International Relations & Global Affairs
International Relations & Global Affairs is one of 30+ university majors covered by NorthVoy's free academic guidance platform. Graduates typically earn $45,000–$120,000 per year, with projected job growth of 5% (Average).
Key skills you will develop
- Geopolitical Analysis
- Diplomatic Communication
- International Law & Policy
- Cross-Cultural Competency
- Research & Report Writing
Career paths
- Diplomat
- Policy Analyst
- NGO Program Manager
- International Trade Specialist
- Think-Tank Researcher
- UN / EU Affairs Officer
Salary and job outlook
Graduates typically earn $45,000–$120,000 per year, with projected job growth of 5% (Average).
Highest-paying roles: Diplomat, Policy Analyst, NGO Director.
Best countries to study International Relations & Global Affairs
- United Kingdom
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- France
- United States
Top universities
- University of Groningen (Netherlands)
- Leiden University (Netherlands)
- University of Vienna (Austria)
- Charles University Prague (Czech Republic)
- Sciences Po (France)
- University of Edinburgh (UK)
- University of Toronto (Canada)
- KU Leuven (Belgium)
- London School of Economics (UK)
- University of Oxford (UK)
- Georgetown University Walsh School (USA)
- Columbia SIPA (USA)
- Graduate Institute Geneva (Switzerland)
How to get started
- Follow global news closely — The Economist, BBC World, or Foreign Affairs are great starting points.
- Learn a second language or deepen one you already have — diplomacy runs on languages.
- Explore International Relations, Political Science, or Global Studies programs.
Your first project
Choose an ongoing international dispute or treaty negotiation. Write a two-page briefing document as if you were advising a government: background, key parties, interests, risks, and your recommended policy position.
12-month action plan
Jan–Mar: Build Global Awareness
- Read one quality international newspaper daily (The Economist, BBC, or Foreign Policy)
- Study a current global conflict or treaty — understand the history, interests, and key players
- Learn about one international organization (UN, EU, NATO, WTO) in depth
Apr–Jun: Develop Key Skills
- Join or start a Model UN club — it develops diplomacy, research, and public speaking simultaneously
- Improve or begin a second language — even basic conversational skills signal global commitment
- Write a position paper on an international issue from two opposing national perspectives
Jul–Sep: Explore the Field
- Volunteer with an internationally-focused NGO, charity, or human rights organization
- Interview someone who works in diplomacy, development, or international policy
- Study the basics of international law and human rights frameworks (UN Charter, Geneva Conventions)
Oct–Dec: Prepare & Apply
- Research International Relations, Global Affairs, or Political Science programs
- Build a portfolio of research papers, Model UN positions, or opinion pieces
- Write a personal statement that shows genuine global curiosity, language skills, and policy engagement
Study cost: Moderate.
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