Ashoka University

What you'll study

The International Relations programme is taught within Ashoka's liberal-arts framework, combining core disciplinary foundations with elective specialisms and research-led projects. Students typically follow a mix of compulsory core modules, advanced electives, quantitative and qualitative methods training, and a supervised capstone or honours thesis.

• Core theory and foundations: International Relations Theory, Comparative Politics, International Political Economy, History of International Relations.
• Methods and skills: Research Methods in Social Sciences, Statistics/Quantitative Analysis for Policy, Qualitative Methods, Data and Evidence for Public Policy.
• Policy and issue-focused modules: Foreign Policy Analysis, Security Studies and Strategic Affairs, Global Governance and International Organisations, Human Rights and International Law.
• Regional and area studies: South Asia in World Affairs, East Asian Politics and Security, Middle East Politics, African and Latin American perspectives (availability varies by semester).
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: Development Studies, Environmental Politics and Climate Policy, Migration and Refugee Studies, Political Economy of Trade and Finance, Media and International Affairs.
• Language and experiential learning: Students are encouraged to study a foreign language and undertake internships, study-abroad programmes and fieldwork placements to gain practical exposure.
• Capstone work: A final-year independent research project or honours thesis under faculty supervision that integrates theoretical knowledge and empirical research.

Entry requirements

Ashoka admits students to its undergraduate programmes through a holistic review process that considers academic record, demonstrated interest in the subject, and potential for contribution to the campus community. Typical components include:

• Strong secondary school completion credentials or equivalent qualifications from your country (for example, Indian boards, IB, A-levels, or international equivalents).
• Performance in Ashoka's admission assessments or submission of international test scores accepted by the university (where applicable), alongside written materials such as a personal statement or essays explaining interest in international relations.
• Letters of recommendation or school reports that speak to academic ability and intellectual curiosity.
• Interview or group discussion as part of the final selection stage to assess critical thinking, communication skills and fit with the liberal-arts environment.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency may be required through recognised tests or evidence of prior education in English.

Career prospects

Graduates of International Relations from Ashoka move into a wide range of careers where analytical, research and communication skills are valued. Common career paths include:

• Diplomacy and foreign service roles, including governmental and intergovernmental positions.
• Policy research and analysis at think tanks, policy institutes and research centres.
• International organisations and multilateral agencies (development, humanitarian, and governance-focused bodies).
• Non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups working on development, human rights and global issues.
• Journalism, media and communications with a focus on international affairs.
• Consultancy and advisory roles in international business, risk analysis and geopolitical advisory firms.
• Further study: graduates frequently pursue master's degrees (e.g., International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies) or doctoral research and professional degrees such as law.

Why study at Ashoka University

Ashoka offers an undergraduate International Relations programme within a small-college liberal-arts setting that emphasises interdisciplinary learning, close faculty mentorship and active research. The curriculum allows students to combine rigorous theory with practical skills—quantitative methods, languages, internships and fieldwork—preparing them for real-world policy and research roles.

Additional strengths include a diverse peer cohort, a range of student-led clubs and activities related to debate, Model UN and policy, opportunities for study abroad and institutional links with policy organisations in the national capital region, and access to campus research facilities and faculty engaged in contemporary international issues.