Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website to learn more about International Relations.
View full program detailsProgram information
Our international relations program draws on diverse disciplines, including political science, history, sociology, economics, and anthropology, to equip you with the skills necessary to critically assess the contours and dynamics of international politics and events – from conflicts in Afghanistan and the Congo, to the rise of women as political actors.
Program overview
- Campus
- Okanagan
- Program length
- 4 years
- Faculty
- Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
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- Yes
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
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What you'll learn
International Relations is the interdisciplinary study of nations and how they interact, from the historical origins of the notion of nationalism to the present political context. You will develop a solid background in related areas of political science, history, sociology, anthropology, economics, and modern languages. The program stresses critical thinking and essential communication skills.
You’ll learn how to critically examine global issues and interactions between state and non-state actors. Graduates of the International Relations program may go on to work in diverse fields such as government, academia, business, journalism, and international development.|
Advanced courses give you the opportunity to apply your education to real-life situations. You can also complete advanced coursework where you will be guided in the practical application of research methods for planning and carrying out program evaluations, including developing your own evaluation designs. Directed studies courses give you the opportunity to conduct an investigation of a research problem, which will require a written report of your findings. The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences holds the annual Undergraduate Research Conference on UBC’s Okanagan campus to showcase student research projects.
|UBC is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. UBC’s Okanagan campus is home to several renowned experts in international relations, including Adam Jones, associate professor in Political Science at the Okanagan campus, is an acknowledged expert in the field of genocide. In addition to his academic duties, he is currently an expert consultant to the United Nations Office of the Special Advisor for the Prevention of Genocide (OSAPG) in New York, and has led training for officials from the UN, governments, and NGOs in Sarajevo, Geneva, Bangkok, and Jakarta.
Experiential learning and research
Advanced courses give you the opportunity to apply your education to real-life situations. You can also complete advanced coursework where you will be guided in the practical application of research methods for planning and carrying out program evaluations, including developing your own evaluation designs. Directed studies courses give you the opportunity to conduct an investigation of a research problem, which will require a written report of your findings. The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences holds the annual Undergraduate Research Conference on UBC’s Okanagan campus to showcase student research projects.
Campus features
UBC is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. UBC’s Okanagan campus is home to several renowned experts in international relations, including Adam Jones, associate professor in Political Science at the Okanagan campus, is an acknowledged expert in the field of genocide. In addition to his academic duties, he is currently an expert consultant to the United Nations Office of the Special Advisor for the Prevention of Genocide (OSAPG) in New York, and has led training for officials from the UN, governments, and NGOs in Sarajevo, Geneva, Bangkok, and Jakarta.
Program advantages
Earn a UBC degree respected by employers around the globe. Learn from renowned faculty researchers studying topics such as genocide and structural violence, gender and international political economy, humanitarian intervention, and peace building. Prepare for a career in law, politics, diplomacy, communications, or with non-governmental organizations.
Most popular courses
Survey of the major events, systems of thought, and human accomplishments that have contributed to Western civilization. Study includes events dating from approximately 1450, when developments in government, science, industry, art, and philosophy began to accelerate significantly
Study of themes of Latin American history from emergence of indigenous civilizations to the end of Spanish and Portuguese colonialism in the nineteenth century.
Emphasis on the major economies in North America, Europe, and East Asia. Determinants of competitiveness in nations and corporations, industrial and strategic trade policies of governments, importance of high-technology industries, role of multinational corporations
The nature, sources, and sanctions of international law; the notion of nationhood with particular reference to the status of the British Dominions; territorial and extra-territorial jurisdiction; diplomatic and sovereign immunities; international delinquency; treaties; settlement of disputes; international organizations. This course may not be taken for credit in both Arts and Law
Outcomes
A UBC education will introduce you to people and ideas from around the world, open doors to new opportunities, and take you places you never imagined. You’ll graduate not only with expertise in your chosen field, but with the skills you need to continue growing, learning, and evolving.
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website to learn more about International Relations.
View full program details