Bachelor in International Relations

This 4-year bachelor's program in international relations at Koç University in İstanbul, Turkey, is taught in English. The program studies how states, international organizations, and non-state actors interact, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, international law, security studies, and global political economy. Students analyze historical and contemporary conflicts, negotiations, and cooperation frameworks, developing skills in political analysis, research, and argumentation. Coursework typically draws on political science, economics, and history to explain patterns in global affairs, including trade relations, regional integration, international institutions, and the dynamics of conflict and cooperation between states. Case studies and simulations of diplomatic negotiation, along with model United Nations style exercises, are common components of the curriculum, giving students practical experience in analyzing and responding to international crises. Language study and regional specialization electives are often available, allowing students to develop deeper expertise in a particular part of the world. A research paper or thesis in the final year typically asks students to apply theoretical frameworks to a specific international issue of their choosing. Graduates go on to work in diplomacy, international organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, journalism, and consulting, or pursue graduate study in international affairs, public policy, or law. Class sizes at Koç University are typically kept small enough for direct interaction with faculty, and students in this 4-year program are expected to combine coursework with independent study and, in many cases, participation in student clubs or research groups connected to the department. Located in İstanbul, the university gives students access to a large metropolitan setting with internship and networking opportunities across a wide range of industries in Turkey. The English-medium instruction also prepares graduates to work or pursue further study in international, English-speaking, or English-speaking academic and professional environments.