International Relations

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

International relations helps make sense of our complex world, and prepares students for challenging careers in an array of fields.

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Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Why study International Relations at UBC Okanagan?

Get your UBC degree in international relations (IR) and learn how to critically examine global issues and interactions between state and non-state actors.

The IR program draws on diverse disciplines, including political science, history, sociology, economics and anthropology to bolster students’ understanding and equip them 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.

Degree Options

At UBC Okanagan, you can complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) major in international relations.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Sample Courses

These are examples of courses you can enrol in during your studies. To plan your academic journey, please visit undergraduate academic planning.

HIST 151 - Modern Latin American History
ECON 101 - Principles of Microeconomics
HIST 116 - History of Western Civilization,1450-1789
SOCI 111 - Introduction to Sociology I
ANTH 100 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

ECON 260 - Poverty and Inequality
POLI 220 - Introduction to Comparative Politics
POLI 222 - International Politics II
HIST 240 - Pre-Contact and Colonial Latin American History

ECON 358 - Competitiveness in the International Economy
POLI 362 - The Great Powers and International Politics
SOCI 301 - Sociology of Development
ECON 390 - Economics of Public Choice
ANTH 313 - Anthropology of Gender

HIST 402 - Problems in International Relations: Diplomacy and the Origins of Wars
POLI 465 - International Law: Seminar
SOCI 430 - Labour in a Global Economy
POLI 435 - International Politics on Film

Plan your academic journey by exploring the undergraduate academic planning guide designed for Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences students.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

  • Political aide
  • Lawyer
  • Public relations specialist
  • Event planner
  • Market researcher/analyst
  • Diplomat/embassy officer
  • Journalist/reporter/critic
  • Financial planner/advisor
  • Foreign aid worker
  • Public policy analyst
  • Human rights officer
  • Labour relations mediator
  • Lobbyist/activist
  • Intelligence agent
  • Media analyst/researcher
  • Fundraiser
  • Policy advisor/researcher
  • Speech writer
  • Foreign service officer
  • Labour organizer/negotiator
  • Community relations specialist
  • Community worker
  • Immigration officer
  • University relations advisor
  • Social compliance analys

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global, Undergraduate Research Awards and other opportunities at Experiential Education.

Follow your ideas and jump-start your career:

Travel to conferences or competitions with financial assistance made available through the Tuum Est Student Initiative Fund, which provides financial support up to $3,500.

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 5% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. 50% of graduates, from all across the globe, choose to stay in the region.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.