BA in International Relations and sustainability

BA in International Relations and sustainability

180
ECTS credits​
6
semesters​
30
students per class
€8.000
per semester

WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM?

Study in English at a Leading Private University in Vienna

Located in the heart of Europe, Modul University Vienna offers a globally respected education, taught entirely in English. Small class sizes and expert faculty ensure a personalized academic experience with global reach.

Designed for Future Global Leaders

This interdisciplinary 3-year Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Sustainability is designed to prepare its graduates with the skills to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. It blends the combined strengths of an International Relations and Sustainability Degree to prepare you for a meaningful, truly global career.

Experience Real-World Impact Through Research and Internships

You’ll engage in cutting-edge research and hands-on learning that connects classroom theory with real-world application. Key experiential elements include:
  • A 900-hour internship to build your résumé
  • Real-world projects that expand your professional networks
  • Applied training in international diplomacy and sustainability

Develop Diplomatic Agility and Ethical Leadership Skills

From day one, you'll gain the tools to navigate complex international landscapes and lead with purpose. Upon graduation, you’ll be:
  • A global change-maker skilled in negotiation and strategic decision-making from Vienna, Europe’s leading global diplomatic hub.
  • Possess the skills to to anticipate socio-political events and future geopolitical trends
  • Equipped to bridge cultures and lead ethically across borders

Master Global Governance and Environmental Policy

Your studies will go deep into the structures and systems shaping our world. Courses focus on:
  • Global governance and international organizations
  • Human rights and international law
  • Climate policy and sustainable development

Flexible Career Pathways Across International Fields

This degree opens doors to a wide range of careers. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in:
  • International organizations and NGOs
  • Government and public policy
  • Sustainability consulting and corporate responsibility
  • Advanced studies in politics, law, or environmental science

With its unique combination of diplomacy, ethics, and sustainability, this program empowers you to create lasting global impact—from wherever in the world your career takes you.

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Doug Stokes

Professor of International Relations and Sustainability

Modul University Vienna has ambitious plans to become a European center for understanding the changing world. From European geopolitics, international conflict, peace and diplomacy, to security, employers increasingly value critical thinking and the capacity to link multiple levels of analysis; from the global to the local. Having been a professor at some of Europe’s leading international relations departments and universities, Modul’s ambitions and its strategic location in Vienna, alongside its proximity to international organizations, give it a cutting edge. Please do join us as we develop tomorrow’s leaders.

STUDY PLAN

First Year:

Build a solid foundation in economics and mathematics while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of the core disciplines in International relations.

Semester 1:

  • International Relations
  • Fundamentals of Political Theory
  • Mathematics and Statistics I
  • Fundamentals of Social Sciences
  • Academic Writing
  • Fundamentals of Sustainable Development

Semester 2:

  • Comparative Regionalism and EU Law
  • Mathematics and Statistics II
  • Societal and Environmental Transitions
  • International Organizations
  • Ethics in International Management
  • Space and Society - the Social Dimension of Sustainability

Second Year:

Dive deeper into the field with courses on sustainability, governance and political economy while you develop a broader perspective and explore the intersection of politics, sustainability and governance. 

Semester 3:

  • Environment and Development
  • Global Governance
  • International Security
  • Political Economy
  • Research Design
  • Political Systems from a Comparative Perspective
  • Internship Preparatory Course1

Semester 4:

  • Contemporary Issues in International Relations
  • Governance for Sustainability Transitions
  • International Economics
  • Economic Geography
  • Philosophy of Science
  • International Law
  • Bachelor Thesis Tutorial2

Third Year:

Enhance your understanding of sustainability and international development while you gain practical experience. Choose between an internship or a thesis with enrichment courses that align with your interests and career goals.

Semester 5:

  • Climate and Energy Policy
  • International Politics of Development
  • Human Rights and Economic Development
  • International Conflict Management

Semester 6:

Bachelor Thesis + Enrichment Courses

OR

Internship

Thesis and Enrichment Courses or Internship

The BA in International Relations and Sustainability provides the maximum flexibility, with a strong emphasis on real-world projects and team collaboration.

Students have the choice to participate in an extensive internship or to write a comprehensive Bachelor thesis, delving into a specific area of interest. The thesis is fully mentored and provides the students with extensive faculty interactions as they finalize their thesis.

 

Career Prospects for BA in International Relations and Sustainability

 

  • United Nations, World Bank, European Commission, Foreign Affairs Ministries
  • Amnesty International, Greenpeace, Global2000, International Committee of the Red Cross
  • European Union Institute for Security Studies, The European Policy Centre, Bruegel 
  • McKinsey & Company, Deloitte
  • Unilever, KPMG, Microsoft, Coca Cola

  • Foreign Policy Advisor, Democracy Program Coordinator, Political Affairs Consultant
  • Human Rights Advocate, Conflict Resolution Specialist, Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator
  • International Policy Researcher, Democracy and Governance Research Analyst
  • Political Affairs Consultant, Sustainability Advisor

  • Global Communications Manager, Environmental Policy Analyst, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

  • International Organizations for Policy, Advocacy, Regulation and Governments
  • NGOs and Humanitarian Organizations
  • Think Tanks and Institutes
  • Consulting Firms
  • Corporations

Bachelor Admissions

When applying to Modul University Vienna for a Bachelor program, you need to meet the following admissions entry requirements and provide your documents in English through our application portal

  • Curriculum vitae (personal data sheet) 

  • Letter of motivation (description of reasons for applying to Modul University Vienna) 

  • High school certificate 

  • High school transcripts of records 

  • Copy of passport 

  • Passport-sized photograph 

  • One letter of recommendation (from academic sources) 

  • Proof of English proficiency level B2 

*Please submit all the documents in a pdf format

All bachelor applicants must provide proof of their English proficiency, at minimum level B2 - according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages - through a test taken within the last two years. We accept different English Certificates, you can choose the one that suits you from the list below.

When applying, our Student Recruitment Advisors can exempt you from providing the High School Certificate and last year's study transcript. If you lack these documents, please email us at recruitment@modul.ac.at and our team will provide support to continue your application.

ACCEPTED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR APPLICANTS:  

  • TOEFL Internet-Based Test– 79 points. A minimum of 22 points in writing is required 

  • IELTS – band score 6.5. We do not accept sub-scores below 6.0. A minimum of 6.0 in writing is required 

  • Cambridge Certificate – First Certificate in English (FCE): Minimum grade B and a minimum of 173 points are required

  • Pearson Academic – 59 points   

  • Exceptions will only be considered for students who are English natives or have completed their high school education entirely in English at recognized International Schools following American, British, or IB curricula.  Our admissions committee maintains the authority to request any additional evidence of English proficiency if deemed necessary. 

If you applied for a bachelor program and did not meet all requirements, you may still be accepted to study at Modul University Vienna on the condition of first completing our one-semester Foundation Program. You do not need to apply separately or again for the Foundation Program.  

Check High School Requirements by Country

Criteria for International Schools Curriculum: If you have attended an international school in any country and followed an American, British, or International Baccalaureate curriculum, please review the admissions criteria specific to your curriculum below.

 

See what criteria apply to you based on your high school leaving certificate:

Please keep in mind that depending on your school system, you might need to complete the Foundation Program prior to your Bachelor Program. 

Student Housing

Austrian universities typically do not have their own student housing accommodations. Instead, students in Vienna have a variety of excellent housing providers located throughout the city. Wherever you choose to live, there are some factors that you might want to consider in making your choice.

Talk To Us

If you have questions about studying at MU, the application process or any other topic related to the university please contact us

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Start your application process here

Have any questions about studying at MU or the application process? Connect with our Student Recruitment Team and they will assist you every step of the way.  

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