International Relations

Course details
Our BA in International Relations will give you a grounding in global politics and so much more. Taking a research-led approach you’ll develop an understanding of many of the relationships that shape our complex and interconnected world.
Issues that range from regional studies and global security to the balance of power and social norms. Study is structured around three main themes: political thought, political institutions and international relations.
You can further tailor your course by applying to add a work placement, or an international dimension with an overseas study year in locations such as Boston College in the USA, the University of British Columbia in Canada, the University of Hong Kong or the National University of Singapore.

Why Durham University?
Based in the School of Government and International Affairs, we offer a range of courses that are flexible and interdisciplinary in nature. Alongside the study of political theory, comparative politics, and international relations you can choose from a wide selection of modules in areas that align with your interests.
As a research-intensive discipline we employ a range of techniques that integrate new and innovative research into the curriculum and introduce a variety of research-oriented skills and projects.
You will be taught by academics with a genuine passion for their subject, whose areas of expertise include government, political theory, political economy and international relations.

Facilities
The School of Government and International Affairs provides a social centre to our students as well as an exceptional environment for learning, it is also a base for a number of research institutes including the Global Policy Institute, the Institute of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies and the Durham Global Security Institute.

Rankings
3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Career Opportunities
Our courses are informed by both academic researchers and our links with industry. This specialist expertise develops the knowledge and skills that our students need to succeed in a competitive job market.
We offer a series of employment-related events which include talks from visiting speakers who explore the range of careers open to politics and international relations students, and offer advice about applying for jobs. We also host a regular Civil Service Fast Stream event in which Durham alumni give first-hand advice about how to excel in the recruitment process.
Graduates are equipped with an academic and practical skill set that will take them into a wide range of fields including local and national government, newspaper and broadcast journalism, the charity sector, business and finance, publishing, law, manufacturing, teaching and academia, and the armed forces.

Course Modules

For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.

Assessment takes various forms including examinations and unseen essay questions, essays, group projects and the final-year dissertation.

The range of assessment methods vary between modules. They have been designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of course material, test critical thinking skills, enhance written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues.

The dissertation is an in-depth study of a topic of your choice which makes up one-third of your final-year marks.

In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/