Overview

Do you wonder how the world works? Or why it often doesn't work? And do you wonder if, and how, we can find a collective response to urgent issues such as climate change, unfair trade relations, security dilemmas, terrorism, global inequality, and racism? If so, then you are already on your way to thinking like an international relations student. And studying International Relations (IR) with us is a sure way to gain a deeper understanding of these global issues. IR is the study of a world composed of sovereign states who acknowledge no higher authority. This creates a sphere of influence very different from that of national politics. Our degree trains you to understand and analyse these dynamics as we examine the functioning, theory, and history of this global sphere. Together, we examine the nature of the changing relations between states and non-state actors, looking at the most pressing and important questions from every corner of the globe.

About This Course

Global politics affects all our lives. Our International Relations degree brings you to investigate the dynamics of a constantly changing world of the 21st century. You’ll develop the ability to think critically about regional, national, and international politics such as the European Union to the African Union, to understand institutional processes such as combating climate change, and to interrogate structures such as the historical racial hierarchy of the modern world. In learning about these issues, you’ll study different regions from the Asia-Pacific to Latin America to Europe, Africa, the United States, and beyond.  Taught by leading academics who are experts in their fields, our degree prepares you for a variety of career paths in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors within international relations. We work with you to provide the opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills to pursue your passion and make a difference. You will explore political ideas, systems, and processes, learn to question and to challenge, how to collect data, develop knowledge, construct arguments, and communicate your findings in different ways. We’re increasingly decolonising the curriculum. You’ll learn about international law, gender politics, geopolitical dynamics such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This will be done through a large choice of modules helping you tailor the course to your own interests and goals. We also offer opportunities to take part in study trips, internships and placements, as well as an extended period of study abroad. We warmly invite you to join us.