International Institute in Geneva
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy (with Dual Degree Option)
Meyrin, Switzerland
BA
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
13 Jan 2027
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
CHF 15,950 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* administrative fees: 3,000.- CHF| additional fee of CHF 9'000 for the 3rd year
Key Summary
About: The BA in International Relations and Diplomacy at the International Institute in Geneva trains students in diplomacy, foreign policy and global governance through classroom study and international exposure. Delivered over three years in Geneva and taught in English, the programme offers a dual degree option with the University of Plymouth, access to UN meetings, internships and faculty from academia, diplomatic services and multilateral institutions.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can join diplomatic services, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, corporate public affairs or policy analysis. Roles include diplomat, policy advisor, analyst and NGO manager, or further study. Keywords: diplomacy, UN, internships, foreign policy.
The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy at the International Institute in Geneva is designed for students who want to build expertise in global affairs and prepare for decision-making careers in global governance, diplomatic services, international organizations, corporate business, and non-profit organizations.
Delivered over three years in Geneva, the program combines academic study with strong international exposure, taking advantage of the city’s unique position as a global hub for diplomacy and multilateral institutions.
This program is taught in English.
Key Benefits
- Gaining insight into the United Nations system while attending international conferences and meetings in Geneva
- Exploring state’s foreign policy and regional cooperation, assessing current and identifying current and future international political issues and trends
- Making the best use of the unique opportunities offered by its location in Geneva. IIG draws on the wealth of international resources for speakers, adjunct faculty, networking with international organizations and internship opportunities
- Having the option of achieving an additional BSc (Hons) Business Management degree awarded by the University of Plymouth, UK in Geneva in 3 years
- Learning in a dynamic environment in Switzerland with a multicultural student body and faculty from academia, international institutions, diplomatic services and field missions
- Participating in several events such as the World Model United Nations (MUN) and meetings at the UN agencies
- Students will understand major analytical and theoretical frameworks in international relations and use this knowledge to interpret the behaviour of international actors.
- Students will be able to think critically and communicate effectively about international relations.
- Students will be able to conduct research, examine information, and construct coherent arguments.
- Students will apply an ethical framework to complex and diverse worldviews.
Year 1
Semester 1
- POL 115 – International History and Political Thought
- FR B – French
- PSY 223 – Social Psychology
- ECO 235 – Economics
- MKG 115 – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
Semester 2
- POL 114 – International Relations Theories
- MGT 100 – Principles of Management
- CPS 207 – Creative Problem Solving
- ENV 141 – Sustainability and Development
- STA 243 – Introduction to Statistics & Probability
Year 2
Semester 1
- POL 215 – Peace and Conflict Studies
- POL 260 – Comparative Politics
- CSC 210 – Management Decision Making
- COM 220 – Communication Skills
- ACC 105 – Fundamentals of Accounting
Semester 2
- POL 310 – International Political Economy
- MGT 320 – Operations and Project Management
- MGT 305 – Human Resources Management
- LAW 310 – Public International Law and International Organizations
- POL 225 – Foreign Policy Analysis
Year 3
Semester 1
- POL 351 – Regional Politics in the Global South
- CSC 495 – Applied Artificial Intelligence for the Workplace
- IUG 3005B – Honours Project: Project Management Report Quantitative Methods (Plymouth)
- IUG 3008 – Responsible Global Enterprise (Plymouth)
- IUG 3009 – Managing Change (Plymouth)
- POL 001 – WFUNA Internship
Semester 2
- IUG 3005A – Honours Project: Project Management Report Qualitative Methods (Plymouth)
- IUG 3006 – Strategy and Leadership (Plymouth)
- IUG 3007 – Enterprise, Innovation and Creativity (Plymouth)
- POL 322 – Political Communication
- POL 498 – International Relations Capstone
Each year the Institute awards a limited number of scholarships. The selection criteria are based on past academic performance (GPA) and financial needs. Interested applicants should send a request letter together with the application material.
Ranked among the top ten universities in Switzerland, the International Institute in Geneva (IUG) is an accredited academic institution specializing in business education.
The Institute offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Business Administration, International Relations, Media and Communication, and International Trade. The curriculum features a unique combination of theoretical and practical instruction, with a particular focus on international business practices. The international exchange program offers an opportunity for students to study at renowned universities worldwide.
Located in Geneva, Switzerland, at the center of Europe and a hub for international politics and business, the campus is close to the airport and about 5 km from the city center. The IUG has students representing over 60 nationalities providing a truly multicultural setting.
90% Satisfaction
student satisfaction with teaching excellence
Nationalities of Bachelor Students
- Europe (45%)
- Asia (28%)
- America (17%)
- Africa (10%)
100 Countries
Alumni working in over 100 countries
Faculty
The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations program draws on the wealth of international know-how and resources of its faculty, visiting speakers and researchers. The academic curriculum includes visits to major international organizations in Geneva.
Study in Switzerland
Geneva belongs to a select group of truly “international” cities of the world, making it an ideal place to study international management.
An International Network
The International Institute in Geneva has established a strong network, developing exchange programs with 23 universities worldwide.
Your Career with your BA-IR
BA-IR graduates engage in decision-making careers in international organizations and diplomatic services, corporate business and non-profit organizations.
Career Services
The International Institute in Geneva provides for counselling to assist students in their career decisions.