International Relations Subjects List 2026: Check Semester-wise Subjects & Syllabus
Akansha BishtSenior Executive
International Relations is the analysis of the legal, economic, and political issues on an international level. The perspectives regarding humanity, development, poverty, cross-border activities, etc., are discussed in the subjects included in its syllabus. The students who pursue International Relations courses can seek jobs in government organisations that handle international affairs and relations. Their duties would be to ensure good relations and harmony between nations while working on areas like the environment, trade, security, economy, politics, human rights, etc.
International Relations Syllabus - Important Facts
- Course Duration: International Relations courses belong to the Art stream and come under the Humanity discipline. One can pursue graduate-level and postgraduate-level courses in this field. The graduate-level courses are usually three-year courses, and their syllabuses are divided into six semesters. The PG courses are two-year courses, and their syllabuses are divided into four semesters.
- Eligibility criteria: The students need to complete their 10+2 studies with a minimum of 45 per cent marks for the graduate-level courses. For the postgraduate level courses, the students need to complete their graduation in any field related to Humanities and must score at least 50 per cent marks. The postgraduates can also seek admission to MPhil and PhD in political science or other related fields.
- Scope in India: There are plenty of jobs for those with a degree in International Relations. However, jobs in foreign ministry, embassies and other government organisations are mainly offered to those with a master’s degree in International Relations. They primarily serve the external affairs departments and offices assigned with the task of overseeing international relations. The degree holders can work as political journalists or become international relations analysts.
- Change in the syllabus: As International Relations is a relatively new academic discipline, there haven’t been many changes in its syllabus over the years.
- Exam pattern: End-semester exams of International Relations courses are conducted to evaluate the students' proficiency. These exams consist of theoretical papers where 80 per cent is reserved for the theory, whereas 20 per cent is reserved for international assessment done by the college.
- Difference in the syllabus between top colleges/universities: The syllabus for International Relations can vary for different colleges and universities. However, the focus areas of the subjects remain the same, that is, to guide students to develop ways to maintain international peace and cross-border security.
List of Subjects in International Relations
Since the purpose of International Relations courses is to equip the student with latest knowledge and training in areas and functions of the field, the course syllabus includes all the topics and subjects, which provide knowledge for the same. Check below International Relations syllabus.
Core Subjects of International Relations Syllabus
Given below is the list of core subjects included in International Relations syllabus and brief description for the same.
|
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to International Relations |
This subject discusses the scope of International Relations and the theories that revolve around it. Concepts related to area of studies, power politics, etc. are also included in it. |
|
International Law and International Relations |
The development of International Law, difference between State and International Law, contemporary issues in International Law, India and international conventions, maritime law and outer space, etc. are covered in it. |
|
Trends and Issues in Contemporary World Affairs |
The Cold War, changing patterns of World Order, globalisation, prominent contemporary issues, etc. are discussed in this subject. |
|
Conflict Resolution and Peace Building |
It includes the definition of conflict and levels of conflict in the global system. The definition of peace and how to resolve conflicts at international level are also included in it. |
|
India’s Foreign Policy |
The mission, objectives, and factors that influence the foreign policy of India are discussed in this subject. It also highlights issues in India’s Foreign Policy and also discusses its relation with major countries and areas. |
|
Cultural Diplomacy |
History of cultural diplomacy, its methods, India’s Cultural Diplomacy, and related case studies are the focus areas of this subject. |
|
West Asia in World Affairs |
It focuses on the society in West Asia, political issues in West Asia, non-regional actions in the region, conflicts, and related topics. |
|
Russia in World Affairs |
Formation and fall of USSR, Emergence of Russia and CIS, Russia’s Foreign Policy, issues of Russia, the current status of Russia in World Foreign Policy, etc. are discussed here. |
|
Political System in South Asia |
Types of governments in South Asia, conflicts and issues in the region, economy and development of the region, South Asia and its relation with external powers are the focus areas of this subject. |
|
Central Asia in World Affairs |
The dominance of Islam in Central Asia, civil wars, social and political issues in the region, regional security issues, economic development and foreign policy of the region, relations of Central Asia with External Powers, etc. are its key focus areas. |
|
Human Rights and International Relations |
Historical development of Human Rights, UN Charter of Human Rights, Challenges of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, and other key topics are discussed in it. |
Elective Subjects of International Relations Syllabus
Given below is the list of elective subjects included in International Relations syllabus and brief description for the same.
|
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
UN and World Peace |
The role of the UN when it comes to world peace is discussed in this subject. The missions and humanitarian initiatives taken by the UN are also covered in it. |
|
Human Rights |
The basics of human rights are discussed in it. It also covers topics like Human Rights Violation, institutions setup to tackle issues pertaining to Human Rights, and related concepts. |
|
Public Policy |
The basic concepts of Public Policy are discussed in this subject. Policy analysis, evaluation of public policy, etc. are also included in it. |
|
India and International Organisations |
The major international organisations and their structure and functions are discussed in it. Moreover, the participation of India in these organisations and the role of India as a country are also explained. |
|
Global Migration |
The history, issues, and theories related to Global Migration are included in it. It also talks on the refugee crisis and helps the students to understand the impact of global migration on culture and identity of a nation. |
|
Media and Politics |
The roles and responsibilities of the media when it comes to International Relations are discussed in this subject. It also highlights the issues raised due to the intersection between politics and media. |
|
Politics of Developing Areas |
The politics of developing countries and regions of the world is discussed through this subject. It also discusses the politics of third world nations and the impact of globalisation on these nations. |
Detailed Syllabus of International Relations
The International Relations syllabus might vary for each college or institution. Similarly, different courses include different syllabus. An overview of the detailed syllabus for BA in International Relations is given in the below table:
|
Semester |
Core/ Elective |
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 |
Core |
Introduction to Political Science |
Meaning and elements of the State, its origin, and functions are discussed in this subject. It also talks on concepts like law, liberty, justice, rights and duties, equality, etc. |
|
Semester 1 |
Core |
English I & II |
The students have to study two papers in English to strengthen their listening, speaking, and writing skills in English. |
|
Semester 1 |
Elective |
Hindi I |
It is an optional language for the students who want to expand their linguistic skills in Hindi. |
|
Semester 1 |
Elective |
Indian Studies Paper 1 |
The study of India and its issues along with its role in International Relations are discussed here. |
|
Semester 1 |
Elective |
Foreign Language Paper 1 (French or German) |
The students can learn French or German as an optional paper in this semester. |
|
Semester 2 |
Core |
Environmental Studies |
Social issues and its relation with the environment, environmental pollution and its types, ecosystems, biodiversity, and related concepts are discussed here. |
|
Semester 2 |
Elective |
Foreign Language Paper 2 (French or German) |
The students can further study French or German languages in this semester. |
|
Semester 2 |
Core |
English III & IV |
The advanced knowledge of the English Language is imparted this semester. |
|
Semester 2 |
Elective |
Hindi II |
The advanced knowledge of the Hindi Language is imparted this semester. |
|
Semester 3 |
Core |
World Since 1648 |
World Prior World War 1, Industrial Revolution, Expansion of Europe, First and Second World War, The Cold War Era, etc. are discussed in this subject. |
|
Semester 3 |
Core |
Introduction to International Relations |
The meaning of international relations and its scope along with concepts like national interest, ideology, power, etc. are explained in it. |
|
Semester 4 |
Core |
Fundamentals of Research Methodology |
Basics in Social Science Research, Research Design, Data Collection methods, etc. are covered in this subject. |
|
Semester 4 |
Core |
Indian Political System |
Making of Indian Constitution, Directive Principles of State Policy, Indian Federalism, Working of the Political System, etc. are covered in it. |
|
Semester 5 |
Core |
Introduction to International Political Economy |
Meaning of Global Political Economy, major tools of International Economics, Globalisation and IPE, etc. are discussed in it. |
|
Semester 5 |
Core |
India’s Foreign Policy |
It talks on the Indian Foreign Policy and its issues. It also discusses various aspects of the foreign policy of India. |
|
Semester 5 |
Core |
Diplomacy |
Meaning of diplomacy and its role in maintaining International Relations are discussed in this subject. |
|
Semester 5 |
Core |
Comparative Politics |
Meaning, nature, and scope of comparative politics, definition of political system, political parties and pressure groups, etc. are explained in this subject. |
|
Semester 5 |
Elective |
UN and World Peace |
Introduction to the UN, UN and International Peace and Security, UN and Social Development, UN and Human Rights, etc. are included in this subject. |
|
Semester 5 |
Elective |
Human Rights |
The meaning of Human rights, issues affecting human rights, organisations and departments that deal with these issues, etc. are covered. |
|
Semester 5 |
Elective |
Political Geography |
The meaning of Political Geography, Human Geography, Power Politics, Nationalism, etc. are discussed here. |
|
Semester 5 |
Elective |
Public Policy |
Basic concepts and theories related to Public Policy, Public Policy Analysis, Policy Making in India, Evaluation of Public Policy are the focus areas of this subject. |
|
Semester 6 |
Core |
Introduction to International Law |
Concept and nature of International Law, Essentials of Statehood, Peaceful Settlements of Disputes, Laws of Peace, Laws of Force, etc. are covered here. |
|
Semester 6 |
Core |
International Security |
Introduction to International Security and its tools, International Security in third world countries, etc. are discussed here. |
|
Semester 6 |
Core |
Issues in International Politics |
International Politics post the Cold War era, Global Governance, Contemporary Issues in World Politics, etc. are explained. |
|
Semester 6 |
Elective |
India and International Organisations |
The role of India in International Organisations that work towards peace, security, and human rights are explained in it. |
|
Semester 6 |
Elective |
Global Migration |
The impact of Global Migration on the culture of a country and various issues and crises related to Global Migration are included. |
|
Semester 6 |
Elective |
Media and Politics |
The role of media in International Relations and issues raised due to the links between political parties and media houses are highlighted here. |
Specialisations Offered in International Relations
International Relations itself is a specialisation offered in Political Science course. Therefore, there aren’t any further specialisations in this subject.
Books and Authors Related to International Relations
The students can refer to these reference books to get deeper perspective and insights on the subjects included in the International Relations courses:
|
Subject |
Book Title |
Author |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Political Science |
Foundations of the Political Science |
Peter Harris |
Basic concepts, meaning, and scope of Political Science are discussed in this book. |
|
International Relations |
Understanding International Relations |
Chris Brown and Kirsten Ainley |
The basic idea of International Relations and its role in maintaining global peace and security are discussed. |
|
Fundamentals in Research Methodology |
Social Research Methods |
Alan Bryman |
The meaning, data collection methods, issues in data collection, data interpretation, etc. are highlighted. |
|
Indian Political System |
Introduction to the Constitution of India |
Brij Kishore Sharma |
The emergence of the India Constitution and its role in maintaining equality, social justice, human rights, etc. in the country is explained here. |
|
International Political Economy |
A Beginner’s Guide to the World Economy |
Randy Charles Epping |
The basics of the World Economy and its role in the development of IR are explained. |
|
India’s Foreign Policy |
Foreign Policy of India |
Khanna V. N. |
The foreign policy of India and the issues included in it are discussed in this book. |
|
Diplomacy |
Non-State Actors in Economic Diplomacy |
Kate McDonald and Stephen Woolcock |
How non-regional powers influence the economic diplomacy of a region is explained in it. |
|
Comparative Politics |
Introduction to Political Analysis |
Apter and David. A. |
Different tools used for analysing political affairs are explained in this book. |
|
UN and World Peace |
Reforming the United Stations |
Nazrul Islam |
The issues in the United Nations and how they can be reformed are discussed. |
|
Human Rights |
Contemporary Human Rights Ideas |
B. G. Ramcharan |
The formation of new ideas on Human Rights and its development are discussed in it. |
Entrance Exams for International Relations
Most universities and colleges offer entry to the students on merit basis. However, the entrance exams are usually required for the master’s degree courses in International Relations. Some of the top entrance exams for International Relations courses are listed below:
The main subjects that the students need to study for clearing these International Relations entrance tests are Political Science, Indian Foreign Policy, Current International Affairs, and History and Economics. These tests are objective type computer-based tests.
International Relations Syllabus: Distance Programme
There are several universities and colleges that offer distance programmes in International Studies. The benefit of taking up the distance or online course in International Relations is that it allows the students to pursue it along with a regular course or employement. Moreover, the affordable fee structure and flexible schedule of these courses are other advantages of online courses.
The syllabus of the distance programmes is identical to that of the regular courses. The subjects like Human Rights, International Politics, Constitution of India, Introduction to International Relations, etc. are the focus areas of the syllabus. The best colleges that offer distance programme in International Relations are listed below:
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
International relations are important for you to understand so many things as a UPSC aspirant. You'll get to know about the global dynamics, politics, rules & policies, global affairs, and more.
Know more about -
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
There are plenty of UG degree options you can pursue under the International Relations subject. Such as,
- BA International Relations and Peace Studies, Journalism & Public Policy
- BA Hons International Relations
- BA Hons in International Relations with Research
- BA Studies International Relations
- BA Internat
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
One of the most important subjects in an International Relations course is International Law, Global Politics, Human Rights, Diplomacy, History, Economics, Terrorism, the United Nations, Climate Change, and others.
How many subjects are covered, and how deeply their study will be, depends on the cou
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
Here are some book options you can consider apart from your regular International Relations course syllabus -
- Hungary's Cold War by Csaba Bekes.
- Routledge Handbook of the International Relations of South Asia by Sumit Ganguly and Frank O'Donnell.
- The Diplomatic Maze, A Book on International Relations b
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
In my opinion, CUET is the best exam option that you can go for. It's a national-level exam that is accepted by thousands of top colleges in India. So, you'll have plenty of great college options if you score well in the CUET.
Also, you'll get a chance to choose from a list of subjects in the CUET,
G
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
There are many, to be honest. It also depends on the course level you choose. For example, if you're looking for a UG degree in International Relations, there are plenty of colleges like St. Joseph's University, University of Mumbai, Jadavpur University, University of Madras, Jamia Hamdard, etc., th
I
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
The eligibility for the MA in International Relations course is to obtain a bachelor's degree in either BA International Relations or any other relevant field. Other conditions like marks, age limit, entrance exam scores, etc., can be different based on the colleges.
Apart from this, the documents y
S
Contributor-Level 9
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