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Level

Bachelor's level

Entry requirements

General entry requirements + English 6

Programme structure

Semester 1: International relations I

The first semester is divided into three core foci: the theoretical basis of International Relations; exploration of empirical issues and trends in global politics; and an introduction to academic writing and research methods.

Semester 2: Conflicts and Development in Global Politics

The second semester helps students to independently develop a deepened understanding and knowledge of, and ability to study, the complexity of global politics. This course focuses on the theories of global politics with a special focus on structures and actors in global political economy and in global and regional conflicts. The semester concludes with student project work focused on a specific contemporary global political debate or controversy.

Semester 3: International Relations II

The third semester focuses on specific processes and structures central to the contemporary shape of the global and international system, as well as providing students with a deeper methods training intended to help prepare them for thesis writing.

Semester 4: Elective

This semester makes it possible for students to do an approved internship, study abroad, or enrol in elective courses. We recommend students to plan to ensure availability of places and be ambitious.

Semester 5: In-Depth Studies in Global Politics

This course aims to provide students with deepened understanding of different empirical questions in Global Politics. Specific attention is given to security, foreign policy strategies, and development politics. Students are required to engage with primary materials and aided in developing deepened knowledge and interests in areas that can be taken forward in their thesis studies the following semester.

Semester 6: International Relations III

The last semester is focused on the Bachelor thesis. In addition to the thesis work, the semester focuses on academic writing skills and research methods as final preparation for thesis writing. Supervision is provided to support students in their research process, but the thesis is an independent piece of work and fundamentally the student’s responsibility.

Programme contents

Semester 1, Autumn 2025

Semester 2, Spring 2026

Semester 3, Autumn 2026

Semester 4, Spring 2027

Semester 5, Autumn 2027

Semester 6, Spring 2028

Qualitative targets

After completion of the programme, students will be able to

• Identify and describe, compare, and analyse, as well as critically assess and evaluate the theoretical perspectives, research problems, and areas of study germane to the academic field of International Relations (IR).
• Through the application of scientific methods independently search, identify, collect, and critically compile and interpret material and information relevant to the subject.
• Orally and in writing participate in a dialogue with different respondents within the academy and in society at large, regarding problems, arguments, and solutions.
• Within allotted timeframes formulate and conduct independent analysis of research problems within international relations, individually as well as in groups.
• Evaluate relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects of their own and others’ research products.
• Independently design, conduct, and present a research project.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts with a Major in International Relations requires completion of 180 credits, of which at least 90 credits must be within the main field of International Relations and include a Bachelor's Thesis.

Additional information

The course syllabus states the entry requirements for admission to the next level within the programme.

A decision to discontinue a programme will result in the programme syllabus ceasing to be valid. However, students will have the opportunity to complete their studies within the nominal period of study (calculated from the last admission to the programme's first semester) and during at least the following two semesters, known as the ’discontinuation period’.

The syllabus is a translation of a Swedish source text.