Curious about studying International Relations - BA (Hons)at University of Leeds? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Main Site
Full Time
Sep 2026
4 Year
International Relations explores how states interact and co-operate with each other. This degree offers you a historical understanding of the development of the ‘society of states’ and how it is changing today. You’ll explore the political dynamics that influence interstate cooperation, as well as how organisations like the UN promote international peace and security. You’ll also gain expertise in data analysis, research and critical thinking, as you examine what obligations we may have to international society. We offer a wide range of optional modules which allow you to develop your interests in specialist areas. You’ll gain a diverse skillset that will be valuable to you as a citizen, as well as in your future career – whatever path you choose to take. Course highlightsStudy in our world ranked School of Politics and International Studies.Explore the latest real-world challenges across a range of political subjects and gain a global understanding of them.Learn from influential academics who are helping to shape policy and hear from inspiring guest speakers.Get the opportunity to study abroad and develop an international perspective or undertake a work placement to gain practical experience.Prepare for your future with careers and employability support.Add an analytical focus to your degree with the opportunity to apply for a Quantitative Research Methods pathway, helping you develop advanced analytical skills that are in high demand by employers worldwide.Studying in the School of Politics and International StudiesVideo transcript Audio described version of the video
This module introduces Western political thought, establishing a grounding in key ideas and theories that have shaped modern politics. You will critically reflect on public life and gain a foundation for further study of political theory. You’ll focus on the work of five influential thinkers, investigating the historical context in which they wrote their ideas and theories, and the potential to apply these to the modern world. This enables you to develop essential study skills in reading and writing political theory.
In this module you’ll learn about challenges in global development such as poverty, health, hunger, education, work and environmental sustainability. We’ll introduce you to ideas of development, rights and gender, which you’ll use to better understand what these challenges are caused by. The module will also teach you how to analyse, synthesise and communicate ideas and information, which will be useful outside an academic setting.
You’ll start this module with a brief historical context, covering some of the key developments in world politics to date. You’ll be introduced to many of International Politics’ most important concepts including the international system, war, peace, sovereignty, collective security, inequality, and international organisations. You’ll also be introduced to regionalism in international affairs, and in particular to the international politics of Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
In this part of the course you’ll understand how our world became increasingly integrated and connected, approaching the concept from economic, political, military and social perspectives. You’ll examine the concept of modernity through major historical events, including the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution while also challenging their dominant narratives. Later, you’ll learn how colonialism has impacted land, health and the climate catastrophe, how colonialism has been resisted, and colonialism’s more persistent features.
This module will introduce students to key themes and topics when studying politics and international studies. You’ll understand how you collaborate in an academic community, and gain key skills for academic work, research, and scholarly independence. You’ll also be introduced to the main themes and questions surrounding the politics of global challenges.
You will learn here about the different ways we approach research, with a showcase of the latest research in POLIS. This helps introduce you to key ideas like designing and implementing a research project, along with key methods in politics, international development and international relations. You’ll gain practical experience of gathering evidence, while many of your other skills developed will transfer well to employment.
This module introduces you to debates on security in international relations. You’ll look at the concept, role and making of security in today’s international system, and receive an outline of the theories and concepts used in security studies. You’ll also analyse important challenges framed as security threats, debate different ideas of security, whose security we can discuss and today’s security threats, including conflict, terrorism and climate change.
This module explores rival approaches to International Relations Theory. You’ll analyse each theory, assessing their strengths and weaknesses and developing your critical thinking skills. You’ll also attend lectures and seminars which look at contemporary international developments. These let you put the theories you’ve learned about into practice, and let you consider how theory and practice relate to each other.
Your dissertation is a piece of written work that’s 10,000 words long. As its topic is your choice (following agreement by the School Dissertation Committee) it’s an opportunity to follow through a topic you’re interested in but haven’t had the chance to research. You can also use it to further explore second and third-level modules in greater detail.
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