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5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program
University Carlos III de MadridThe Dual Bachelor in International Studies and Economics at University Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) is a 5.5-year English-taught program (372 ECTS credits) that awards two official degrees, blending rigorous economics training with a multidisciplinary global perspective on issues like the world economy, migration, inequality, and climate policies. It's ideal for ambitious students passionate about international affairs and economic analysis, equipping you with versatile skills for a competitive edge in global careers.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 lays a strong foundation in core economic and social sciences principles. You'll dive into Economics I (Microeconomics) and Economics II (Macroeconomics) alongside Statistics for social sciences I, History of the world economy, and introductory courses like Comparative Politics and World Politics, building your analytical toolkit from the ground up.
Year 2 deepens your understanding of global dynamics and quantitative methods. Courses such as Statistics II, International economics: economic integration, International political economy, and Public International Law introduce strategic thinking through Cooperation, collective action and formal models of strategy, preparing you to tackle real-world economic and political challenges.
Year 3 ramps up with specialized international economics and policy focus. In semester 1, explore Conflict and Violence, International economics: economic integration, International political economy, Public Economics, History of the world economy, and Econometric Techniques; semester 2 covers International Trade, Demography, Applied Economics, Evaluation of public policy, International Organizations, and Security, peace and conflicts resolution, honing your expertise in global systems.
Year 4 emphasizes advanced applications and policy evaluation. You'll study topics like Demography, International Trade, Applied Economics, and International Organizations, with a focus on practical skills in Evaluation of public policy and conflict resolution, bridging theory to actionable insights.
Year 5 culminates in high-level globalization and electives. Semester 1 features Globalization: Economics, Politics and Society and International financial systems, plus 18 ECTS in recommended Electives Economics, letting you tailor your expertise for cutting-edge roles in international economics.
Focus areas (in a string): Global economy, political economy of poverty/inequality, migration flows, natural resources, climate change policies, international trade, financial systems, public policy evaluation, conflict/security.
Learning outcomes (in a string): Mastery of economics core + multidisciplinary international studies; econometric/data skills; analysis of global issues; two official degrees for professional versatility; full English proficiency.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Official Spanish degrees in International Studies and Economics, fully compliant with Bologna Process; enables internships at top public/private firms and international mobility programs.
Reputation (employability rankings): UC3M ranks top 50 worldwide in Economics (QS World University Rankings by Subject); high employability via small classes, internships, and global networks.
The Dual Bachelor in International Studies and Economics at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid is designed to give you a competitive edge in our interconnected world. This isn't just theoretical learning—you'll develop practical expertise in analyzing global markets, understanding international institutions, and navigating complex economic policies. The program combines rigorous economic training with deep insights into international affairs, preparing you for careers in international organizations, diplomacy, business, and policy-making.
Practical Learning That Prepares You for Real-World Challenges
Throughout your studies, you'll engage with hands-on tools and methodologies that professionals actually use. The curriculum emphasizes econometric techniques and data analysis, giving you proficiency in the software and statistical methods that employers demand. You'll work on multidisciplinary seminars that bring together economics and international studies perspectives, mirroring how real organizations tackle global issues. The program also integrates company internships, ensuring you gain workplace experience alongside your academic foundation. The structured four-year curriculum allows you to develop competency progressively—from foundational mathematics and statistics in Year 1 to advanced coursework in international trade, public policy evaluation, and international organizations by Year 3.
Here's what makes your learning experience distinctive at UC3M:
- Econometric Techniques and Applied Economics courses that teach you data analysis tools used in international financial institutions and policy organizations
- Company internship opportunities built into the program structure to gain real professional experience
- Multidisciplinary seminars on international studies that bring together economists, political scientists, and international relations experts to address complex global challenges
- International Trade and International Political Economy modules with practical case studies of trade agreements, economic integration, and cross-border policy coordination
- Small group classes that foster collaborative learning and direct mentorship from faculty
- English-taught curriculum (taught exclusively in English) that develops your communication skills for international careers
- Access to UC3M's academic resources including libraries, computing facilities, and research institutes supporting economics and international studies research
The program admitted its first cohort in 2016 and currently enrolls 60 students per intake on the Getafe Campus, maintaining an intimate learning environment where you can build meaningful connections with peers and professors who share your global ambitions.
The Dual Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies and Economics at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) prepares you for careers at the intersection of global affairs and economic analysis. Graduates develop strong analytical, quantitative, and international policy skills that are highly valued by employers in both the public and private sectors. Many students move directly into professional roles or continue with prestigious postgraduate studies in Europe and beyond.
Typical Roles You Could Pursue:
• International Economic Analyst – analysing global markets, trade trends, and economic policies for organisations and institutions.
• Policy Advisor or International Affairs Specialist – supporting governments, international organisations, or think tanks in shaping economic and global strategies.
• Economic Consultant – advising companies on strategy, competitiveness, and international expansion.
• Business Development or Strategy Associate – working with multinational firms in cross-border markets and global operations.
Progression & Future Opportunities:
Career Support Services: UC3M provides dedicated career guidance, internship support, job fairs, and access to a large network of partner organisations to help students transition smoothly into employment.
Strong Employment Outcomes: A very high percentage of graduates secure employment related to their field shortly after finishing their degree, reflecting the programme’s strong professional orientation.
University–Industry Connections: The university maintains extensive collaborations with companies, institutions, and international organisations, offering valuable internship and recruitment opportunities.
Reputation and Long-Term Value: UC3M is widely recognised for academic excellence and employability, giving your degree strong credibility in international job markets.
Practical Experience: The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring graduates are well prepared for real-world economic and global challenges.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can continue with master’s programmes in areas such as International Relations, Economics, Public Policy, International Development, Finance, or Data Analysis. Many graduates also pursue research degrees (PhD) or specialised master’s programmes at leading universities in Europe and worldwide. This dual degree provides an excellent foundation for advanced academic study in both economics and international affairs.
A strong background in history, geography, mathematics, statistics, and environmental sciences is recommended, along with a B2 level of English (CEFR), since the programme is taught entirely in English.The programme values students who show initiative, teamwork, organisation, adaptability, responsibility, and curiosity, along with strong analytical skills and an interest in understanding and discussing today’s global legal, economic, political, and social challenges from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives.English Language Requirements: Minimum IELTS Academic score of 5.5 (General Training is not accepted) or TOEFL iBT score of at least 72.International Applicants (Non-EU): High school qualifications must be officially recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Education before applying.Main Admission Route: Students usually apply through UNED Competency Tests (PCE), where grades from the high school diploma and exams are combined to calculate the final admission score (up to 14 points).Alternative Options: If the PCE route is not completed, students may apply in the second admission round (subject to availability) or through the Early Admission process if eligible.IB requirement: No fixed IB score published by UC3M; a competitive estimate would be around 34–36 IB points for this dual degree.A level a competitive estimate would be AAB–ABB, with Mathematics strongly preferred for Economics.USA a competitive estimate would be around 3.3–3.6 GPA, with strong grades in Mathematics/Social Science subjects preferred.CBSE a competitive estimate would be around 80%–85%+, with strong Mathematics scores preferred for Economics.Managers in international companies or national firms working in international marketsResearch departments of finacial and non financial institutionsBusiness intelligence and corporate strategy in multinational firmsnation brandsstrategic planning for cities and metropolitan areas
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