Top 25 Countries to Look Out For Studying International Relations

International Relations, often referred to as IR or International Studies, is a specialisation in political science that studies the role of governments, international partnerships, NGOs and multinational corporations in an increasingly globalised world. Programs in International Relations deal with issues such as development, citizenship, human rights, violence and environmentalism in the context of global affairs. In this blog, we will cover the top 25 countries to study International Relations where you can study this diverse course!

Related Read: Most Popular International Relations Courses

Top Countries to Study International Relations Courses

Here is the list of Top countries that helps you with International Relations Courses:

1. USA
2. Switzerland
3. United Kingdom
4. Netherlands
5. Singapore
6. Germany
7. Canada
8. Ireland
9. New Zealand
10. India
11. Australia
12. Finland
13. France
14. Hong Kong
15. China
16. Spain
17. Turkey
18. Italy
19. Austria
20. Norway
21. Japan
22. Russia
23. Fiji
24. Denmark
25. Sweden

QS’s Top Universities for International Relations: 2021

Before we jump into the best countries for International Relations, here is a list of popular universities for IR!

University	Country	QS Subject Rank 2021
Harvard University	USA	1
Sciences Po	France	2
University of Oxford	UK	3
Princeton University	USA	4
London School of Economics & Political Science	UK	5
University of Cambridge	UK	6
Stanford University	USA	7
Yale University	USA	8
The Australian National University	Australia	9
National University of Singapore	Singapore	10

Why Pursue International Relations?

International Relations is a great way to start a career in politics, government, transnational non-profit organisations, or diplomats. As IR students, students study a wide range of interdisciplinary subjects like economics, business, global affairs, management, history, politics, sociology, comparative governments, etc. Let’s look at some reasons why you should study the subject in some of the best countries for International Relations.

• Studying International Relations will teach you how to work with numerous cultures, people and entities, and with this kind of learning experience, you can find yourself opening up a range of exciting career possibilities in a variety of areas.
• An IR major provides students with the essential knowledge, confidence and core analytical skills that can help to make sense of the international system and have an impact on government, business, and society well into the future. 
• The degree gives an option for students to leverage their core knowledge from a number of social science fields in order to become more informed citizens and, in many cases, pursue careers in related fields.
• Studying International Relations takes place in the perfect environment to learn from and not only in a classroom with a teacher. International Relations is more of a practical approach where the students experience the knowledge rather than learn about it in books. You need to choose the right location to align it with your academic or career ambitions in order to get the most out of International Relations programs.

Here are some of the Top Countries to Look Out for Studying International Relations study abroad programs:

The United States

The United States is one of the best countries to look out for studying International Relations. It provides the most favourable opportunity to learn more about democracy, a type-state that many nations are trying to attain. Many nations still adopt the American style of government in their own nations. But moving to the U.S. to learn would be a very great decision if you were to become a civil servant in your home country later on. Aside from studying the tenets of democracy, the United States is also the headquarters of many international organizations. Representatives from different countries around the globe meet to promote peace and stabilize socio-economic and political ties with each other.

Top US Universities for International Relations

• Harvard University
• Princeton University 
• Stanford University 
• Yale University 
• University of California, Berkeley

Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the top countries to look out for studying IR by students. As the location of the Geneva Convention and home to several international, political and economic bodies, several of Switzerland’s businesses and institutions are open to international audiences, and political knowledge is felt in the country’s institutions. There are a lot of schools which have a beginners course in International and Diplomatic Relations. The country also hosts the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations, one of the most respected institutions that focus on politics, business, and government on an international scale.

Top Swiss Universities for International Relations

• University of Geneva
• University of Zurich 
• University of Bern
• University of Basel

The United Kingdom

UK universities deliver the best level of excellence in IR. Students who look out for studying IR often choose the UK as it is a very popular destination. It is also home to some of the most esteemed professors in the field. Many ambitious politicians and civil servants have graduated from these top universities in the United Kingdom.

Top UK Universities for International Relations

• London School of Economics and Political Science
• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• UCL
• Kings College of London

The Netherlands

Another European destination that is ideal for students of IR is the Netherlands. Studying abroad in Amsterdam does not only deliver a desirable global climate. It also opens the doors to internships in The Hague or at the offices of the International Criminal Court. If you are intending to focus on global law, the Netherlands is the place to be.

Top Netherlands Universities for International Relations

• Leiden University
• Erasmus University
• Maastricht University

Singapore

If you want to learn more about Asian and Global diplomacy, you must study in Singapore. It provides a good learning atmosphere for students interested in the field of global politics and especially those who want to specialize in international business. The country is also similar to other Asian nations and provides a multidimensional culture of Chinese, Malays, Hindus and Westerners.

Top Singapore Universities for International Relations

• National University of Singapore
• Nanyang Technological University

Most Popular Courses for IR

IR is a broad area of study and involves several topics, students can find this programme under various names like International Affairs, Global Affairs, International Political Economy etc. Candidates can pursue international relations at every entry level. Let’s check out some popular courses you can pursue in the field of IR and kickstart your global career:

• Certificate in International Women’s Health and Human Rights
• Certificate in Introduction to Contemporary Geopolitics
• Certificate in Global Diplomacy
• Diploma in International Affairs and Diplomacy
• Bachelor in Politics with International Relations
• BA in Political Science
• BA in International Studies
• BA in Middle Eastern Studies
• BA in Politics and Policy
• BA in Public Administration
• BA in International and Global Studies
• BA in Economics with International Relations
• MA in Global Affairs
• MA in International Affairs
• MA in International Studies
• MA in Global Policy
• MA in International Political Economy
• MA in Political Science
• MA in International Journalism
• MA in European Studies 

Explore: What is the Scope of Political Science?

Career Scope 

Students with an IR degree can opt for a number of jobs and here are some most common career paths and job profiles-

• Journalist
• Political Writer
• Intelligence Analyst 
• Politician
• Research Analyst
• Psephologist 
• Social Worker
• Policy Analyst 
• Immigration Specialist 
• Public Affairs Specialist 
• International Marketing Manager 
• Political Risk Analyst 
• Diplomat 
• Manager

[Bonus] Best International Relations Schools in Europe 

• Sciences Po, France
• University of Oxford, UK
• The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
• University of Cambridge, UK
• King’s College London, UK
• Free University of Berlin, Germany
• SOAS University of London, UK
• Leiden University, Netherlands
• Central European University, Austria
• University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
• University of Copenhagen, Denmark
• ETH Zurich, Switzerland
• European Institute Institute
• MGIMO University, Russia

FAQs

From this blog, we learnt about the top countries to look out for when studying International Relations by aspiring students. A career in International Relations can be highly rewarding for those who see their future in the research and analysis of International Affairs of the nations. Get in touch with our Leverage Edu experts and we will help you pick the right course and university to study International Relations and steer towards a rewarding career in this field! Sign up for a free session with us now!