The new BA in International Relations at International Business School (IBS) Budapest offers an innovative, future-focused education that combines traditional international relations studies with the analytical, technological and strategic skills required in today's increasingly complex global environment.
As geopolitical tensions, international conflicts, economic uncertainty, cyber threats and artificial intelligence reshape the world, governments, international organisations and multinational companies need professionals who can interpret global developments, assess risks and support informed decision-making.
The IBS programme goes beyond traditional international relations education by integrating Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), AI technologies, data analytics and geopolitical risk assessment into the study of international politics, diplomacy, security and the global economy.
International Relations for a Changing World
Unlike conventional international relations degrees that primarily focus on political theories, history and diplomacy, the IBS programme combines these essential foundations with practical analytical capabilities relevant to both the public and private sectors.
The six-semester, 180-credit programme provides students with a comprehensive understanding of international affairs while introducing contemporary tools and methods used in intelligence analysis, strategic forecasting, regional risk assessment and international business.
General info
| September 2027 | |
| Duration of programme | 6 semesters |
| Starting date | September |
| Degree awarded by | The University of Buckingham and IBS |
| Common first year | Yes |
| Work placement available | Yes |
| Study abroad available | Yes |
| Campus | Budapest |
| Admission criteria |
• Secondary school leaving certificate AND• IELTS 6.0 or equivalent* |
| Language of tuition | English |
* i.e.: TOEFL 72, GCSE English, Duolingo 105 etc. Please find further details here
Fees and Deadlines
Tuition fees and the application deadline can be found at the following link.
What Makes This Programme Unique?
Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) & Intelligence Analysis
Learn how publicly available information can be collected, evaluated and analysed to understand international developments, identify emerging threats and support strategic decisions. The Intelligence & Open-Source Analysismodule introduces students to intelligence-driven approaches to international affairs.
Artificial Intelligence & Data-Driven Analysis
Explore how AI technologies, data analytics and business intelligence can support research, identify trends and enhance decision-making. Modules such as Data Analytics for International Affairs and the AI for Business elective connect international relations with modern analytical technologies.
Geopolitical & Corporate Risk Assessment
Develop the ability to analyse political instability, international conflicts, economic uncertainty and geopolitical developments that influence countries, businesses and investment decisions. Through Corporate Geopolitical Risk, students explore how international events affect multinational organisations and their strategies.
Strategic Foresight & Scenario Planning
Learn to think beyond current events by developing alternative future scenarios, evaluating emerging global risks and understanding how strategic forecasting supports policy and business decisions.
Regional Expertise & Global Security
Understand the political, economic and security dynamics of key global regions. Study great-power competition, regional economic powers, cybersecurity, hybrid threats and international security, with opportunities to explore the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Central and Eastern Europe.
Why Choose International Relations at IBS?
A unique combination of diplomacy and intelligence: Develop traditional diplomatic knowledge alongside practical skills in OSINT, geopolitical analysis and strategic assessment.
Technology-driven international relations: Gain exposure to AI, data analytics and digital research methods increasingly relevant to international affairs.
Connecting politics and business: Understand how geopolitical risks influence international companies, trade, investment and global markets.
International and regional perspectives: Examine global challenges through political, historical, economic, cultural and security perspectives.
Professional communication and diplomatic skills: Develop critical thinking, research, negotiation, intercultural communication and professional English-language capabilities.
Practical, career-oriented learning: The programme includes an international mobility or elective study opportunity, a 20-credit internship and a 10-credit Bachelor's Thesis, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world international challenges.
Where Could This Degree Take You?
Graduates can pursue early-career opportunities in a wide range of international fields, including:
- Geopolitical and Country Risk Analysis
- Open-Source Intelligence and Research
- International Business and Corporate Risk Management
- Diplomacy and International Organisations
- Political and Public Policy Research
- Security and Strategic Analysis
- International Consulting and Government Affairs
- International NGOs and Research Institutions
Who Is This Programme For?
The programme is ideal for curious, analytical and globally minded students who want to understand international politics, follow world events and explore how technology is transforming diplomacy, intelligence and global decision-making.
Whether students aspire to work in international organisations, multinational companies, government institutions, risk advisory firms or research centres, IBS provides the academic foundation and analytical capabilities to help them pursue these ambitions.
Curriculum
Please find the curriculum here.*
* IBS reserves the right to change the curriculum.
Programme Specification
Please find the programme specification here.
Degree Sample
Please find the degree sample here.