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.

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.

Gisma University of Applied Sciences is officially state-recognised by the federal state of Brandenburg, meaning it has full degree-awarding powers and operates in line with the rigorous academic standards set by the German higher education system.

It also benefits from AMBA accreditation, which was awarded for the Global MBA. The prestigious AMBA accreditation represents innovation and excellence in education – held by only six institutions in Germany and fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide.

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.

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.

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)

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

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.