The UBC IR curriculum is divided into three thematic areas, allowing students to develop expertise in diplomacy, global security, economic development, and regional studies. Students complete at least 9 credits in either List A or B. They then have the choice to complete 9 further credits from any list. Each area integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from political science, economics, history, anthropology, geography, philosophy, and other disciplines.
List A. International Diplomacy, Security, and Peace Studies
Focus:
- Theories and practices of diplomacy
- Global security, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding
- Human rights, gender, and social justice in international affairs
Key Disciplines & Topics:
- Political Science (POLI_V) – International organizations, global governance, security policy, international law
- History (HIST_V) – Global conflicts, colonialism, diplomatic history
- Geography (GEOG_V) – Geopolitics, environmental security
- Sociology (SOCI_V) & Gender Studies (GRSJ_V) – Social movements, gender and war, human security
- Philosophy (PHIL_V) & Public Policy (PPGA_V) – Ethics in international relations, global justice
- Anthropology (ANTH_V) – Cultural perspectives on diplomacy and conflict
List B. International Economy and Development
Focus:
- Global trade, finance, and markets
- Sustainable development and environmental policy
- Economic inequality and poverty reduction strategies
Key Disciplines & Topics:
- Economics (ECON_V) – International trade, development economics, economic policy
- Food and Nutrition (FNH_V) – Global food security and sustainability
- Forestry (FRST_V) & Geography (GEOG_V) – Environmental economics, climate policy
- Anthropology (ANTH_V) & Sociology (SOCI_V) – Social and cultural impacts of development
- History (HIST_V) – Economic history of globalization and regional development
- Philosophy (PHIL_V) – Ethics in economic policy and global justice
List C. Area Studies
Focus:
- Regional political, economic, and cultural dynamics
- Historical and contemporary developments in specific world regions
Regional Specializations:
- Africa – Postcolonial studies, economic and social development
- Asia – East Asian politics, economic growth, historical transformations
- Canada and the Americas – North and Latin American relations, Indigenous issues
- Europe and Eurasia – EU governance, history of war and diplomacy
- Middle East – Political movements, religious and social transformations
- Comparative & Global Studies – Cross-regional analysis, transnational issues
Key Disciplines:
- Political Science (POLI_V) – Comparative government, regional politics
- Geography (GEOG_V) – Regional economies, environmental policies
- History (HIST_V) – Colonialism, nationalism, historical transformations
- Sociology & Anthropology (SOCI_V, ANTH_V) – Cultural diversity, migration, and transnationalism
Curriculum Pathways
Students can tailor their coursework toward:
- Diplomatic careers – Focusing on international diplomacy and security
- Global development – Specializing in economic policies and social justice
- Regional expertise – Gaining deep knowledge of a particular world region