Bachelor in International Affairs

Anchoring

The first year, known as the ‘Foundation Year’, provides students with a solid grounding in management and international relations fundamentals. It combines geopolitical reflection, crisis resolution and mastery of practical management tools. Through a variety of learning experiences – from creating a business plan to communicating through theatre – students acquire practical skills while developing a global and committed view of the world. This year also includes a seminar entitled Disconnect to Reconnect, designed to give students time to step back through reading, debate and meditation in a unique island setting.

The programme includes:
Examples of core courses

• Geopolitics and cartography
• Conflict resolution and crisis management
• Contract law
• Introduction to societal and environmental transition issues
• Excel spreadsheets and reporting

Cross-functional

• Drawing up a business plan
• Time capsules for reflective writing
• Communicating through theatre
• Disconnect to Reconnect workshop
• 2-month international work placement

Languages :

• LV1: mastering English through the arts, culture and media
• LV2: Chinese, German, Italian, Spanish (continuation of the language studied in high school)

Professional experience

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in a professional context
• Career development workshops (career passport)

Take off

This second year, known as the ‘Year of Flight’, gives students the impetus to open up to the world and explore both its history and its possible futures. Various disciplines such as sociology, artificial intelligence and crisis management prepare them for global issues. A semester of international exchange enriches their intercultural understanding, consolidating their ability to adapt to change. As part of this, the INNOCAPT teaching programme enables them to learn about innovations abroad, by observing and analysing innovative practices in their host country. This pivotal year trains agile and responsible players, ready to evolve in a constantly changing global environment.

The programme includes:
Examples of core courses

• Sociology
• Microeconomics
• International business
• Fundamentals of artificial intelligence, global crisis management and cybersecurity

Cross-functional

• Serious game
• Préparation et passage du TOEIC

Languages

• Lv1: mastering English through a forward-looking vision of tomorrow’s world 2025-2035
• Lv2: Chinese, German, Italian, Spanish

Professional experience

• Career development workshops (career passport)

Academic exchange

• 5 months minimum

Alignment

The final year, known as the “Alignment Year,” focuses on essential disciplines that develop a strategic and global vision. From data analysis to political science, including negotiation and international law, each course and project – such as the Reciprocity Solidarity Action Project – builds a coherence between skills and learning. This enables students to integrate diverse knowledge and align their values for a career in international business. The year concludes with a long-term internship, offering practical and in-depth application of acquired knowledge, giving their academic journey a comprehensive perspective.

Curriculum Highlights:

Examples of Core Courses

• International Trade Law and Contracts
• Data Analysis, Optimisation, and Visualisation
• Political Science
• International Human Resources
• Research Methodology
• Innovation Strategy Method
• International Negotiation Simulations
• Reflection, Awareness, and Decision-Making

Cross-disciplinary Activities

• Reciprocity Solidarity Action Project
• Research Thesis
• 6-month Final Internship

The programme is validated through a dual evaluation:

• Continuous assessment: evaluations conducted throughout the programme in the form of individual or group assignments,
• Professional thesis: submission of a written document and an oral defence before a jury consisting of the academic and company supervisors.

Upon completion of the programme and successful validation of continuous assessment and the professional thesis, participants receive the *Diplôme de Gestion et de Management des Entreprises*, a Level 6 RNCP-certified qualification. If some modules are not validated, students may take resit exams during the designated periods.

• Student Well-Being
• Support for Students with Disabilities

Admission Requirements
High-level athletes (SHN) post-Baccalaureate are admitted into the “Bachelor in International Business and Relations” programme.

• 1st-year admission: mandatory registration via Parcoursup, followed by an entrance exam (the SHN candidate will have a specific individual interview with a programme coordinator).
• Or admission based on application review.

Final Registration

• BIA1: Upon receiving Parcoursup results, candidates must confirm acceptance within the indicated timeframe. After obtaining their Baccalaureate, they will receive an enrolment file (with a specific SHN mention) and must submit their provisional sports schedule as early as possible.

Athlete Monitoring
A “High-Level Athletes” advisor oversees academic progress in coordination with the relevant sports officials: training structure manager (PES or CFCP), and federal managers for club athletes.

Academic Adjustments
Athletes must submit their provisional sports schedule, including training, internship, and competition dates (including travel), validated by the SHN sports advisor at the beginning of the academic year.

An initial meeting between the SHN advisor, the coach, and the athletes will clarify sports-related constraints for the season (academic year).

Personalised Support for Athletes
Rennes School of Business is committed to adapting academic pathways to sports constraints, allowing athletes up to five years after BIA1 admission to complete three years of study. This includes adjustments to exam schedules, catch-up sessions, internships, and tailored support in case of academic difficulties.