Duration
The Major in International Affairs is a self-contained, multi-disciplinary degree course. After you have successfully completed the Assessment Year, you will attend the Compulsory Subjects and Core Electives of this Major in Economics, Political Science, Law and Business Administration for four semesters.
Core Studies
Building on the University of St.Gallen's Assessment Year (60 ECTS), in which students get aquainted with the basics in economics and legal studies, the Major in International Affairs subsequently focusses on Compulsory Subjects (48 ECTS), which ensure the necessary fundamental formation in the four core disciplines. In addition, the programme offers three modules of Core Electives, which deal with integrative thinking, specific global challenges as well as research on selected areas in International Affairs (24-36 ECTS). Independent Electives (0-12 ECTS), and the Bachelor's thesis (12 ECTS) in which you may analyse a scientific topic of your choice in more depth, complement the core studies.
The Major in International Affairs can be studied in a flexible mix of English and German. All students have to gain at least 9 ECTS credits in the core studies (compulsory subjects, core electives and electives) in both languages.
Contextual Studies
Contextual Studies (24 ECTS) offer you a large selection of courses not related to your course studies. These allow you to broaden your horizons.
You may pursue the Bachelor's Programme in International Affairs in English and German. BIA students have to provide evidence of proficiency in English at Level C2 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, before graduating.
The BIA is the only Bachelor’s programme at the University of St.Gallen which offers you the possibility of having practical work such as internships or part-time employment recognised as practice credits.
Please note: the semester information is only by way of recommendation, and cannot always be followed, particularly if you plan to go on an exchange semester.