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Apply now for roles on the BISA/BFPG Undergraduate Network Committee 2026/27

A group shot of several members of the UGN committee with Juliet Dryden, Evie Aspinall and Juanita Elias at Warwick University

We are looking for up to six new committee members to lead our BISA and British Foreign Policy Group (BFPG) Undergraduate Network for the academic year 2026/27. The available roles are Chair, Vice Chair, Communications Officer and committee members.

The Undergraduate Network (UGN) is run by a committee of undergraduates/taught master’s students. The UGN launched in October 2025 and has had a highly successful first year including four in-person events across the UK, a virtual careers event, and an Undergraduate Development Day taking place on 2 June. Speakers included Ambassadors, academics, and leading think tank and policy professionals.

The new committee will continue to host these fantastic events across the UK over the next academic year, organising 1-2 events per committee member, and helping to grow and diversify the Network.

The UGN is designed exclusively for undergraduates and taught master’s students across the UK who are interested in international relations, diplomacy, and foreign policy. It provides a unique space to:

  • Hear directly from experts working in international affairs
  • Gain insights into real-world foreign policy challenges
  • Build connections with students from universities across the country.

Committee roles and responsibilities

The UGN committee will work together as a team to take ownership of the Network, under BISA and BFPG guidance, and to run an annual programme of events and activities.

Working together, the committee will invite diplomats, policy makers in government, charities and non-profits, academics, and anyone else they think may be of interest to undergraduates, to talk about foreign policy issues or other topics of interest. It is expected that each committee member will organise one or two events, usually once in-person and one virtual, spread across the academic year, in different parts of the country. Some events can be virtual.

The committee will also be responsible for:

  • booking rooms through the student university/society systems 
  • organising a networking opportunity around each event – for example a drinks reception
  • promoting the UGN and its events throughout the year to attract new members, including through the UGN social media, and writing text for invite emails.

The Chair and Vice-Chair will take responsibility for leading the group, ensuring a regular drumbeat of events and activities.

The Communications Officer will lead on the UGN social media, taking responsibility for ensuring that posts conform to brand and accessibility guidelines.

The committee must adhere to BISA/BFPG rules and policies around setting up of events, registrations and communications (e.g. GDPR, social media policy). Training and guidance from BISA/BFPG will be provided throughout the year as required.

Eligibility

Committee roles are open to any undergraduate or taught master’s student studying a politics or international relations-related subject within the UK.

To apply, please complete our application form before the deadline of Thursday 9 July at 11.59pm (UK time). When completing the form, please specify the role for which you would like to be considered. We expect to interview shortlisted applicants virtually during the week commencing 3 August 2026. The new committee will then be expected to meet virtually to discuss plans for the year.

Apply now

BISA is the UK’s leading association for international studies, bringing together academics, students, and practitioners to advance the study of global politics and international relations.

BFPG is a London-based think tank that promotes informed and inclusive discussions on the UK’s foreign policy choices.