University of British Columbia
International Relations: Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) - UBCV
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Vancouver
Intl. Tuition
CA$51,530 (2026-27)
Intake
September 2027
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Course Overview
**International Relations: Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA)
- UBCV** at University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 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)
Vancouver is one of the world's most liveable student cities — stunning mountains, ocean beaches, world-class food, ski resorts within an hour's drive, and a thriving arts and music scene. The outdoor lifestyle is genuinely exceptional.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
75,380
Staff Ratio
16.0:1
International
24.9%
Career Prospects
Avg Starting Salary
£42,660
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of International Relations: Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) - UBCV
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate International Relations: Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) - UBCV topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced International Relations: Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) - UBCV
- 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
75,380
Total students
Staff Ratio
16:1
Students per staff
International Students
25%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Cool maritime
Safety Index (indicative)
8.5/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Global / diverse
Student Life & City (indicative)
Vancouver is one of the world's most liveable student cities — stunning mountains, ocean beaches, world-class food, ski resorts within an hour's drive, and a thriving arts and music scene. The outdoor lifestyle is genuinely exceptional.
- Vancouver is one of the world's most liveable student cities — stunning mountains, ocean beaches, world-class food, ski resorts within an hour's drive, and a thriving arts and music scene.
- The outdoor lifestyle is genuinely exceptional.
What Students Love
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Beach lifestyle
- Diverse international food scene
- Ski & mountain access
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Avg Starting Salary
£42,660
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
- Technology
- Finance
- Healthcare
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
CA$206,122
For full 4 years
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
Above-average costs for a Canadian city — expect around $2,446/month (housing $1,533, food $480, transport $148). Vancouver is Canada's most expensive city, but UBC's campus lifestyle and natural setting are world-class.
- Above-average costs for a Canadian city — expect around $2,446/month (housing $1,533, food $480, transport $148).
- Vancouver is Canada's most expensive city, but UBC's campus lifestyle and natural setting are world-class.