Discover the world through two powerful lenses: global politics and American influence. Our combined degree in International Relations and American Studies offers you the chance to explore how nations interact, why power matters, and how U.S. culture and policy have shaped and continue to shape the international stage. From diplomacy and security to literature, film, and identity, you will gain critical insights into today’s most pressing global challenges, while developing the analytical and communication skills that employers value.
Our Joint Honours BA degree covers International Relations with its focus on global politics, security, human rights, and international cooperation as well as American Studies exploring U.S. history, culture, politics, and its role as a global power. You will have the chance to study American history, literature, politics and culture, from colonisation to the present, and a range of international relations topics from globalisation, international security, to peace and conflict management, or human rights and political economy. Together, they provide a holistic view of how the U.S. shapes, and is shaped by, the international system, which is highly relevant in today’s interconnected world.
You can shape the degree to your own interests, whether in US popular culture and political protest or political theory and international peace and conflict. You also have the chance to study for a year or a semester in the United States, discovering the subject first-hand.
Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, our International Relations and American Studies degree is highly regarded by employers.
American Studies at Swansea is ranked:
2nd in the UK for Graduate Outcomes (Complete University Guide 2026)
3rd in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
100% Overall Satisfaction (NSS 2025)*
International Relations at Swansea is ranked:
12th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good Uni Guide 2026)
The degree includes the option of studying in the United States for a semester or a year, further enhancing your student experience and career prospects.
You will have the competitive option of undertaking an internship module with the National Assembly for Wales, working closely with an Assembly Member.
*American and Australasian Studies, Q28, NSS 2025
In Year 1, you will typically study areas including:
Introduction to American Studies, Introduction to International Relations, An Introduction to American History and Politics, Introduction to American Literature and Culture, War and Peace in the Nuclear Age
In Year 2, you will typically study areas including:
Anarchy and Order: Theories in International Relations, Globalisation, The State and Political Institutions, Global Justice and Human Rights, International Security
You will have the opportunity to spend a year abroad between your second and final year, broadening your skills and experiencing different cultures. Our partner institutions span the globe, with opportunities varying each year
In your final year you will complete an independent dissertation project or you have the competitive option of undertaking a work placement module with the Sennedd Cymru/ Welsh Parliament. You will also complete.
You will also typically study areas including:
The Russian Civil War, The Rise and Fall of Wales? Politics, Culture and Society, 1847-1939, Philosophy, Mental Health and Illness, Capitalism and Justice, Digital Futures
Throughout your undergraduate International Relations and American Studies with a Year Abroad BA (Hons) degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.
We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include:
• Reading diary
• Literature/ article review
• Case study
• Critical review
For a full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations/ba-international-relations-american-studies-year-abroad/ or get in touch with us at study@swansea.ac.uk
The following entry points are available for this course:
If you are an International Student, please visit our International pages for more information about entry requirements: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/students/requirements/
English Language Requirements at Swansea University https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/
UK applicants who meet course requirements are guaranteed a conditional offer. We assess applications on individual merit. We consider making reduced offers, eg. to Care Leavers or students with extenuating circumstances. We encourage you to disclose any relevant circumstances.
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is considered as equivalent to one full A-Level and students can take x2 A-levels alongside this. EPQ students predicted Grade B or above will receive a one-grade offer reduction.
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
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The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
No fee information has been provided for this course
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.
For the latest fee information, please check the individual course page on our website. Our full range of programmes are listed here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/
Further information on tuition fees can be found here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 8PP
Visit our website Visit our course page
Ask us a question - undergraduate enquiries.
Email:study@swansea.ac.uk
Phone:01792 295111
Email:study@swansea.ac.uk
Phone:01792 295111
Fax: 01792 295110
