International Relations and American Studies

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

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 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 "