BA International Relations

What is the BA International Relations?

The BA International Relations is a three-year degree, or four years with an optional placement or study abroad year.

You’ll explore conflict, security, globalisation, political economy, and regional politics, while developing the analytical skills to understand and respond to today’s international challenges.

Why this course

Understand the forces shaping our world - from the causes of conflict to the prospects for global cooperation. Learn from academics who advise governments and international organisations as you explore how states, NGOs, and other actors tackle urgent challenges like security, globalisation, and climate change, while developing the analytical skills to make sense of today’s international issues.

You can choose to add an extra year on placement or abroad to put your learning into practice, gain hands-on experience, and expand your global perspective before graduation.

By the end of the degree, you’ll have developed the knowledge, practical skills, and international understanding to put you on the path toward careers in government, NGOs, international organisations, or global affairs.

Who should apply

• Students curious about conflict, peace, and security in global politics
• Future diplomats, NGO workers, and international civil servants
• Those eager to understand global institutions such as the UN, NATO, and World Bank
• Critical thinkers who want to move from opinion to evidence in political debate

What you’ll learn

• Conflict and security studies: Understand why wars begin, how peace is maintained, and the forces shaping global security
• International and political economy: Explore how globalisation, trade, and finance impact societies and everyday life
• Comparative politics: Analyse how governments differ, and why these differences matter for policy and governance
• Political theory: Investigate the ideas underpinning power, authority, and governance
• Regional studies: Examine the politics of key regions, with a special focus on the Middle East

Your learning experience

• Optional study abroad year: Spend an additional year at a partner university to broaden your global perspective and gain international experience
• Optional placement year: Add a year in industry to build professional skills and contacts, earning credit toward your degree
• Hands-on research: Take part in staff-led projects, with opportunities for independent study or joint publications
• Applied learning: Work with specialist facilities, including an industry-leading behavioural science and political research laboratory

Careers and outcomes

The Integrated Master in Politics and International Relations (MPol) equips you for influential careers in:

• National government and politics: Civil service, political parties, parliamentary policy units
• Policy design and advocacy: NGOs, campaigning organisations, and policy advisory roles
• Research and consultancy: Political strategy, polling, and think tank analysis
• Media and communications: Political journalism, campaign strategy, and public affairs
• Public leadership: Local government, legislative analysis, and policy implementation

Employers of graduates from this course

Graduates from this course have progressed to roles in national and international organisations, including:

• NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)
• The Department for Business and Trade
• Civil Aviation Authority
• JT Global (Telecommunications)