More and more people are eager to understanding the complexities and digital dynamics shaping today’s political landscape, and a major in Political Science and International Relations or European Studies equips you with the tools to influence it.
As Dr. Ilya Levine, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at AUBG, explains, the world’s first Department of International Politics was established at the University College of Wales in 1919, funded by donors in memory of alumni lost in the First World War. “From the very beginning, this is a field concerned with understanding some of the world’s most pressing problems and finding the best solutions to them,” he says.
A major in Political Science & International Relations or European Studies prepares graduates for careers across government, diplomacy, technology, policy analysis, and beyond. Below are both traditional and emerging career paths for those with this degree.
Is a major in political science and international relations worth it?
Now more than ever ethical political figures are needed, and a rigorous Political Science and International Relations or European Studies degree like the one offered at AUBG aims to prepare students for just that.
“Drawing on our as well as other disciplines like history, psychology, philosophy, and economics, we endeavor to prepare our students to decipher and successfully navigate the currents of a transforming world,” said Professor Levine.
The field is expected to grow and seems to be promising for graduates, as our 2025 BA Alumni Survey shows. Political science and international relations graduates began their first job or graduate program within an average of 3.8 months after graduation. Of respondents, 64% (86) said their first job was related to their field of study, 28% (38) said “no, but I use skills I learned in the field,” and roughly 7% (10) said no.
Some of AUBG’s political science and international relations graduates have went on to work at renowned organisations, such as Svetozar Dimitrov (’08), one of Bulgaria’s representatives at the United Nations in New York, and Ketevan Chincharadze (‘19), who has served as Policy Advisor at the Aspen Institute and Acting Public Diplomacy Officer at NATO in Georgia.
What do you learn in a political science and international relations degree?
“The field is always adapting to a changing world, incorporating new insights while continuing to draw on time-tested concepts and theories,” said Professor Levine.
The education at AUBG involves real-world cases and an interdisciplinary approach. For example, Professor Robert Phillips Jr.’s three potential Trump scenarios offered students a live debate on how the current politics might unfold.
The 2025 BA Alumni Survey also revealed that many of the soft skills developed throughout the program have been highly valuable in graduates’ careers. Alumni highlighted critical thinking, research, and communication as the most important skills, followed closely by problem-solving, intercultural competence, and time management.
Careers with a political science degree
A major in Political Science & International Relations opens doors to a wide range of career paths across government, international organizations, the private sector, and research institutions.
Graduates come out of the degree with the skills required to understand complex political, social, and economic dynamics and thrive in their field.
Government and public service
The most straightforward path for political science graduates involves working in government agencies or public administration, helping to shape policy, advise elected officials, or manage public programs.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: economics, law, public policy
Diplomacy and international relations
Diplomats and international officers are cultural bridge-builders. Their role involves navigating global negotiations, mediating conflicts, and representing their country abroad. Intercultural understanding, communication finesse, and negotiation skills are your toolkit.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: modern languages and cultures, journalism and mass communication, business administration
Policy analysis and research
Work in think tanks, NGOs, or research institutions to dissect legislation, forecast political trends, or design social programs. With technological advancements, you can leverage big data, AI-driven analytics, and digital modeling to uncover patterns, predict outcomes, and craft evidence-based solutions. Your insights influence decision-makers and guide societal change.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: data analytics, economics, statistics, critical thinking, sustainability studies, public policy
Careers in journalism and media
Political science graduates often pursue careers in journalism, media analysis, or public affairs, reporting on political developments. They are storytellers who make sense of a complex world, always at the forefront of current affairs.
Several prominent journalists have graduates in political science at AUBG and built meaningful careers at some of the world’s most reputable publications, such as Zhikica Pagovski (’11) who works as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Foreign Policy.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: journalism and mass communications, creative writing, research, modern languages and cultures
Careers in business and technology
Governments and businesses increasingly intersect with tech, creating a demand for professionals who can navigate both policy and innovation. Political science graduates can shape AI ethics and policy, oversee cybersecurity governance, advise on algorithmic accountability, or lead tech strategy in multinational corporations. Here, you combine analytical thinking with an understanding of global and corporate politics.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: economics, data science, business administration, computer science
International development and humanitarian work
If you love helping people and making an impact, working at NGOs, UN agencies, or grassroots movement would be an ideal career for you and your political science major. With your skills and qualification, you can help design programs that tackle poverty, climate change, unemployment, or global health crises.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: project management, modern languages and cultures, sustainability studies, psychology
Climate policy and environmental governance
Political science is a great foundation for climate action. You can influence policy on carbon neutrality, renewable energy, or international climate agreements. Governments, think tanks, and environmental consultancies increasingly need professionals who can navigate the politics of sustainability.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: sustainability studies, economics, data analytics, public policy
A major in Political Science and International Relations not only helps you understand how the world works, but also equips you with the skills to shape it your way. Whether your path leads you toward diplomacy, policy research, international development, media, or tech governance, the skills you gain at AUBG prepare you to make a meaningful impact.
Thinking about taking the next step with the Political Science and International Relations major or the European Studies major at AUBG. Explore the program, meet our faculty, and start building the worl you want to see.
