International Relations

As technology, transport, and a more complex and globalised economy make our world smaller, the value of peaceful and cooperative relationships between states and nations is increasingly important. At the same time, the threats that states, communities, and individuals face are increasing in intensity and breadth. How do states cope with the changing nature of conflicts and new threats to security? How do we maintain and strengthen peaceful relations between people and states? What role can international institutions play alongside state actors in a complex and interconnected world?

Our three-year BA International Relations degree provides you with an opportunity to investigate the impact of a globalised world on states and citizens, the role of digital communication in shaping citizenship understanding of events, or the evolution of global human rights. The drivers and forces behind international cooperation and conflict form part of the degree just as much as the impact of conflict on the relation between states and people. You will learn how power, norms and institutions, as well as legal frameworks, affect our day-to-day lives and how historical events still have a noticeable impact on the global world order.

Why International Relations at Swansea?

International Relations at Swansea is ranked:

• 7th in the UK for Student Voice* (NSS 2025) - assessed under Politics
• 13th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)
• Top 25 in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2026)
• In the Top 250 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
*based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, you will have the opportunity to:
• Study in one of the select departments in the UK to offer the British Parliamentary Studies modules, where you will be taught by our specialist academic staff and members of parliament. You will also visit the House of Commons in London.
• Look behind the headlines to the key players in world politics, exploring important ideas and how can we solve conflict or achieve cooperation.
• Understand the patterns of behaviour between nations, their leaders and corporations, focusing on the interactions and inter-relationships between philosophical, political and economic thought.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including:
War and Peace in the Nuclear Age, Living Well and Doing Good - An Introduction to Ethics, Critical Reasoning, Political Philosophy

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including:
Anarchy and Order: Theories in International Relations, Globalisation, Global Justice and Human Rights, International Security, The Colour Line: Race and Racism in World Politics

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 a compulsory group work project plus optional modules chosen from a wide variety of subject areas including:
The Russian Civil War, Philosophy, Capitalism and Justice, Clear and Present Danger: America and Terrorism, Digital Futures, Global Environmental Politics, Africa in International Relations

Throughout your undergraduate International Relations 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/ or get in touch with us at study@swansea.ac.uk "