International Relations

The International Relations bachelor's degree program at Free University of Berlin provides students with comprehensive knowledge and analytical skills essential for understanding global political dynamics, international organizations, and diplomatic practices. The program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in political science, economics, history, and law, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to the complex issues of international affairs. Students will explore themes such as international security, global governance, human rights, environmental challenges, and development cooperation, preparing them for careers in diplomacy, international NGOs, policy analysis, journalism, and multinational corporations. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research methods, and practical skills through seminars, workshops, and internships, often in collaboration with international institutions and partner organizations. It also offers opportunities for language acquisition and cultural exchange to enhance students' intercultural competence. The program encourages an active engagement with contemporary global issues, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions for international challenges. Graduates will be equipped not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical experience and a global perspective, enabling them to analyze and influence international political processes effectively. The teaching staff comprises experienced academics and practitioners committed to fostering an inclusive and stimulating learning environment. With its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and international orientation, the International Relations program at Free University Berlin prepares students to become informed global citizens capable of contributing to a more peaceful and equitable world.

Educational organisation

IRO is accessible from anywhere around the world via a digital online platform for distance learning. You will profit from a combination of online modules and face-to-face instruction. Our online learning management system allows you to study wherever you are and whenever you want. You will receive regular and individual feedback and guidance from our instructors. The language of instruction is English.

You will complete 12 modules.

Obligatory modules:

• Initiation: Why and How Shall We Study Global Politics?
• Explaining Global Politics: The Game of Using Theories
• The Applied Side: How to Run Projects
• The Applied Side: How to Bargain in Global Politics

Study Focus Global Politics:

• Changing Global Landscapes: Globalisation Challenges
• Changing Patterns of Governance: The Evolution of the State
• Changing Patterns of Governance: The European Model
• Changing Patterns of Governance: Global Cities

Study Focus Area Studies

• Overview: Studying Areas
• Lost in Transformation: Comparative Area Studies
• Russia: Eternal Enigmas
• Eastern Europe: A Dissolving Concept?

Elective Modules:

• Global Flows: Capitals and Finance
• Global Flows: Migration
• Global Flows: Energy
• Global Flows: Content, Entertainment and Media
• Policy Issues: Coping with Global Risks and Uncertainties
• Policy Issues: Conflict Management and Reconciliation
• Policy Issues: Narratives and the Cultural Factor

During all stages of the programme, you will have access to highly personalised tutoring. Each module is taught during in-house classes in Berlin. This on-site instruction provides a unique opportunity to build a network of dedicated IR professionals and make it possible to get in touch with decision-makers from different IR-related fields through round-table discussions and informal meetings.
IRO is concluded with a Master's thesis. This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you are able to work through a research project in the field of global politics or area studies independently and at an advanced academic level. You will create a research design, work through the theoretical approach and empirical data, and present the results adequately.
You will write the Master's thesis in English within 12 weeks for the full-time programme and 24 weeks for the part-time programme. It should comprise about 12,000 words. An oral exam is part of the Master's thesis.

Study abroad unit(s)

You can profit from our exchange options with

• Aleksanteri Institute, University of Helsinki
• The Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University
• Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University
• Bush School of Government & Public Service, Texas A&M University

Forms of assessment

You will study the modules via our online learning management system Blackboard. Each module includes tasks that you submit online. Thus, you will perhaps address a question in an essay, draw up a research design, defend a position in a simulation game or contribute to a discussion board.

Course objectives

IRO provides you with the ideal opportunity to gain insight into global politics and regional studies, to enhance your global career perspective, and to become part of a growing network of IR experts while staying on the job. We educate you for success in exciting positions in academia, government, consulting, international organisations, and the media. IRO offers a holistic educational approach: expertise in relevant knowledge fields, management of your e-competencies, and honing of your soft and intercultural skills.
IRO aims to convey a thorough understanding of current issues and interdependencies within global politics and area studies. You will learn how to comprehend, critically analyse, and evaluate trends in international politics, economics, culture, communication, and law. We strongly believe in a learning-by-doing approach. We focus on combining theory and practice throughout your studies in order to enhance and test decision-making and policy implementation skills. Finally, we provide profound training in proper research design and methodology for your field of research and expertise.
IRO is an applied study programme. You will improve your time management and project management skills during your studies. You will develop leadership skills in multinational teams via our interactive assignment structures. You will refine your negotiation and presentation skills within simulation games during our in-house classes. All of these skills are necessary for your personal and career development, including future interaction with stakeholders and professional policy design.
On your first day of studies, you will join an intercultural peer network which reaches beyond IRO. Your peers will join you from around the world, with different professional backgrounds, experiences, and cultures. You will work together in multinational teams during your assignments, which means you will have many opportunities to share and exchange perspectives.

Language requirements

You must be fluent in English. English language skills can be proven with TOEFL results (minimum of 213 points computer-based or minimum of 80 points internet-based), IELTS or with the Cambridge Certificate at the same level of language proficiency.

Academic requirements

You are eligible if you

• have a genuine interest in global politics and/or area studies and a strong motivation to work in a challenging and intercultural environment
• hold a first university degree (BA, MA, Diploma, state examination, etc.), preferably in, but not limited to, political sciences, humanities or social sciences, including law and economics,
• have at least one year of relevant postgraduate work experience
• are fluent in English
• have reliable access to adequate electronic equipment - in particular, internet access and a computer capable of working with multimedia course materials

Enrolment fees

Currently 117.40 EUR per year, changes may apply

Costs of living

International Relations Online is offered via the internet and can be studied from all over the world. This gives students the unique opportunity to work while pursuing their studies.
Living expenses and costs arising from the in-house classes must be covered by the students individually (travel expenses, room and board).

Services and support for international students

The programme team is available to advise students and provide support in technical and administrative matters at any time.

Accommodation

International Relations Online follows the concept of "blended learning", combining online (90%) with on-site (10%) instruction. The online part that can be studied from anywhere, so that there is no need for the students to move to Berlin to pursue their studies.
The International Relations Online programme team assists students in finding suitable accommodation for the four one-week in-house classes in Berlin.