BSc International Relations
Expand your mind, grow your options, and shape tomorrow’s global landscape.
enquire nowShape Your Future in International Relations
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.
Key Skills Developed
Intercultural Communication
Comparative Policy Analysis
Global Security and Threat Assessment
Political and Economic Insight
Critical Thinking
Strategic Global Analysis
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.
How Will You 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 Berlin 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.
Accreditations
The degree programme has been awarded the quality seal of the Accreditation Council Foundation. The Accreditation Council Foundation is a joint institution of the federal states of Germany for quality assurance in study and teaching at German universities.
Gisma University of Applied Sciences is state recognised. It also benefits from AMBA accreditation, which was awarded for the Global MBA and is an honour shared by only 6 universities in Germany and 2% of all universities worldwide. The prestigious AMBA accreditation represents innovation and excellence in education.
Location:
Berlin
Duration:
36 months
Intakes:
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Tuition Fee:
From € 9,600 per year
From Foundations to Future: Your International Relations Journey
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)
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.
Berlin: Your Learning Playground
Whether it’s the world-class museums, art hubs, the infamous nightlife, or the bustling business sector, Berlin promises a holistic cultural immersion.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
At Gisma, we believe in immersive education. Our students recently visited the Bundestag, the German federal parliament, for a thought-provoking discussion on international and domestic issues, set against the backdrop of the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Experiences like this reflect our commitment to connecting academic study with real-world global challenges, preparing students for careers in government, NGOs, and beyond.
Edge Student Hub: Your Gateway to Exceptional Student Living
Step into a new chapter of student life at Edge Student Hub, where modern comfort meets vibrant community living. Nestled in the town of Zossen, just 45 minutes from Berlin’s cultural heart, Edge offers the perfect balance of tranquillity and urban connection. With stylishly refurbished rooms starting from €599 per month, you’ll enjoy fully equipped living spaces, state-of-the-art communal facilities, and a welcoming environment designed to help you thrive.
- Prime Location: Peaceful Zossen, just 45 minutes from Berlin’s vibrant centre.
- Modern Living: Stylish, fully equipped rooms with all essentials.
- Community Life: Secure, social spaces fostering connections and support.
Take a virtual tour of our student accommodation here.
Fees & Admissions
Entry Requirements
- A school leaving certificate that enables the student to apply for a bachelor programme in the country it was issued in.
- English proficiency: B2 (IELTS 6.0 overall, no less than 5.5 in any component) or equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE or Duolingo. Gisma also offers an English test free of charge.
- International students must conduct an entrance test.
If you need additional support to meet the entry requirements for one of Gisma’s bachelor’s degree programmes, the Gisma Foundation Programme is designed for you.
Tuition Fees
We offer a range of savings and funding options for our programmes. Fees will vary depending on your applicant status:
- Germany/EU applicants
- Ex-pat applicants
- International applicants
For a full breakdown of all our fees, visit our Fees and Funding page.
How To Apply
Learn about the application process at Gisma University of Applied Sciences! We’ve streamlined the application steps to ensure a smooth journey into our diverse academic community.
Visit our how to apply page below.
Learn From The Very Best in The Field
You can be confident that you will be learning from some of the most accomplished and industry-respected professionals. Our professors at Gisma University of Applied Sciences are experts in their respective fields, with a wealth of experience and knowledge. They have come from and worked with some of the world’s largest and most prestigious companies, including Amazon, United Nations, Harvard, 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, KPMG, Boston Consulting Group, IBM, and Allianz.
Thrive in the Digital Age: Gisma Partners with SAP
Gisma is a proud member of the prestigious SAP University Alliances program, offering unparalleled opportunities for our students and staff. This exclusive partnership provides access to SAP’s academic materials, internships, and graduate programs. Our students benefit from open access to SAP training, certifications, and exciting workshops on cutting-edge topics. With the support of SAP experts, we equip our students for success in the digital economy. Join us to thrive in the world of endless possibilities.
Gisma Alumni Survey
At Gisma University of Applied Sciences, we empower our students to launch successful careers. We go beyond education, providing the skills and experience they need to thrive in the professional world. Our graduates are job-ready and make a lasting impact, with many landing positions at top companies. Alumni Survey (2022)
93%
of our students found employment six months after graduation
88%
of our Gisma students secure a job before graduation
66%
of graduates hold managerial positions in leading organisations
77%
of our graduates enjoy a salary ranging from €55k to €60k
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