to continue their studies in another GSD programme may be eligible for a 20% tuition fee reduction, provided they maintain strong academic standing (typically a GPA of 3.4/4.0 or above).
Refugee Scholarship Programme
GSD also offers scholarships for candidates with recognized refugee status in Switzerland. These awards may include partial or full tuition support, subject to eligibility and available funding.
External Funding Opportunities
Students may also explore external funding options and education loans through partner organisations. These may include specialised financing solutions available to certain nationalities or regions.
Application Notes
- Financial aid must be requested at the time of admission.
- Scholarships and fellowships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Financial aid recipients must maintain academic performance and programme requirements to retain their funding.