International Relations (B.A.)

The interdisciplinary International Relations degree program with the profiles International Security, Human Rights and International Law and Development Studies combines elements from political science, economics, law, history and cultural studies. As a result of studying international processes, power relations and conflicts, graduates have a profound understanding of global contexts and developments. The choice of one of the three profiles International Security, Human Rights and International Law and Development Studies opens up corresponding employment opportunities in global organizations or internationally active companies and authorities.

International Relations (B.A.)

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Profiles:

• International Security
• Human Rights and International Law
• Development Studies

In the Bachelor’s degree programme in International Relations, students deal with global political, economic and legal structures and the interactions between states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and other actors. By analyzing international processes, power relations and conflicts, students develop a profound understanding of global contexts and developments. The interdisciplinary course combines elements from political science, economics, law, history and cultural studies. The political science part of the course focuses on international institutions, foreign policy and, in particular, peace and security policy. In the field of international law, students acquire knowledge of international and European law, human rights and international economic law. Further subjects include the basics of economics – international trade, global political economy and development economics. Students acquire research and analytical skills through the acquisition and practical testing of social science methods. The in-depth studies and application-oriented projects as well as internships in one of the three optional profile areas International Security, Human Rights and International Law, Development Studies contribute to the development of well-founded critical thinking skills. Teamwork in projects and internships in particular promote the development of logical and structured thinking and an understanding of complex interrelationships. Students perfect their ability to cooperate, their communicative and intercultural skills as well as their problem-solving skills. Upon successful completion of the degree program, students also have negotiation skills, business fluency in English and another foreign language, professional project management and networking skills.

International Security

The profile combines international relations with a focus on global security. Students deal with international institutions, foreign policy, comparative political analysis and security policy issues. In doing so, they acquire knowledge about the causes and dynamics of conflicts, forms of terrorism and the fight against it, as well as the role of international organizations in security policy processes. Topics such as migration, flight, regional conflicts and peace-building measures are dealt with in an interdisciplinary framework. Methodological and theoretical principles are applied and deepened in practical formats such as simulations, community and international projects as well as in professional internships. Upon successful completion, students will have a sound understanding of global security issues, intercultural skills and analytical abilities to assess and manage complex crisis situations.

Profile-related subjects of the degree program are International Security, Current Terrorism Studies, Conflict Resolution.

Career opportunities are available in the diplomatic service, in international organizations and humanitarian programs as well as in security-related areas of political consulting.

Human Rights and International Law

By choosing this profile, students deepen their theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of human rights and international law. They acquire an overview of international and regional institutions and mechanisms for the protection of human rights and deal with fundamental issues of human rights and international law. Normative foundations, theories of justice and ethical perspectives as well as the political, economic and cultural contexts of human rights development are covered. They apply their methodological skills in the analysis of specific case studies and put them to the test in simulation and project-based teaching formats. On completion of the course, they will be able to analyse human rights and international law issues, critically assess the influence of international organizations and operate professionally in an international context.

Profile-related subjects of the degree program are International Law, Global Leadership, Justice, Human Rights & Constitutional Rights.

Career opportunities are available in international organizations, in the diplomatic service, in ministries, authorities or municipalities that deal with human rights issues, integration or anti-discrimination, in political institutions and possibly also in research.

Development Studies

As part of the Development Studies profile, students expand and deepen their ability to analyze and critically reflect on global development processes in their social, economic, political and ecological dimensions. The profile-related modules are interdisciplinary and combine political science, economic, sociological and philosophical perspectives. The focus is on topics such as development theories and concepts, sustainable development, global economic relations, planetary economics, international organizations, poverty, inequality and environmental and climate issues. The examination of regional development contexts takes place within the framework of Area Studies, Regional Aspects of Politics and a compulsory internship abroad or international project. Methodological skills in quantitative and qualitative research are systematically developed and applied in practical formats such as simulations and community projects. Graduates are able to analyze complex global challenges of development cooperation, develop strategies and participate responsibly in international contexts.

Profile-related subjects of the degree program Critical Development Studies, Sustainable Development, World Economy.

Career opportunities are available in development consulting, humanitarian programs, development programs, the diplomatic service, the United Nations, the European Union or another international institution or organization, in companies with an international focus or in the media sector in the field of dealing with global challenges.