International Studies

Our BA in International Studies lets you see the world and study from other perspectives: political, economic, historical and legal. This course does just that. It enables you to understand the interconnectedness of everything. A graduate in International Studies will have a sophisticated grasp of our shared world and the flexibility to find solutions. This is an asset prized by major employers.

A key feature of the global economy is the rapid adoption of new technology. Technology has proved to be an agent which encourages cooperation across national boundaries. Technological developments in transport, telecommunications and computing have encouraged economic changes such as the decline in barriers to trade, the internationalisation of financial markets, the rise of global companies, and a massive increase in the volume of international trade in goods and services. These trends have been accompanied by political developments such as the rise of regional trading groupings of countries, international efforts to agree about common legal and technical rules to govern business dealings, arguments about'tax competition' between countries, as well as increasing concern about the environmental consequences associated with world economic development. Enormous social tensions arise as these international forces come into conflict with long-established ways of doing things in every country. Political and social systems are in a continuous process of adjustment to an increasingly open world.

Our BA in International Studies course at Buckingham gives you an opportunity to learn about these fundamental problems. With students coming to Buckingham from over 80 countries, it is an ideal environment to learn about matters of international concern and to discuss them with people from differing cultural backgrounds.

This is the 3-year format of the BA in International Studies, which allows you the traditional summer break. Starting each September, there are 3 terms per year, leading to an assessment period in early June. Then the summer is free, before the return for the new academic year in late September. This allows you more time for reading and reflection. For the 2-year format of the degree see BA International Studies | 2 Years, 2 Years (+ 1 term).

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional small group teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners - senior academic staff from other universities in the UK - who approve and moderate assessed work.

High calibre staff

Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.

Teaching methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of Buckingham's faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.

A range of activities is pursued within the tutorial groups depending upon the module. Some modules emphasise problem solving as a means of reinforcing and cementing the important ideas - for example the module in Microeconomic Theory. Occasionally we use game playing (simulations) to encourage discussion and understanding.. Other modules place greater emphasis on writing short and accurate technical pieces (Welfare Economics) or longer more discursive papers.

Assessment methods

The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.

Preparation for work

All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.

Graduate employment

Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world's leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country's civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.

What our students and alumni say

"œI chose to study at The University of Buckingham for several reasons: first of all, I found the programme that was of great interest to me (International Studies), and I also found out that I could combine it with Spanish Language, which is another passion of mine. I was always interested in international relations, but I never thought that studying this programme at this university would be such a rewarding experience. Secondly, The University of Buckingham offered me the opportunity to complete my Bachelor degree in just 2 years; thirdly, it was not only through classes that I have been learning something new on the subject, but also in my every day student life: The University of Buckingham has representatives of 92 different nationalities! What else could be better than understanding international relations through living in such an international community? For me, this university became a home, where I was surrounded by excellent support from academic and non - academic staff, willing to assist me at any time; by students just like me, who came here from different parts of the world - this experience is unforgettable!

I am very happy that I have chosen to study at The University of Buckingham. All my expectations in terms of academic support and guidance at lectures and tutorials, the on-campus multicultural atmosphere and the ideal location of the University, have been met. I am proud of being The University of Buckingham graduate and I would definitely recommend to all my friends, who want to study in the UK, to come study here!"

Anastasiya Ostapchuk
International Studies with Spanish

"œThe only two factors necessary for learning any language are motivation and a good learning method. So the motivated amongst you are indeed lucky: Buckingham sports a wonderful language department with very friendly teachers. I was lucky enough to study both French and Spanish and, thanks to the efforts of my tutors, I achieved excellent results in both.

Why study a language as part of your degree? Two reasons. Firstly, knowledge of a foreign language gives you a clear advantage in an increasingly competitive and globalised job market. Second, and perhaps most crucially, it gives one a certain je ne sais quoi, a particular charm which can be most favourable when engaging in courtship rituals with your fellow lady or gentleman. Think James Bond."

Viresh Jansari
International Studies with French

"œI studied International Studies and Spanish at Buckingham University; to learn another language can be invaluable whether professionally or for pleasure. Spanish is at the moment the fourth most spoken language in the world and growing in numbers, so I thought to be able to combine learning another language with my degree subjects would be perfect.

In my experience I have found that the university is committed to helping you achieve your potential and best possible grades and this is reflected in the dedicated hard work of the lecturers. The department offers you the chance to begin at a level that suits you if you have had previous experience of learning the language or to start from the beginning - like I did. The classes in Spanish are small numbers and this means you get the attention of the lecturers that you otherwise may lack from a larger university; lecturers also reassure you that they are always available to assist even outside of lesson times, which is especially helpful near exam time!

I have totally enjoyed my course at Buckingham University and would definitely recommend learning another language!"

Sarah Kerrison
International Studies with Spanish

We welcome applications in two different ways - directly via our online application form or through UCAS.

If you're interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.