- Civil society fellow, Aga Khan Foundation Canada
- Global development manager, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Impact and learning team leader, Save the Children UK
- Business analyst, Arc’teryx
- Recruiting lead, Facebook
- Director of bilateral relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada
- International development officer, Global Affairs Canada
- Lawyer, Fasken Martineau Du Moulin LLP
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 Faculty of Arts website to learn more about International Relations.
View full program detailsProgram information
Gain a deeper understanding of pertinent world issues such as international diplomacy, global economics, security, and much more. Your coursework will span myriad subjects, from geography, anthropology, and Asian studies, to political science, sociology, and food, nutrition, and health.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- Yes
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculty
- Faculty of Arts
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
What you'll learn
International Relations is an interdisciplinary program that enables you to develop an in-depth understanding of international relations by combining the insights and perspectives of different disciplines, such as Economics, History, Political Science, Geography, Anthropology, and Asian Studies, with the study of languages. You will complete prerequisites during your first two years of study and apply for admission to the program at the end of your second year. You can select a Major or Minor in International Relations. Honours programs are available through the departments of Political Science or History. As an International Relations major, you have many opportunities to study abroad. Many students, for example, spend a semester on exchange or complete their fourth year seminar requirement with a Global Seminar or an International Service Learning experience. Examples include studying international security in Ethiopia, global citizenship in Guatemala, and the history of refugees in Uganda.
Experiential learning and research
The Liu Institute for Global Issues pursues interdisciplinary and policy-related research and advocacy on global public policy issues related to human security. Its research agenda embraces international relations, human security, peace and disarmament, the environment, conflict and development, and global health and international justice issues. Research facilities include the Centre for Human Rights, Diversity and Identity.
Experiential learning and research
As an International Relations major, you have many opportunities to study abroad. Many students, for example, spend a semester on exchange or complete their fourth year seminar requirement with a Global Seminar or an International Service Learning experience. Examples include studying international security in Ethiopia, global citizenship in Guatemala, and the history of refugees in Uganda.
Program advantages
Join a diverse group of students from around the world who care deeply about global issues and effecting change. Understand global issues from multiple complex perspectives. Easily integrate an international experience such as an exchange into your degree.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within International Relations. Here are a few you might like.
Human geography of the modern world with particular attention to human-environment relationships, urbanization, and regional growth; trade and communications; environment and war; environmental governance and sustainability.
Selected global issues explored through the methodologies and perspectives of both the physical and life sciences and the humanities and social sciences.
The evolution and contemporary significance of nuclear weapons and arms control policy and technology from the perspective of the physical and life sciences and the social sciences and humanities.
Market failure and gains from trade in the presence of natural resource externalities; the multilateral trading system and the environment; case studies in trade-related environmental impacts.
Outcomes
You can tailor your program to your specific interests to align with a diverse range of career opportunities, including but not limited to political aide; event planner; market analyst; foreign aid worker; human rights officer; lobbyist; activist; immigration officer; and social compliance analyst.
Program graduates
Take action & plan
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
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about International Relations.
View full program detailsGet 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 Faculty of Arts website to learn more about International Relations.
View full program details