Dual Degree in Economics & International Relations

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

IE University

Program Overview

The Dual Degree in Economics and International Relations at IE University is a five year program designed for students who want to understand how global economies and international politics shape the modern world. It is well suited for students interested in economics, global affairs and public policy who want to develop strong analytical and strategic skills to address international economic and political challenges.

Curriculum structure

First Year
In the first year, students build a strong academic foundation in both economics and international relations. Courses such as Microeconomics, Mathematics and Statistics develop analytical and quantitative skills, while subjects like History of International Relations and Research Methods introduce the political and historical context of global affairs. This combination helps students begin understanding how economic systems interact with international politics.

Second Year
During the second year, students explore the connections between global finance, economic policy and international relations. They study courses such as Capital Markets, Political Economy and Financial Trends while also developing skills in analyzing and visualizing economic data. These subjects help students understand how financial markets and economic policies influence global political dynamics.

Third Year
In the third year, students focus more deeply on political economy and international governance. Courses such as Political Theories, International Law and Political Economy help them understand global institutions, diplomacy and international negotiations. Students also explore global challenges such as climate policy, development and international conflict.

Fourth Year
The fourth year expands students’ understanding of economic policy and global markets. Students study subjects such as Macroeconomics, Fiscal and Monetary Policy and Economics of Globalization, as well as topics like Labor Economics and Institutional Economics. Many students also have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad semester at one of the university’s international partner institutions.

Fifth Year
In the final year, students develop advanced analytical and strategic skills for global economic decision making. They work with modern analytical tools through courses such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Programming, and apply their knowledge to real global economic and political challenges. This prepares graduates to work in multinational companies, government institutions or international organizations.

Focus areas (in a string)

Global economics, international relations, political economy, global policy analysis, financial markets, digital economy, international governance

Learning outcomes (in a string)

Analyze global economic and political systems, evaluate international policies and institutions, apply quantitative tools to economic decision making, understand geopolitical dynamics affecting markets, develop strategic solutions to global challenges

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The program follows the standards of the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area, and graduates receive two official bachelor’s degrees in Economics and International Relations recognized internationally.

Reputation (employability rankings)

IE University is ranked among the top universities globally for graduate employability according to the Times Higher Education Global Employability Ranking, reflecting strong international recognition and career opportunities for its graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At IE University, our Dual Degree in Economics & International Relations puts you right in the heart of real-world action, building practical skills through hands-on experiences that turn theory into expertise. You'll tackle global challenges via mock debates, simulations, conferences, and networking events, while gaining insider access to United Nations courses on a tailor-made online platform—earning certified diplomas from the UN System Staff College. Selective internships at top institutions, summer research programs with UN staff mentoring, and capstone projects bridge economics and international relations, preparing you to lead in a dynamic world.

This practical edge comes alive through specific opportunities like these:
- UN System Staff College partnership: Complete asynchronous online courses designed for UN practitioners, gaining official UNSSC diplomas to boost your leadership in global affairs.
- Internships and professional placements: Access selective internships at institutions worldwide, plus summer research programs and mentoring with UN staff for real-world exposure.
- IEU Labs: Join these project-based labs to apply economics and IR skills collaboratively, customizing your learning to career goals.
- Mock debates, simulations, and field trips: Engage in activities outside the classroom to practice negotiating conflicts, climate agreements, and policy solutions.
- Capstone projects and research programs: Culminate with Impact Capstone Consultancy Projects or work as a research assistant with IE professors, honing analytical skills on global issues.
- Study abroad and networking events: Spend your fourth year at one of 160 partner universities, attending conferences to build international connections.

Imagine applying to this program and stepping into these opportunities—it's your launchpad to shaping global policy and economic strategy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At IE University, our Dual Degree in Economics and International Relations dives deep into experiential learning, where you'll build real-world skills through hands-on activities that bridge economics and global affairs. You'll tackle mock debates, simulations, conferences, and networking events to master how economic policies intersect with international challenges, all while using practical tools like those from our exclusive United Nations partnership. This approach ensures you're not just learning theory—you're applying it to shape global strategies, with selective internships and research programs that give you a competitive edge right from the start.

Here are some standout ways you'll gain practical experience tailored to this program:
- UN System Staff College courses: Access tailor-made online platforms with courses designed for UN staff, earning certified diplomas in leadership and global issues—plus summer research programs, mentoring with UN experts, and capstone projects.
- Internships and professional placements: Secure selective internships at institutions worldwide to apply economic and international relations skills in real settings, boosting your global profile.
- Mock debates, simulations, and field trips: Engage in practical simulations of negotiations, climate agreements, and policy conflicts, plus organized field trips to test your knowledge outside the classroom.
- Impact Capstone Consultancy Project: In your final year, opt for this hands-on project over a traditional thesis, working on real-world economic and policy challenges.
- Study abroad and electives: Spend your fourth-year semester at one of 160 partner universities globally, customizing with electives in digital economy, platforms, and innovation policies.
- Advanced seminars and IEU Labs: Dive into deeper topics via seminars and labs, experimenting with economic models, international law, and geopolitical analysis.

Imagine stepping into roles in finance, policymaking, or international orgs with this toolkit—students like you are recruited early thanks to our network. Ready to apply? Check out the full facilities and resources here: [IE University Facilities](https://www.ie.edu/university/campus/facilities/). Let's chat about your next steps!

Additional Information & Requirements

Applicants must take the IE University Admissions Test, conducted in English, which evaluates verbal, logical, and numerical reasoning skills. This test helps the university assess how applicants think, analyze information, and express ideas rather than testing memorized knowledge.
Instead of the IE University Admissions Test, applicants may submit recognized standardized exams such as SAT (minimum score of 1200) or ACT (minimum score of 24).
The IE University Admissions Test is taken online and can be completed 24/7 at a convenient time using a personal computer with a camera, microphone, and stable internet connection.
The test typically takes around 70–90 minutes (up to about two hours including instructions) and can only be taken once, so applicants should prepare carefully before starting.
After submitting the application and completing the admissions test (or submitting standardized test scores), candidates must complete an online assessment that includes written and video responses.
Applicants are then invited to a personal interview, where the admissions team evaluates motivation, communication skills, and critical thinking ability.
Finally, the Admissions Committee reviews the applicant’s complete profile, including academic background, test results, and assessments, before making the final admission decision.
International Baccalaureate (IB): IE University typically admits IB students with scores between 34 and 45, with an average admitted score of around 36, and only first exam results are considered (retake scores are not accepted).
UK A-Levels: IE University typically requires at least three A-Levels with typical offers ranging from AAB to A*A*A*, and retake exam results are not accepted.
GCSE and alternative qualifications: Applicants are expected to have at least five GCSEs (grade C/4 or higher), preferably A or B in relevant subjects, and may also be considered with relevant BTEC Diplomas (e.g., DD or DDM) when aligned with the chosen degree.
English Language Requirement Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 recommended 7.5 or a TOEFL score of at least 100 recommended 105.

Country Requirements

Indian Senior Secondary Qualification: Applicants from India must complete the Senior Secondary School Certificate (Class 12) or CBSE equivalent with a minimum overall average of 80%.
Chinese Senior Secondary Qualification: Applicants from China must obtain the Senior Middle School Graduation Certificate (Gaozhong Biye Zhengshu) with a minimum overall average of 80%, while taking the Gaokao is recommended but not mandatory.
South African National Senior Certificate (NSC): Applicants from South Africa are expected to achieve at least a 75% overall average in their final three years of study and obtain the National Senior Certificate with a minimum final average of 75%.
U.S. High School Diploma: Applicants are expected to have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.4/4.0 over the last three years of high school, and must submit official transcripts for Grades 10–12 to meet Spanish Ministry of Education requirements.
Canadian High School Diplomas: Applicants from Canada must obtain a recognized provincial diploma with the following minimum averages: Alberta (70%), British Columbia (77%), or Ontario (73%).
Quebec Pathways: Students from Quebec must either complete the Diplôme d’Études Collégiales (DEC) with at least 70% or provide transcripts for the final three years of upper secondary education including a Grade 12 equivalent year with at least 70%.
French Baccalaureate Applicants are typically expected to achieve a final BAC score of 14 out of 20 or higher Mention Bien or Mention Tres Bien with the average admitted score around 15 out of 20 while the Baccalaureat professionnel is not accepted.
German Abitur Applicants are expected to achieve an average of at least 10 out of 15 in semester grades during the final years and a minimum final Abitur grade of 2.3 while qualifications such as Fachhochschulreife Mittlere Realschulabschluss or Hauptschulabschluss are not accepted.