International Relations

BA (Hons) International Relations offers you the chance to explore how countries, international organisations, and non-state actors interact on the global stage. This course is all about using theories and models to explain and understand global power and why the world is the way it is and how we can change it. You'll explore everything from individual actions to entire global systems, challenging what we think we know, what we value, and how we can build a better world.

Guided by passionate and expert staff, you'll begin by examining the core critical and emancipatory theories of international relations, along with their key methods. You’ll get a broad grounding in the key issues of today’s world and the contested historical development of world politics and will study topics ranging from terrorism and security to human rights, cultural politics, and more, informed by the latest research. A wide variety of options means that you can pursue your own interests and in your final year, you will engage more directly with current academic debates and contemporary political developments.

We place a heavy emphasis on employability and offer practical skills training, including advanced analytical approaches, that many employers seek. This, alongside the opportunity to study a foreign language, an exchange abroad or placement year, means that an International Relations degree opens doors to a range of interesting and rewarding career possibilities.

This course has a foundation year available.

Features and Benefits

• The course is rooted in critical, emancipatory, and transformative contemporary approaches rather than more traditional approaches to engage with a diverse range of perspectives in its exploration of global politics, situating it in a deep understanding of the historical origins of global order.

• We explore the legacies of colonialism and imperialism on contemporary international affairs and integrate peripheral and marginal voices on questions of conflict, crisis and political change.

• You will be taught by research-active staff who have expertise in areas including critical international relations, digital politics and US foreign policy, and the course content is directly informed by these research specialisms of the teaching team.

• Our fantastic team of highly skilled researchers and academic staff are ready to support your learning and provide you with the essential tools for your studies – both in person and online.

• You can spend your third year on placement with an employer or studying abroad, enhancing your employability prospects through a proven ability to succeed in a professional or foreign setting.

• Our courses include practical skills training, including advanced analytical approaches which are sought after by employers, to ensure you’re fully prepared for your future career.