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International Relations

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Is the world becoming more unstable? How do nations cooperate, compete and resolve conflict? On this BSc International Relations degree, you will explore the forces shaping global politics and the relationships between states, institutions and societies.

You will examine how power, democracy and justice operate on an international scale, and how global challenges influence political decision-making. From contemporary conflicts to long-term political change, you will learn to analyse the issues shaping today’s world.

Your studies will develop your ability to think critically, build arguments and carry out independent research. Alongside core topics in international politics and theory, you will have the flexibility to explore areas that match your interests.

You will graduate with the skills and perspective to pursue careers across politics, policy and beyond. Southampton is ranked 11th in the UK for graduate prospects in politics and international relations (Complete University Guide 2026).

Key features of the course

Develop a deep understanding of international political systems, theories and contemporary global issues

Build analytical, critical thinking and independent research skills valued by employers

Shape your degree with optional modules, exploring topics such as UK, EU or US politics, or branching into areas like criminology, economics or ethics

Learn from research-informed teaching that reflects current debates and developments in global politics

Prepare for a wide range of careers in areas such as government, international organisations, think tanks and journalism

Student support

Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will support you throughout your time at Southampton, offering guidance on your studies, career planning and access to wider support services when needed.

Further information

Graduates from this course go on to roles in national and international political institutions, the civil service, advocacy organisations, think tanks and the media, applying their knowledge in a wide range of global contexts.

Modules

Course Modules

With our International Relations course you will learn about the foreign and security policies of the major players in world politics.

Some of the modules you may study include Theorising International Politics; Ethics of War; and Advanced Social Data Science

For further module information visit https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/international-relations-degree-bsc#modules

Assessment method

Modules are examined through a combination of examinations and coursework, and the specific arrangements vary according to module. Final degree classifications are based on marks from the second and third years.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
L250
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
L250
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
ABB

Typical offer: ABB

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: BBB plus grade A in the EPQ

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).

Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
DD

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus B grade from one A-level

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 30 Merit: 15

Typical offer: 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
DDM

DDM in the BTEC Extended Diploma

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus B from one A-level

Extended Project
A

The University of Southampton values the Extended Project Qualification. Applicants taking the EPQ in addition to three A levels, may also be made an alternative offer one grade below the standard offer, conditional on an A grade in the EPQ. For more information on the University of Southampton’s EPQ Admissions Policy, please see our EPQ Admissions Policy webpage.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 32

Typical offer: Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP):
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.

Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B

ABB from three A levels or AB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM

DDM in the BTEC National Extended Diploma

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2H3H3H3H3H3

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from two A levels

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3M2M2

Typical offer: D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subject

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer

We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard to the A level applicant.

For more details on the suitability of your qualifications or foundation programme please contact the Admissions Team at AdmissionsUG.SS@soton.ac.uk https://www.southampton.ac.uk/politics/undergraduate/courses/l250_bsc-international_relations.page

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no component less than 6.0

English Language proficiency for international students: All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. For more information on the University of Southampton’s English Language entry requirements, please see the English Language Proficiency webpage at http://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page.http://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Most of the students who enrolled on this course in previous years met their offer conditions at our published entry criteria, securing their place on their chosen course.

We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & InternationalTBC

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees.

We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.

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