International Relations is a branch of Political Science that examines the role of states, international alliances, non-governmental organisations and multinational companies in an increasingly globalised world.As part of this degree programme at Cardiff, you will have the opportunity to focus on global politics and world affairs as well as having the opportunity to attend a lecture series hosted by the University on International Relations & International Law, which has featured high profile speakers from institutions such as NATO and the UN Security Council.In your first year you will concentrate on core modules, while in your second and third years you are able to choose from a wide range of optional modules. You must study a certain number of International Relations modules, but beyond this the full range of Politics modules is available.Distinctive featuresYou will be taught by academics, many of whom are world experts in their field. The department has unrivalled academic links with the National Assembly for Wales via the Welsh Governance Centre and long established relationships with national and international organisations such as the Westminster parliament, European Union and NATO. This unique status gives students the opportunity to supplement their learning by engaging with political decision makers in the real world.