
University of London
Skills you'll gain: Diplomacy, International Relations, Political Sciences, Cultural Diversity, Intercultural Competence, Cultural Sensitivity, World History, Conflict Management, Policy Analysis
★ 4.7 (5.6K) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Council on Foreign Relations
Skills you'll gain: International Relations, Diplomacy, World History, Social Studies, Political Sciences, Public Policies, International Finance, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Climate Change Programs, Public Health, Economic Development, Governance, Policy Development, Social Sciences, Environmental Issue, Policy Analysis, Research, and Development, Policy Analysis, Economics, Decision Making, Strategic Thinking
★ 4.4 (17) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Sage Publications
Skills you'll gain: SPSS, SPSS (Software), Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Data Entry, Data Literacy, Research, Descriptive Statistics, Research Methodologies, Data Analysis, Science and Research, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Methods, Research Design, Statistical Software, Statistics, Quantitative Research, International Relations, Data Visualization, Statistical Inference
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Policy Analysis, Social Justice, Social Studies, Public Policies, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Social Sciences, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Governance, Sociology, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Liberal Arts, Socioeconomics, Economics
★ 4.9 (6.1K) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
O.P. Jindal Global University
Skills you'll gain: Surveys, Diplomacy, Environmental Laws, Political Sciences, Intelligence Collection and Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Qualitative Research, Environmental Policy, Environment, Mitigation, Descriptive Statistics, Economic Development, International Relations, Cybersecurity, Case Studies, Sustainable Development, Governance, Social Studies, Climate Change Programs, Public Safety and National Security
Degree · 1 - 4 Years

University of Geneva
Skills you'll gain: International Relations, Leadership and Management, Strategic Partnership, Marketing, Organizational Leadership, Fundraising, Business Management, Leadership, Governance, Organizational Structure, World History, Branding, Sustainable Development, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Climate Change Mitigation
★ 4.8 (2K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

ESSEC Business School
Skills you'll gain: Mediation, Negotiation, Communication Strategies, Conflict Management, Active Listening, Cultural Sensitivity, Oral Expression, Intercultural Competence, Cultural Diversity, Verbal Communication Skills, Cultural Responsiveness, Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Diplomacy, Relationship Building, Labor Relations, Strategic Partnership, Case Studies, Non-Verbal Communication, Planning
★ 4.7 (2.8K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

O.P. Jindal Global University
Skills you'll gain: International Relations, Diplomacy, Governance, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Prioritization
★ 4.7 (347) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Università di Napoli Federico II
Skills you'll gain: International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Studies, Social Sciences, Diplomacy, World History, Governance, Environmental Issue, Cultural Diversity, Research Methodologies, Public Safety and National Security, Economics, Security Strategy, Conflict Management
★ 4.4 (63) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of London
Skills you'll gain: Diplomacy, International Relations, Emergency Response, Crisis Intervention, Sustainable Development, Political Sciences, Public Policies, Social Justice, Public Safety and National Security, Governance, Advocacy, Policy Analysis, World History
★ 4.7 (1.9K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Legal Risk, Legal Strategy, Arbitration, Commercial Laws, International Relations, Strategic Decision-Making, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Governance, Diplomacy, Business Risk Management, Mediation, Risk Management, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Litigation and Civil Justice, Adjudication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

ESSEC Business School
Skills you'll gain: Communication Strategies, Cultural Sensitivity, Intercultural Competence, Cultural Diversity, Verbal Communication Skills, Cultural Responsiveness, Interpersonal Communications, Relationship Building, Non-Verbal Communication, Culture, Diversity Awareness, Negotiation, International Relations, Rapport Building, Diplomacy
★ 4.7 (679) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
International relations is the study of how countries, international organizations, governments, and non-state actors interact across borders. It covers topics such as diplomacy, foreign policy, conflict, international security, global governance, political ideas, and the role of institutions like the United Nations. Courses such as Global Diplomacy – Diplomacy in the Modern World, Global Affairs Explained, and Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World introduce these themes through real-world global issues. On Coursera, you can use international relations courses to build a stronger understanding of world affairs, policy discussions, and cross-cultural decision-making.
International relations is useful in roles connected to diplomacy, policy, international organizations, security, advocacy, research, journalism, and global business. People who study this field may apply it in government agencies, nonprofits, think tanks, humanitarian organizations, universities, consulting, or multinational organizations. Courses like International Organizations Management, Power and Foreign Policy in International Relations, and International Security Management can help learners understand how institutions, policy choices, and security challenges shape international work. Coursera courses can support career exploration by helping you build knowledge of global systems, political analysis, and international collaboration.
Helpful starting skills for international relations include reading comprehension, analytical thinking, writing, and curiosity about history, politics, and current events. You do not need an advanced background to begin, but it helps to be comfortable comparing different viewpoints, interpreting arguments, and asking why governments or organizations make certain decisions. Courses such as Moral Foundations of Politics and Global Politics can help build a foundation in political ideas and global systems. On Coursera, beginner-friendly courses can help you strengthen core context before moving into specialized areas like diplomacy, foreign policy, or security.
Skills that complement international relations include policy analysis, research, negotiation, communication, economics, history, regional studies, and data-informed decision-making. These skills help you evaluate global problems from multiple angles, communicate across cultures, and understand how political, economic, and social factors interact. For example, Global Diplomacy – Diplomacy in the Modern World can support negotiation and diplomacy knowledge, while International Organizations Management focuses on how global institutions operate. Coursera courses can help you pair international relations with practical skills that fit your academic, professional, or personal goals.
A good way to start learning international relations is to begin with a broad course on diplomacy, global affairs, or global politics. Introductory options in the Coursera selection include Global Affairs Explained, Global Politics, and Global Diplomacy – Diplomacy in the Modern World, which can help you understand major actors, concepts, and debates. From there, you can explore focused areas such as the United Nations, international organizations, foreign policy, or security management. Coursera makes it possible to compare course descriptions, skills, and difficulty levels so you can choose a path that matches your interests.
Yes. You can start learning international relations on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in international relations, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Some of the best beginner options for international relations are courses that introduce global systems, diplomacy, and political ideas in an accessible way. Global Diplomacy – Diplomacy in the Modern World, Global Affairs Explained, Global Politics, and Moral Foundations of Politics are strong starting points because they cover core concepts before moving into more specialized issues. Learners interested in institutions may also consider Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World or International Organizations Management. On Coursera, you can start with a broad course, then continue into focused topics such as foreign policy or security management.
International relations courses typically cover diplomacy, global governance, foreign policy, international organizations, political theory, conflict, security, and current global challenges. In the Coursera course selection, learners can explore the modern practice of diplomacy, the role of the United Nations, how international organizations are managed, and how power shapes foreign policy decisions. Courses such as International Security Management also introduce security-related frameworks and practical concerns. These topics can help you build a structured understanding of world affairs and choose next steps based on whether you are most interested in policy, institutions, diplomacy, or security.