BA International Relations

The BA International Relations provides you with an excellent grounding in the complex cultural issues of global politics.

Exploring the political issues of Africa, Asia and the Middle East on a level no other university can, you will learn about mainstream approaches to the study of world politics, as well as critiques. You will develop a historicised appreciation for how, where and why Western-centric lenses of international relations were formed, how relevant they are to the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and what alternative approaches have emerged from these regions.

The programme is genuinely interdisciplinary in nature. It draws on approaches from political science, global history, political economy and sociology to give students an in-depth understanding of international relations and foreign policy across a variety of thematic areas and to develop expertise in regional politics

Our graduates work in a wide variety of fields, including politics, the civil service, the charity sector, media, business, consulting, law and activism. Many also go on to successfully pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK and around the world.

Why study BA International Relations at SOAS?

• We’re ranked 5th in the UK and 18th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2024)
• 4th globally for academic reputation (QS World University Rankings 2024)
• 5th in the UK (Guardian League Table 2023)
• study key issues in world politics today, including questions of war, empire, environmental politics, gender, international institutions, and the global political economy.
• learn the discipline of International Relations and how to question its boundaries and assumptions.
• study International Relations from the perspectives beyond the Anglo-American canon, through a focus on the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
• students can choose to study a language in second and third years

SOAS Politics and International Relations students leave SOAS not only with a knowledge and understanding of the complex political and cultural issues of our time, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

• BBC World Service
• Bloomberg
• British Red Cross
• British Council
• Center for International Peace Operations
• Channel 4
• Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA)
• Department for International Development (DfID)
• Eversheds LLP
• Financial Times
• Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)
• Global Policy Institute
• Go East Consulting
• Grassroot Diplomat
• Palestine Red Crescent Association
• Save the Children
• UNICEF Ethiopia
• United Nations

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