The English-taught BA in International Affairs (180 ECTS) is a long-standing programme (since 1990) based in Brussels (Belgium) that equips students with the broad-ranging tools and skills to understand, analyse and assess the most pressing issues in national and global politics. The interdisciplinary curriculum is built on the disciplines of politics, economics, law and history and enables students to understand the complex dynamics, core debates, processes, institutions and major challenges of European and international relations.

In addition to being taught by dedicated professors, students benefit from the first-hand experience of senior European and international policymakers, diplomats and practitioners. Our International Affairs graduates are well-prepared for various successful career paths, including in international organisations (such as the United Nations, EU and NATO), ministries of foreign affairs, lobby organisations, NGOs and think tanks. Careers of our recent graduates include: diplomacy, politics, research, European administration, political advising and journalism. Graduates from this BA programme can continue their postgraduate studies in a wide range of fields, including in international relations, European studies, public policy, environmental law, international studies, migration studies, business administration, communications, leadership and management. Our graduates who majored in International Affairs have successfully completed graduate studies in a number of prestigious universities including Oxford University, Columbia University, Brown University, the London School of Economics, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Georgetown University, the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the University of Edinburgh, Boston University, and many more.

The Brussels School of Governance is an alliance between the Institute for European Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Vesalius College. This BA in International Affairs is a programme of which the degree will be awarded by Vesalius College.

As a BSoG graduate in International Affairs, the education I received at BSoG helps me in my professional career every single day. Currently, I work at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia in the Human Rights Protection and Investigation Quality Monitoring Department as an Inspector of especially important cases. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the whole faculty of International Affairs as the professors I had supported me to excel in my career interests.
Young lady looking at camera
Sophio Butikashvili
BA alumna

Key features

  • Interdisciplinary curriculum (politics, economics, law and history)
  • Policy-makers, academics and diplomats bring their experience to the classroom
  • Prestigious internship opportunities
  • Small, interactive classes with practical focus (incl. Capstone project)
  • Brings together students and faculty of truly diverse international backgrounds
  • Fall & Spring intakes
  • Unique educational experience based on the STEP approach to teaching and learning
  • Supported by the extensive expertise of our Office for Teaching, Learning and Innovation to accommodate sophisticated blended teaching methods
  • Individual career advice sessions offered to students throughout their academic experience and beyond
The programmes' emphasis in terms of their pedagogical approach (STEP) means that they put the support of each individual student at the centre of teaching and learning. Students are encouraged to take up an active role in their learning process and the relatively small size of the programmes also allows for good and often informal interactions between students and staff. (...) The panel praises how this student-centredness also extends to the academic guidance and student support offered by the programmes.
Audit report by independent panel of experts of VLUHR QA (Flemish Universities and Colleges Council Quality Assurance), March 2023
VLUHR quality assurance