Bachelor in International Relations
Geneva, Switzerland
BA
DURATION
120 hours
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
CHF 34,280 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* annual expenses / tuition rate for part-time students is CHF 1,080 per credit hour
Key Summary
Learn more about our programs, the application process, campus life, and what makes our community unique. Bring your questions and get real-time answers from our admissions team.
Geneva, a city for Peace, Diplomacy, and International Cooperation
Our International Relations department in Geneva gives students exposure to the driving forces of contemporary politics, the geopolitical history that created our modern world, the analytical skills and critical theories of political science needed to understand these dynamics — as well as unparalleled access to witness international diplomacy in action.
In the Bachelor in International Relations, students have a choice of pursuing the degree with either an emphasis in International Economics or in Migration and Refugee Studies, so they will gain added knowledge and mastery of one of these important sub-disciplines in international relations.
Students are not only exposed to the theories of international affairs but also its realities ‘on the ground,’ including the practicalities of the many states and non-state actors that represent the scope of today’s international arena. Whether studying the history of the Middle East, the fundamentals of human rights, environmental governance, or the push-and-pull factors of international migration, students will learn from a rotation of both expert professors and practitioners.
The study program is further enhanced by having guest speakers from the various international bodies and field trips to designated agencies in Geneva.
Why study International Relations at Webster in Geneva?
- Learn in International Geneva, the world’s largest center for multilateral diplomacy, where 40% of citizens were born outside of Switzerland
- Pursue an internship with one of the United Nations agencies, International Organizations, or NGOs based in Geneva
- Study on a small campus of a few hundred, who represent about 90 nationalities each year, between students and professors
- Attend public workshops, guest speaker presentations, and expert panels, including Webster’s annual International Humanitarian and Security Conference — where you can meet diplomats and world officials
- Join and contribute to the Webster Humanitarian Association, a student-led NGO
- Webster’s campus is less than 5 kilometers — and 6 minutes by train from campus — from the United Nations district of Geneva!
Witness International Diplomacy in Action
Geneva is the home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and has the highest concentration of international organizations, international NGOs, and diplomatic missions in the world. About 34,000 international civil servants, diplomats, and representatives of civil society work here, and many of our professors are part of this group. This gives students the opportunity to learn about international affairs from those who work at the forefront of this important discipline.
Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of key subfields and theories of international relations as a discipline.
- Identify major actors and institutions of international relations and know their functions.
- Analyze international issues from perspectives other than their own.
- Display familiarity with foreign cultures and languages.
Geneva has the highest concentration of international organizations, international NGOs and diplomatic missions in the world. It is a global meeting place where key decisions regarding the world are made. All our faculty members possess advanced degrees and have professional experience in many of these organizations in Geneva. Hence, our faculty members not only teach students about the theories and academic aspects of international relations, but also the realities of world affairs based on their own practical experience, providing valuable knowledge, analysis and insight. Our graduates enter the job market with the necessary skills to advance their careers and make a positive contribution.
Why Study International Relations at Webster in Geneva?
- Learn in International Geneva, the world’s largest center for multilateral diplomacy and Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan city.
- Pursue internships with United Nations agencies, international organizations or NGOs based in Geneva.
- Study on a small campus of a few hundred students, representing about 90 nationalities.
- Attend public workshops, guest speaker presentations and expert panels, including Webster’s annual International Humanitarian and Security Conference — where you can interact with diplomats and world officials.
- Join and contribute to the Webster Humanitarian Association, a student-led NGO.
- Webster’s campus is less than five kilometers from the United Nations district of Geneva.
Alumni from our International Relations program also recently enrolled in top master's programs, including:
- MPhil in Education, Globalization and International Development, Cambridge University, U.K.
- MSc in Political Economy of Late Development, London School of Economics, London, U.K.
- MA in Public Policy, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, Germany
- MSc in Leadership and Development, King’s College, London
- MA in Peace and Conflict Studies, Oslo University, Norway
- MA in Political Communication, John Hopkins University, U.S.
- Prev. Certificate in International Law, University of Geneva
- MA in International Conflict Studies, King’s College, London, U.K.
Sample Courses and Instructors
- Methods of Political Enquiry: taught by Dr. Lionel P. Fatton, Asian Studies expert, author and award-winning scholar.
- The Politics of the Developing World: taught by Dr. Jubin M. Goodarzi, renowned expert of the Syrian-Iranian relations, former consultant and political advisor to Sadako Ogata, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 1990-2000.
- Theories of Human Rights.
- International Security.
- Diplomatic History.
- Conduct of Foreign Policy.
Students attending Webster University Geneva may be eligible for different types of tuition assistance.
- One in three bachelor's degree students receives a partial scholarship and/or financial aid (see more, below!).
- One in four master's degree students receives some need-based financial aid support.
- All awards are partial-tuition awards; there are no standard full scholarship programs, and scholarship funding does not apply toward accommodations.
Internships
What organizations advertise internships at Webster?
Each year, dozens of International Organizations, UN agencies, and NGOs advertise internships that are open for students to apply for. These include world-renowned foundations as well as small not-for-profits. Webster’s Career Services staff help to match students with available opportunities. In recent years, internship announcements came from UNICEF, the International AIDS Society, UNITAR, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Council of Churches, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, OAK Foundation, and the UN Conference on Trade and Development, to name a few!
Can I be paid as an intern?
Each year, there are options both for paid and unpaid internships. Some internships require work eligibility (either Swiss/EU citizenship or family resident permits that allow work), yet others are within International Organizations in Geneva from the United Nations and its agencies to specialized NGOs like The Global Fund or the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Can I do an internship during the academic year or only during the summer?
Academic Internships are organized between the school and the employer; generally, these need to coincide with the academic calendar (Fall semester, Spring semester, or Summer term).
Other internship opportunities are sometimes dependent upon the employer’s needs. They may have an annual internship program (advertised in advance) or have ‘just-in-time’ needs about which they advertise for immediate placement.
How many hours of work are typically required?
This depends on the needs of the organization. A typical Academic Internship (which earns 3 credits—equal to one course—toward your graduation) would be 14 hours of work per week during a 16-week semester.
What skills will I need for making an internship?
Interns are often hired for a combination of knowledge (from their major) and skills they bring, from language skills to media and website development skills. Many students in IR will pursue electives in media or even marketing, to support their CV as they develop the tool kit they need to earn an internship or a job after graduation.