Dual Bachelor in International Studies and Law

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University Carlos III de Madrid

Program Overview

If you’re excited by global affairs and the power of law to shape international decisions, this dual degree is a fantastic choice. It’s designed for curious, globally minded students who want to understand how countries, institutions, and legal systems interact — combining international relations, politics, economics, and law into one strong career-focused path.

Curriculum Structure

Years 1–2 — Foundations in Global Affairs and Legal Systems

You begin by building a solid base in how the world works politically and legally. Subjects such as Introduction to International Studies, Public International Law, and Political Science help you understand global institutions, state relations, and the legal rules that govern international cooperation. These years sharpen your analytical thinking and give you a broad global perspective.

Years 3–4 — Law, Policy, and International Decision-Making

As you progress, the focus shifts to how law and policy operate in real international contexts. Through courses like European Union Law, International Political Economy, and Administrative Law, you explore how regulations are formed, how markets and governments interact, and how public institutions function. You begin connecting legal frameworks with global political and economic realities.

Year 5 — Advanced Specialisation and Professional Preparation

In the final stage, you deepen your expertise and prepare for your future career. Modules such as Human Rights Law, International Dispute Resolution, and Comparative Public Policy help you analyse global legal challenges and policy strategies. You’ll also complete a final project that brings together your international and legal knowledge in a real-world context.

Focus Areas

International law, global governance, public policy, political systems, international economics, human rights, regulatory frameworks, comparative legal systems

Learning Outcomes

Strong global and legal analytical skills, understanding of international institutions and governance, ability to interpret and apply legal frameworks, policy evaluation and decision-making capability, professional research and communication skills

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Official dual bachelor’s qualification aligned with Spanish and European higher education standards, preparing graduates for professional pathways in international law, diplomacy, public policy, global governance, and regulatory affairs.

Reputation (Employability & Recognition)

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid is widely respected for academic excellence and strong international outlook, with its law and social sciences programmes known for producing globally capable graduates ready for roles in international organisations, government institutions, and multinational environments.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, learning goes far beyond lectures. In this dual degree, you actively build professional skills by working with real policy issues, legal cases, and international scenarios that mirror the challenges you’ll face in global careers. Classes are interactive and practical, encouraging debate, teamwork, and hands-on research in a modern academic environment designed to feel close to the professional world:

Here’s how practical learning becomes part of your experience:

Case studies and policy simulations — Many subjects use real international cases and policy scenarios, helping you practise legal reasoning, negotiation, and global decision-making.
Group projects and collaborative work — Team-based assignments, presentations, and structured debates strengthen your ability to work in multicultural and professional environments.
Supervised research and final projects — Guided academic projects allow you to explore real international and legal issues while building strong analytical and professional writing skills.
Specialised libraries and research resources — Access to extensive collections in law, international relations, economics, and public policy, along with academic journals and research databases.
Research institutes and academic centres — Opportunities to engage with university research environments connected to law, governance, and international studies.
Digital learning platforms — Course materials, academic communication, and collaborative work are supported through advanced virtual learning systems and digital academic tools.
Modern campus facilities — Professional study spaces and collaborative areas designed for teamwork, research, and focused academic work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this dual degree gives you a powerful profile for international careers where law, policy, and global affairs meet. Many students move into roles such as International Policy Analyst, Diplomatic Service Officer, Legal Advisor in global organisations, or Regulatory Affairs Specialist, working across governments, institutions, and multinational environments. Because you’re trained in both international studies and law, you graduate with a rare mix of legal expertise and global perspective that employers truly value:

Career guidance and employability support — The university’s career services help you prepare for professional life through mentoring, employability workshops, and opportunities to connect with employers and institutions.
Strong international career pathways — Graduates progress into roles in international organisations, public administration, global policy environments, legal advisory services, and multinational companies.
Professional networks and institutional connections — Academic links with public bodies and international environments give you exposure to real governance systems and global professional settings.
Recognised dual-degree value — Holding two official bachelor’s degrees from a respected European public university strengthens your credibility for long-term careers in international law, diplomacy, and public policy.
Wide graduation outcomes — Alumni work in global governance, international legal services, policy advisory roles, regulatory institutions, diplomatic services, and development organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the program, you can continue into specialised master’s degrees in areas such as International Law, European Union Law, Public Policy, Global Governance, International Relations, or Human Rights. Your interdisciplinary background also opens pathways into postgraduate studies that combine law with economics, political science, or international development, supporting careers in research, academia, and advanced professional practice.