University of Virginia

What you'll study

The programme combines core courses in international relations theory, comparative politics and security studies with methodological training and regional or thematic specialisms. You will study how states and non-state actors interact across diplomatic, military, economic and legal arenas, and learn to analyse crises, policy choices and the institutions that shape world order.

• Core topics: international relations theory, strategic studies and national security policy, ethics of intervention, international law and global governance.
• Methods and skills: qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis for political science, policy writing, negotiation and simulation exercises.
• Regional and thematic electives: courses on the politics of Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa; transnational challenges such as migration, terrorism, cyber security, energy politics and human rights.
• Languages: sustained foreign-language study is encouraged or required depending on the pathway, to support research and internship placements abroad.
• Capstone and experiential learning: a senior research seminar or capstone project focused on a security or foreign policy problem; internships with government agencies, think tanks, NGOs or media outlets; fieldwork opportunities and policy practicums.

The curriculum is structured to give early methodological and theoretical foundations in the first years, with increasing opportunities for specialised seminars, independent research with faculty supervision, and practical experiences in the later years.

Entry requirements

Applicants should present a strong secondary-school academic record with evidence of achievement in humanities and social sciences. Admissions at the University of Virginia are competitive; successful candidates demonstrate analytical writing skills, an interest in public affairs or international issues, and the intellectual breadth to undertake interdisciplinary study.

• Recommended preparatory subjects: history, government/politics, economics, geography, mathematics and foreign languages.
• Skills and attributes: critical reading and writing ability, quantitative reasoning sufficient for introductory methods courses, curiosity about contemporary global affairs, and evidence of extracurricular engagement such as debating, Model UN, volunteer work or internships.
• Transfer and advanced entry: students transferring from other institutions or with prior university credits should provide transcripts and a statement of academic purpose; prior coursework in social sciences and language study will strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are well placed for careers in diplomacy, defence and intelligence services, national and international public service, policy research and analysis, international development organisations, and media covering foreign affairs. The programme’s combination of analytic methods, regional knowledge and language skills is also valued by law firms, consultancies, multinational corporations and NGOs.

• Policy analyst or researcher at government departments, intergovernmental organisations or think tanks.
• Foreign service officer, intelligence analyst or defence policy specialist.
• International development practitioner or humanitarian programme officer.
• Journalist, correspondent or analyst specialising in international or security affairs.
• Consultant for risk assessment, geopolitical advisory services, or commercial intelligence units.

Why study at University of Virginia

The University of Virginia offers an interdisciplinary environment with access to established centres and resources that enrich international and security studies. Students benefit from faculty who are active scholars in politics, history, law and public policy, and from practical connections that support internships and research.

• Research and policy centres: opportunities to engage with university-affiliated centres that host visiting practitioners, public lectures and targeted research projects related to governance, foreign policy and national security.
• Experiential learning: a strong tradition of student-led organisations, simulation programmes (such as Model UN and crisis simulations), and structured internship pathways that connect students with federal and international employers.
• Language and global study: extensive language instruction and study-abroad partnerships that allow students to combine classroom learning with regional immersion.
• Career support: on-campus career services and alumni networks that support placement in government, international organisations, media and the private sector.