Bachelor in International Relations

International Relations studies how states, international organizations, and non-state actors interact through diplomacy, trade, conflict, and cooperation. Coursework typically covers political science, international law, global economics, comparative politics, diplomatic history, and regional studies, building a foundation for analyzing foreign policy and global affairs. Students often engage with case studies of international negotiations, treaties, and organizations such as the United Nations or the European Union, developing skills in research, argumentation, and cross-cultural communication. Graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, journalism, and multinational business, and the degree also provides a base for further graduate study in political science or law. This 4 year bachelor program is delivered in English at Istanbul Bilgi University, located in Istanbul, Turkey, a city with a long history as a meeting point between Europe and Asia and a setting that gives regional and international politics coursework immediate context. Studying International Relations in Istanbul exposes students to a country positioned at the intersection of European, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian affairs, which can enrich discussions of regional case studies covered in class. Over the four years, students typically progress from introductory courses in political theory and world history toward more specialized electives in areas such as security studies, international organizations, or foreign policy analysis. English-medium instruction supports students in reading primary sources, following international news, and communicating with counterparts from different linguistic backgrounds, all of which are relevant to work in diplomacy or international institutions. The program at Istanbul Bilgi University aims to combine theoretical grounding with practical skills such as analysis and writing that are applicable across public sector, private sector, and non-profit careers connected to global affairs.