Bachelor in International Affairs
Trollhättan, Sweden
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
SEK 105,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU/EEA citizens are generally exempted from paying tuition fee
Key Summary
Four blocks of knowledge
The programme is structured to progressively develop the students' critical thinking, academic writing and communication, independent application of knowledge, and analytical skills. It is organised into four interrelated blocks of knowledge.
Block 1: Science and Art of Government
This block focuses on political science, mainly political theory, comparative politics, and public administration. The students are introduced to classic political thought, its developments, and its application to contemporary phenomena. Students are also familiarised with political institutions in democratic and non-democratic systems, including public administration. Many of our alumni choose to work in public administration, and this block of knowledge provides them with critical knowledge about how these institutions are organised, how they are steered, and how they can (mal)function.
Block 2: International Studies
This block offers in-depth focus on international relations and global political economy. It introduces politics as not only existing in the local or national realm, but also as forming and being constructed through international relations. We also discuss the interconnection of political and economic structures and actions, and the effects these have on various levels. In our globalised world, comprehension of these processes is crucial for most careers in governmental, non-governmental, and international institutions.
Block 3: Work Integrated Learning
Many courses during the programme incorporate work-integrated learning (WIL) through case-based and problem-based learning, as well as invited guest lecturers. The students also take an applied course in project management, training them for future work tasks. Digitalisation and the use of digital tools in management and policymaking are discussed, preparing students for a digitalised working life and the type of digital tools they can expect to be using, as well as providing them with the ability to critically reflect on the use of such tools. The elective semester offers possibilities of internships in Sweden and abroad or of taking courses in WIL.
Block 4: Applied Research
International Affairs provides practical experience of key academic skills and abilities throughout the programme. The students are introduced to scientific methods to carry out investigations and evaluations of political phenomena, as well as to conduct academic research. The students are also offered opportunities to participate in ongoing research projects at the university through a research internship. During the final semester, the students prepare and write a bachelor’s thesis, developing in-depth knowledge of a selected topic within political science.
Each semester includes a study period of 20 weeks and 30 credits. In total, the programme’s length is 3 years and 180 credits. The courses are given in sequential order. During semester 3, the students choose one of two specialisation tracks: Security or Sustainability.
Year 1
Semester 1
- Introduction to Political Thought, 15 credits
- Comparative Politics and Public Administration, 15 credits
Semester 2
- International Relations, 15 credits
- Global Political Economy, 15 credits
Year 2
Semester 3 (choice of one specialisation track)
- Security Track, 30 credits
- Sustainability Track, 30 credits
Semester 4
- Applied Project Management, 15 credits
- Investigation & Evaluation Methods, 15 credits
Year 3
Semester 5 (elective)
- Second specialisation track, 30 credits
- Internship, 30 credits
- Elective courses at University West, 30 credits
- Studies at other universities in Sweden, 30 credits
- Studies abroad, 30 credits
Semester 6
- Applied Social Science Methods, 15 credits
- Research Project in Political Science, 15 credits
Specialization in Security or Sustainability
During the programme (semester 3), the students choose to specialize in the subjects of Security or Sustainability. Both tracks offer an in-depth understanding of selected current challenges, through different theoretical approaches.
The Security track introduces students to specialisation in security studies in general and, more specifically, to topics such as hybrid threats, international conflicts, political violence, human security, diplomacy, and peace studies. Courses included in this track:
- Introduction to Security Studies, 7.5 credits
- Hybrid Threats, 7.5 credits
- Critical Security Studies, 7.5 credits
- Peace, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution, 7.5 credits
The Sustainability track focuses on sustainability studies and how the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability are governed locally, nationally, and internationally. This track also discusses the topics of social movements and activism for and against sustainability, as well as the theory and practice of sustainable transitions. Courses included in this track:
- Sustainability and Political Thought, 7.5 credits
- Sustainability Governance, 7.5 credits
- Grassroots Activism for Sustainability, 7.5 credits
- Sustainability Transitions, 7.5 credits
Elective semester
During the 5th semester the students have the opportunity to either study abroad in Europe or beyond, or at another Swedish university; do complete an internship abroad or in Sweden; stay at University West and study any of the elective courses offered here. For students who want to add the second specialization of either Security or Sustainability, they can do so during the elective semester.
Educational methods
International Affairs uses a wide range of pedagogical tools to teach and help students grow in the field, such as presentations, teamwork and problem-based learning.
International Affairs is a full-time study programme dependent on students’ active participation. Apart from the elective semester, the approximate distribution of educational methods in the programme is as follows:
- Lectures (50%)
- Seminars (10%)
- Practical/group work (15%)
- Thesis work (15%)
- Independent or self-study (10%)
Degree
International Affairs leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA, 180 credits) with specialization in Political Science.
Graduates from International Affairs are attractive to employers in both the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
After graduating, students will be prepared to work as project leaders, strategists, analysts, administrators, organisational developers, investigators, researchers, or strategic planners. Students can pursue employment opportunities in local, regional, and national public administration or in international organisations. Other possibilities include careers in non-governmental organisations or private companies within and outside of Sweden.
Students are trained in important skills required on the labour market, such as collaborative and communicative skills, project management, analytical thinking, and critical reflection. Students are introduced to the digital tools they can expect to be using in their working life and are provided with the ability to critically reflect on the use of such tools. The specialisation tracks equip students with in-depth knowledge of security and/or sustainability issues, in high demand among employers in different branches. The international focus of the programme prepares students for a multi-cultural workplace and for transnational collaborations.
Further education
Graduates from the International Affairs programme can apply for further studies at the master's level within social science programmes in Sweden or internationally.
University West also offers a natural continuation at the graduate level in one of our two-year international Master’s Programmes: in Work Integrated Political Studies, in Sustainable Development, and in Leadership in Digital Organizations.