International Relations

This course equips you with the analytical tools to understand conflicts, cooperation and power in a complex world. It prepares you for careers with a global impact in diplomacy, human rights advocacy or defence.

The need for global co-operation has never been greater. As we face challenges like conflict, competition for resources and climate change, the future depends on international collaboration. This degree is designed to prepare you for that future.

Global perspective: cultivate a genuinely global perspective that extends beyond traditional Western viewpoints by exploring ideas, histories, and experiences from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Project-based learning: work on complex problems, create tangible solutions, and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Assessments are designed to replicate the type of work and tasks carried out by international relations graduates. By the end of the course, you should have a portfolio of experience to showcase your expertise and real-world readiness.
Simulations and dynamic learning: take part in immersive crisis simulations like war games and Model United Nations. Learn how to design your own crisis simulations and deploy them in real-world corporate, government and non-governmental organisation settings.

Why you should study this course

• Industry-focused skills the skills and knowledge you learn on this course should appeal to a variety of employers, from media outlets to multinationals, the civil service to the European Parliament, NGOs to think tanks.

• Beyond the written word: build a broad portfolio throughout your studies, from writing op-eds and policy papers to producing short documentary films and other industry-relevant material.

• Academic community: work closely with our teaching staff, who will provide a welcoming learning community.

• Employability: in a globalised world where companies increasingly do business across national boundaries, benefit from your in-depth understanding of the international political, commercial, social and cultural landscape.

Where our graduates work
Some of our previous graduates are now employed in the private sector, ranging from marketing, human resources, banking, and finance to media, and across the public sector in education, the civil service, police forces, local authorities, charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and international organisations.

Our students work for organisations including: Control Risks; Geneva Peace Building Platform; Capita; KPMG; Birmingham City Council.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Course Modules

This course has a common first year. The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Year One Modules:
Order: Power and Authority in a Changing World
Chaos: Catastrophe and Violence
Identity: Belief, Vision, and Values
Motion: Migration, Trafficking and Colonisation

Year Two Modules:
Power Politics: Emerging States in the Global Order
Global Security, Reconciliation, and Human Rights
Managing Disorders: Challenges of Foreign Policy Making
Dark Networks: Crime and Terror

Sandwich Year:
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final years of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Final Year Modules:
Indispensable Nation: The United States in the 21st Century
International Relations of the Middle East and South Asia
Independent Project
Optional Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.