International relations is a multi-disciplinary field that includes the study of international political economy, global governance, intercultural politics and identities, international law, international security studies and diplomacy, development studies, terrorism, political theory and more. It has long been a major area of research for scholars in fields like history, geography, anthropology, sociology, philosophy and political science.
Whether you’re looking to travel the world and experience new cultures or advance your career prospects by developing key leadership skills, studying international relations can provide you with the tools you need for an exciting and fulfilling life.
As the world becomes more connected, nations need to communicate and cooperate on global issues. Through their efforts, countries can resolve conflicts and create lasting peace. They can also help each other develop technologies and products that benefit all people, such as medicine, housing, transportation, and agriculture, to name a few.
Countries that share their knowledge with each other are able to make advances faster, which has the potential to save lives. This is why close cooperation between nations has been the norm since the dawn of civilization.
A degree in international relations can be an excellent springboard for a variety of careers, including working for the government as a diplomat or foreign affairs specialist, managing multinational companies as a global business strategist, or analyzing trends as an intelligence analyst. Many graduates choose to take their skills further by pursuing postgraduate studies, such as a masters in international relations, international development or law.