University of Chicago
International Relations and Affairs
Field of study · Chicago, Illinois, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Chicago
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
International Relations and Affairs at University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
International relations graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations such as the UN and EU, think-tanks, government foreign ministries, NGOs and global journalism. Postgraduate study is common for roles in international policy.
Student life (indicative)
Chicago punches above its weight as a student city — world-class museums, legendary live music, incredible food, a spectacular lakefront, and a warm Midwestern hospitality that makes it feel like home quickly.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
7,569
Staff Ratio
5.0:1
International
17.6%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
95%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£67,150
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
University Life
Urban
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of International Relations and Affairs
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate International Relations and Affairs topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced International Relations and Affairs
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
7,569
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
5:1
Students per staff
International Students
18%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Urban
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Four seasons
Safety Index (indicative)
6.5/10
Transport
Excellent (direct city or on-campus rail, major airport nearby)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
Chicago punches above its weight as a student city — world-class museums, legendary live music, incredible food, a spectacular lakefront, and a warm Midwestern hospitality that makes it feel like home quickly.
- Chicago punches above its weight as a student city — world-class museums, legendary live music, incredible food, a spectacular lakefront, and a warm Midwestern hospitality that makes it feel like home quickly.
What Students Love
- Rich arts & cultural scene
- Active music scene
- Diverse international food scene
- Major sports culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
95%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£67,150
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
International relations graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations such as the UN and EU, think-tanks, government foreign ministries, NGOs and global journalism. Postgraduate study is common for roles in international policy.
- International relations graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations such as the UN and EU, think-tanks, government foreign ministries, NGOs and global journalism.
- Postgraduate study is common for roles in international policy.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,510/month (housing $1,550 alone, plus $510 food and $150 transport). Chicago is expensive for the Midwest but significantly cheaper than NYC or LA — excellent value for a top-10 university.
- One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,510/month (housing $1,550 alone, plus $510 food and $150 transport).
- Chicago is expensive for the Midwest but significantly cheaper than NYC or LA — excellent value for a top-10 university.