Dual Bachelor in International Studies and Political Science
- Grados
- Bachelor's Degrees
- Dual Bachelor in International Studies and Political Science
- Duration
- 5 years (342 ECTS credits)
- Centre
- Language
- Bilingual
- Comments
-
Vice Dean for the Bachelor: Gema García Albacete
Presentation
The Dual Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies and Political Science provides the education necessary for future professionals who wish to pursue an international career. This might be in public organizations, political advising and consulting, cooperation or mediation in crisis management or conflict resolution.
The goal of this degree program is to create specialists and professionals prepared to understand and analyze politics in all its complexity. The program takes a multidisciplinary approach that covers the functioning of the international economy, supranational institutions and global governance and international economic policy. It also delves into themes that are especially important at an international level.
Among them are the impact of poverty and inequalities, the maintenance of the welfare state, the loss of state sovereignty, nationalism, international conflicts, causes and consequences of migration, the exploitation of natural resources and climate change policy.
These studies include all the basic content that is taught in both degree programs separately. At the end of the program, students will receive two degrees, one in International Studies and another in Political Science, with the professional advantages that this entails.
Employability and profesional internships
UC3M has agreements with more than 5,000 companies and institutions for internships and access to employment opportunities
94.8% of graduates have access to a job related to their studies in the first year of graduation, according to the Study of Professional Insertion of Graduates of the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.
International Excellence
Program
- Current Program
- Program modified in 2023 and revised in 2025. In 2025/26 only will be offered 1st, 2nd and 3rd year.
- Field of knowledge in the Bachelor's Degree in International Studies: Social sciences, social work, labour relations and human resources, sociology, political science and international relations.
- Field of knowledge in the Bachelor's Degree in Political Science: Social sciences, social work, labour relations and human resources, sociology, political science and labour relations.
Year 1 - Semester 1
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Digital Skills for Information Use 3 C Economics I (Microeconomics) 6 BC Introduction to Politics 6 BC Research methodologies for social sciencies 6 BC Law methodology and culture 6 BC Comparative Sociology 6 BC Effective Language Strategies 3 C Year 1 - Semester 2
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Political actors 6 C Economics II (Macroeconomics) 6 C Statistics for social sciences I: Introduction to statistic 6 BC History of the world economy 6 BC Political and social history 6 BC World Politics 6 C Year 2 - Semester 1
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Constitutional Law 6 BC International public law 6 C International economics: economic integration 6 C Statistics for social sciences II: multivariate techniques 6 C Spanish Politics 6 C No data Year 2 - Semester 2
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Political behaviour 6 C Administrative Law 6 C Public Management and Public Administration 6 BC Political Theory and Traditions of Thought 6 BC International Organizations 6 C Research techniques in Political Science I 6 C Year 3 - Semester 1
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Electoral analysis 6 C Human Rights 6 C International political economy 6 C Comparative Politics 6 C Analysis of public policies 6 C No data Year 3 - Semester 2
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Political theory and problems contemporary 6 C Conflict and Violence 6 BC Demography 6 C Evaluation of public policy and public programs 6 C Digital skills for data processing. Advanced level 3 C Security, peace and conflicts resolution 6 C Global policy issues 6 C No data Soft Skills 3 C Year 4 - Semester 1
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Multidisciplinary Seminar on International Studies 6 C Cooperation, collective action and formal models of strategy 6 C Politics and Comunication 6 C International financial systems 6 C Research techniques in Political Science II 6 C Electives Political Science: Recommended 6 ECTS credits 6 E No data Year 4 - Semester 2
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language States, markets and institutions 6 C No data Evaluation of public policy (Experimental designs) 6 C Sustainable Development 6 C No data European Politics 6 C Humanities I 3 C Electives Interantional Studies: Recommended 6 ECTS credits 6 E No data Year 5 - Semester 1
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Globalization: Economics, Politics and Society 6 C Topics in international politics 6 C Humanities II 3 C Electives International Studies: Recommended 12 ECTS credits 12 E No data Electives Political Science: Recommended 6 ECTS credits 6 E No data Electives to choose in the Bachelor in International Studies: total 24 ECTS credits Subjects ECTS TYPE Language International aid and development cooperation 6 E International Trade 6 E Corruption and Accountability 6 E The Future of Democracy 6 E Geopolitics 6 E New movements and transnational actors 6 E New Technologies and the International Order 6 E Emerging countries 6 E Politics and Religion 6 E Supranational integration processes 6 E External Academic Internships I (International Studies) 6 E External Academic Internships II (International Studies) 12 E Electives to choose in the Bachelor in Political Science: total 24 ECTS credits Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Political Advising 6 E Public Management 6 E Fundamental rights and their guarantees 6 E vacio Local Politics 6 E Social Psychology 6 E Information Society and New Technologies 6 E External Academic Internships (Political Science) 6 E Year 5 - Semester 2
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Bachelor Thesis (Political Science) 6 BT Bachelor Thesis (International Studies) 6 BT Electives Political Science: Recommended 12 ECTS credits 12 E No data Electives International Studies: Recommended 6 ECTS credits 6 E No data Electives to choose in the Bachelor in International Studies: total 24 ECTS credits Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Big Data for Business 6 E Ecology: Humans and the Earth 6 E vacio Culture and identity in globalization 6 E Inequality 6 E Education and Growth in Comparative Perspective 6 E Political Philosophy and Good Government 6 E International Project Management 6 E Country report and risk assessment 6 E Borders and Population Movements 6 E The Welfare State in Comparative Perspective 6 E International Security Policy 6 E Global Health 6 E External Academic Internships I (International Studies) 6 E External Academic Internships II (International Studies) 12 E Electives to choose in the Bachelor in Political Science: total 24 ECTS credits Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Administrative Law II 6 E European law and institutions 6 E Structure and social change 6 E Political Philosophy 6 E Ideologies and Political Movements in the 21st Century 6 E Inmigration, Multiculturalism and Human Rights 6 E Politics and Gender 6 E vacio Politics and society in Latin America 6 E vacio Budget and Public Spending 6 E External Academic Internships (Political Science) 6 E - Labor Insertion of the Degree (International Studies)
- Labor Insertion of the Degree (Politics)
- Credits recognition
- Access to previous courses programs
TYPES OF SUBJECTS
BC: Basic Core
C: Compulsory
E: Electives
BT: Bachelor Thesis - Previous Program
Study plan for students who started in the academic year 2022/23 or earlier. More information in Secretaría Virtual of Aula Virtual.
- In 2025/26 only 4th and 5th. year will be offered.
Total credits: 324
Year 1 - Semester 1
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Comparative Sociology 6 BC Economics I (Microeconomics) 6 BC Information Skills 3 BC Introduction to Politics 6 BC Law methodology and culture 6 BC Research methodologies for social sciencies 6 C Writing and communication skills 3 BC Year 1 - Semester 2
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Economics II (Macroeconomics) 6 C History of the world economy 6 BC Political and social history 6 BC Political Theory and Traditions of Thought 6 BC Statistics for social sciences I: Introduction to statistic 6 BC World Politics 6 C Year 2 - Semester 1
Year 2 - Semester 2
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Administrative Law 6 C International Organizations 6 C Political behaviour 6 C Public Management and Public Administration 6 C Soft Skills 6 BC Statistical methods for social sciences: prevision techniques 6 C Year 3 - Semester 1
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Comparative Politics 6 C Electoral analysis 6 C Human Rights 6 C International political economy 6 C Political theory and problems contemporary 6 C Public policy 6 C Year 3 - Semester 2
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Advanced knowledge of Spreadsheets 3 BC Demography 6 C Evaluation of public policy and public programs 6 C Globalization and Society 6 C Security, peace and conflicts resolution 6 C Skills: Humanities 3 BC Year 4 - Semester 1
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Cooperation, collective action and formal models of strategy 6 C International Finance 6 C Multidisciplinary Seminar on International Studies 6 C Politics and Comunication 6 C Spanish Political System 6 C Year 4 - Semester 2
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language European Politics 6 C Evaluation of public policy (Experimental designs) 6 C Topics in Spanish Politics 6 C Electives: Recommended 12 credits No data No data No data Year 5 - Semester 1
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Mutidisciplinary seminar on globalization 6 C Research Seminar 6 C Topics in interantional politics 6 C Electives: Recommended 18 credits No data No data No data Electives to choose in 5th year: total 30 ECTS credits Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Corruption and Accountability 6 P Emerging countries 6 P International financial systems 6 P International Trade 6 P New movements and transnational actors 6 P Professional Internships I (International Studies) 6 P Professional Internships II (International Studies) 12 P Supranational integration processes 6 P Transitional justice and democratization 6 P Year 5 - Semester 2
General subjects Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Bachelor Thesis (International Studies) 6 BT Bachelor Thesis (Political Science) 6 BT Second Language 6 C Electives to choose in 4th and 5th year: total 30 ECTS credits Subjects ECTS TYPE Language Advanced statistical methods 6 P Country report and risk assessment 6 P Culture and identity in globalization 6 P Global Environmental Challenges 6 P Inequality 6 P International aid and development cooperation 6 P The Welfare State in Comparative Perspective 6 P Professional Internships I (International Studies) 6 P Professional Internships II (International Studies) 12 P Any of elective courses could not be offered in a specific year. You can check it in schedules page.
- Labor Insertion of the Degree (International Studies)
- Labor Insertion of the Degree (Politics)
- Credits recognition
- Access to previous courses programs
TYPES OF SUBJECTS
BC: Basic Core
C: Compulsory
E: Electives
BT: Bachelor Thesis
Mobility
- Exchange programs
Exchange programs
The Erasmus programme permits UC3M first degree and post graduate students to spend one or several terms at one of the European universities with which UC3M has special agreements or take up an Erasmus Placement, that is a work placement or internship at an EU company. These exchanges are funded with Erasmus Grants which are provided by the EU and the Spanish Ministry of Education.
The non-european mobility program enables UC3M degree students to study one or several terms in one of the international universities with which the university has special agreements. It also has funding from the Banco Santander and the UC3M.
These places are offered in a public competition and are awarded to students with the best academic record and who have passed the language threshold (English, French, German etc..) requested by the university of destination.
- European mobility
European mobility
- Non european mobility
Non european mobility
Profile and career opportunities
- Entry profile
Entry Profile
Student should have a solid education in history, geography, mathematics, economics and environmental sciences. Additionally, although there is no entrance exam, we recommend a B2 (MCERL) level of English, given that the almost whole courses are taught in English.
We also appreciate students with initiative, flexibility, organizational working skills, a positive attitude to working in groups, ability to complete tasks under pressure, responsibility and curiosity to apply acquired knowledge in practice. Students should also have sensitivity and curiosity towards the legal, economic, political and social problems of the world today, interest to understand and discuss these problems and challenges from a critical point of view and using, both orally and in written form, distinct qualitative and quantitative skills.
- Graduate profile
Graduate profile
International Studies and Political Science is oriented to preparing graduates to pursue careers in these professional fields:
- Business intelligence and corporate strategy in multinational firms, nation brands, strategic planning for cities and metropolitan areas, etc.
- Public administrations
- Political policy analyst
- International Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations
- Political parties
- Political analyst
- Think-tanks and national and international research centers and observatories
- Political consulting and strategic communication
- Investigative journalism
- Education and research and consulting related to both
This double degree will provide students with the necessary skills to pursue a dynamic and versatile career, with a high capacity to adapt to changes in the labour markets with the profiles we have indicated above and those that are still to be consolidated in the years to come.
Learning outcomes of the Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies
1. Knowledge of Titles
K1 - Acquire the knowledge, techniques and terminology specific to the field of economics, politics and international relations.
K2 - Knowledge of the principles and values of democracy and sustainable development, in particular, respect for human rights and fundamental rights, gender equality and non-discrimination, and the principles of universal accessibility and climate change.
K3 - To know basic humanistic contents, oral and written expression, following ethical principles and completing a multidisciplinary training profile.
K4 - Acquire knowledge of the economic, legal, political and social reality from a comparative perspective.
K5 - To know the sources of law and the model of freedoms and fundamental rights of the Spanish and international legal systems.
K6 - To understand the structure of markets and the impact of public intervention on them.
K7 - To know and understand the main models of political, economic and social organization of States and the processes of change in contemporary societies and politics.
K8 - To understand the differentiating elements of international problems according to the degree of development of a country.
K9 - To know the relevant political and sociological theories to understand the structure and functioning of the main socio-political systems.
2. Skills of Titles
S1 - Be able to debate and formulate critical reasoning, using precise terminology and specialized resources, on international and global phenomena.
S2 - Critically relate current and past events and processes.
S3 - Plan and organize team work making the right decisions based on available information and gathering data in digital environments.
S4 - Use information interpreting relevant data avoiding plagiarism, and in accordance with the academic and professional conventions of the area of study, being able to assess the reliability and quality of such information.
S5 - Apply knowledge to identify with rigor, precision and scientific objectivity the social processes and possible solutions.
S6 - Be able to apply the scientific method to the social, political and economic questions posed by the globalized society.
S7 - Be able to identify, access and manage sources of information relevant to comparative analysis in the field of politics, economics and international relations.
S8 - Knowing how to propose and use the appropriate tools to solve basic problems of economic, social and political content, especially in the international context.
S9 - Apply computational tools and specific software for the analysis of political, social and economic problems in the international context.
S10 - Ability to gather and interpret relevant data and knowledge for the elaboration and defense of arguments on topics in their area of study.
S11 - Ability to discern which quantitative or qualitative research technique is the appropriate one to apply depending on the phenomenon being analyzed.
S12 - Design and evaluate public policy and management and quality improvement programs in the public and private sectors.
3. Competences of Titles
C1 - To know how to analyze, elaborate and defend individually a problem of interdisciplinary field of the Degree applying the knowledge, skills, tools and strategies acquired or developed in it.
C2 - Know and be able to handle interpersonal skills on initiative, responsibility, conflict resolution, negotiation, etc., required in the professional environment.
C3 - Ability to establish good interpersonal communication and to work in multidisciplinary and international teams.
C4 - Be able to engage in lifelong autonomous learning, enabling them to adapt to new situations.
Learning outcomes of the Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science
1. Knowledge of Titles
K1 - Acquire and apply the knowledge, skills and techniques specific to the discipline of political science, using the appropriate terminology and scientific method.
K2 - Understand the principles and values of democracy and sustainable development, in particular respect for human rights and fundamental rights, gender equality and non-discrimination, the principles of universal accessibility and climate change.
K3 - Understand basic humanistic content, oral and written expression, following ethical principles and completing a multidisciplinary educational profile.
K4 - Analyse the behaviour of political actors, political participation processes, electoral systems and the role of citizens in contemporary democracies.
K5 - Understand the structure and functioning of political institutions and their interaction with the rest of the components of the political system from a comparative perspective.
K6 - Understand the main currents of political philosophy, the main contemporary political theories and ideologies, and those linked to current political movements.
K7 - Describe the structure of public administrations at different levels, the relationships between them, the regulatory framework, planning and management in the public sphere.
K8 - Recognise the historical dimension of political and social processes and explain them in terms of this. TYPE: Knowledge or content.
K9 - Understand the economic dimension of the public sector at the national and international level, as well as the fundamentals and phases of the budget cycle in the public sphere.
2. Skills of Titles
S1 - Be able to discuss and formulate critical reasoning, using precise terminology and specialised resources, on political phenomena.
S2 - Plan and organise teamwork, making the right decisions based on available information and gathering data in digital environments.
S3 - Use information by interpreting relevant data, avoiding plagiarism, and in accordance with academic and professional conventions in the field of study, being able to evaluate the reliability and quality of such information.
S4 - Be able to apply the scientific method to social, political, and economic questions both domestically and in a globalised society.
S5 - Apply basic consulting techniques and tools for various political actors as well as political communication.
S6 - Apply fundamental theoretical references in politics and international organisations, as well as the relationship between international politics and domestic political processes.
S7 - Apply computational tools and specific software for the analysis of political, social and economic problems in the international context.
S8 - Ability to gather and interpret data and knowledge relevant to the development and defence of arguments on topics in their area of study.
S9 - Ability to discern which quantitative or qualitative research techniques are appropriate to apply depending on the phenomenon being analysed.
S10 - Understand and use the concepts of social structure and social change, their interdependence and their relationship with the political and economic system.
S11 - Know how to analyse public policies and design, plan, implement and evaluate public programmes and projects.
S12 - Understand the economic dimension of the public sector in the national and international environment, as well as the phases of the budget cycle in the public sphere.
3. Competences of Titles
C1 - Know and be able to manage interpersonal skills related to initiative, responsibility, conflict resolution, negotiation, etc., which are required in the professional sphere.
C2 - Identify, understand and know how to use the main theoretical and conceptual approaches and frameworks of the different areas of specialisation and sub-disciplines of political science.
C3 - Know how to choose and use the different methodologies specific to political science and its sub-disciplines to understand past and future political phenomena.
C4 - Be able to engage in lifelong independent learning, enabling adaptation to new situations in the professional environment.
- External internships
External internships
This is a selection in which students of this degree can do their internships:
- Pricewaterhousecoopers Auditores S.L.
- CSIC-IEGD
- Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico (OCDE)
- Everis
- MAEC
- Fundación Mujeres por Africa
- Grupo Telecopy Cartera Empresarial S.L.
- Federación Española de Municipios y Provincias
- Instituto Elcano de Estudios Estratégicos
- CSIC
- Grupo Acciona
- Auren Consultores S.P., S.P.L.
- Schottel GmbH
- CSIC-Instituto de Políticas y Bienes Públicos
- ONG Acción Contra el Hambre
- ONG Movimiento ATD Cuarto Mundo
- Career opportunities
Career opportunities
Career Opportunities for the Degree in International Studies :
International Studies is oriented to preparing graduates to pursue careers in these profesional fields:
- Business intelligence and corporate strategy in multinational firms, nation brands, strategic planning for cities and metropolitan areas, etc
- Public administration
- International organizations and non-govermental organizations
- Political Paries
- Think-tanks and national and international research centers and observatories
- Political consulting and strategic communication
- Investigative journalism
- Education and research and consulting related to both
Career Opportunities for the Degree in Political Science:
- Equal opportunity agent
- Civil administration of the state
- Citizen participation agent
- Political advisor
- Diplomat
- Teacher
- Political scientist
- International projects and programs manager
- Demographer
- Public opinion expert
- Cooperation and development prjects manager
- Political adivisor
- Political analyst
- Corporate social responsibility technician
- Media and communication
Study in english
Bilingual studies
This degree courses in English and Spanish. In the courses taught in English there aren't groups in Spanish, so there isn't possibility to choose the language in which you will carry out your studies. You must take into mind that:
- In groups in English, all works (classes, drills, exercises, tests, etc.) will be conducted in English.
- Along the first year, it must be established an English B2 level, performing a test, providing one of the supported official certificates or any way determined by the university. In the first weeks of the course will inform students how they can prove their level.
- After completing the studies, in your DS will appear a mention of bilingual studies.
Faculty
Scientific activity is a fundamental element of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, which is the top university in Spain in terms of six-year research periods obtained by its faculty. This is composed of internationally renowned scientists integrating leading research groups in project management and resource attraction at national and European level. The commitment to research translates into a significant scientific production and a strong international orientation, with professors who carry out top-level research and contribute to high-impact publications.
This first-rate scientific activity is complemented by experienced professionals who work part-time at the university, facilitating a direct connection between the university and the economic environment.
⚙ 104,34 M€ Secured funding
👥 140 Research groups
📖 79 Registered patents and software
☂ 12 Spin-offs
📖 2.452 Articles published
Source: 2023-2024 Annual Research and Transfer Report
List of teaching staff for the Bachelor's Degree (in alphabetical order)
Schedules
Quality
Facts about this bachelor's degree
Year of implementation: 2015
Places offered:
- Getafe Campus: 38
Official Code: 7000617
Link to publication in Official universities, centres and degrees registry
Evaluation and monitoring
Verification Report of Bachelor's Degree in International Studies
Verification report of Bachelor's Degree in Political Science
Report of modification and acreditation of the Bachelor's Degree in International Studies
Report of modification and acreditation of the Bachelor's Degree in Political Science
System of Internal Quality Assurance
Departments involved in teaching
In the Dual Bachelor in International Studies and Politics teach subjects the following University departments:
- Social Sciences Department
- International Law, Ecclesiastical Law and Philosophy of Law Department
- Economics Department
- Statistics Department
- Public State Law Department
- Business Administration Department
- Library and Information Sciences Department
- Humanities: Philosophy, Language, Literature Theory Department