In the third year, courses are assessed using a variety of methods, including end-of-year assessments, coursework or a combination of the two. We use a range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams. Your tuition fees, and Webroughtbeer eligibility for any financial support, depend on whether you’re classified as a home or an overseas student – known as your fee status. We assess your fee status based on guidelines from the UK Government’s Department for Education.
Theories of International Relations provide structured explanations for global events, diplomatic relationships, and power dynamics. Scholars and policymakers use these theories to analyze conflicts, trade relations, international organizations, and global cooperation (Waltz, 1979). The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Relations is an interdepartmental, multi-disciplinary programme addressing key global challenges, issues and approaches to politics. This three-year undergraduate course will provide you with a sophisticated understanding of International Relations, both as a subject of academic study and as intellectual preparation for a wide range of career choices. You will develop the ability to collect and evaluate a broad range of evidence, analyse complex issues and present arguments in a clear, concise and effective manner, both orally and in writing.
And in the US, it is common for academics to move from university to government and back again (just think of Henry Kissinger’s career trajectory or, more recently, Samantha Power). Any grant-holding academic working in the UK, meanwhile, will be aware of the need to demonstrate ‘impact’ in their research. International relations are becoming ever more complex due to geopolitics, migration, war and other diverse factors. This programme analyses the functioning, history and theory behind the international system and the changing relationships between nations. You’ll look at the character of different states, examining the implications of the uneven distribution of power, money, welfare and knowledge on foreign policies and international order. Feminist IR theory highlights the underrepresentation of women in global decision-making and critiques the gendered nature of international relations.

At least 60 people were killed in an overnight rebel attack in eastern Congo

India’s international relations are guided by its national interests, which include maintaining national security, promoting economic growth, protecting human rights, and advancing its position in the global hierarchy. To achieve these goals, India engages in various activities such as diplomacy, foreign aid, trade, and defense cooperation. These jobs influence peacekeeping, human rights, economic development, and global coordination. Our International Relations BA equips you with critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers. Upon graduation, you'll be able to pursue diverse career paths in government, international organisations, NGOs, diplomacy, the armed forces, business or even academia and take on rewarding, leadership roles. With strong employability support and global experiences like Model NATO, you’ll be prepared for a successful career in the dynamic world of international relations.

Importance of International Relations

The United Nations (UN), for example, mirrors the structure of the existing international system insofar as it is dominated by leading powers such as the permanent members of the Security Council. Changes in international structure, including the rise of new powers, eventually lead to changes within international institutions. Thus, some neorealists have suggested that the Security Council’s permanent membership will eventually be expanded to include countries such as Germany, India, Japan, and others. The United States continued to retain its superpower status while China sought to expand its influence in the South China Sea and in Africa through its economic initiatives and military reforms. It solidified its position as an emerging superpower despite conflicts caused by its territorial claims and internal security policies in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet. These developments led the United States to implement a containment policy and initiate a trade war against China.
In Africa, South Sudan broke away from Sudan, and mass protests and various coups d'état saw longtime strongmen deposed. In the U.S., celebrity businessman Donald Trump was elected president amid an international wave of populism and neo-nationalism. The European Union experienced a migrant crisis in the middle of the decade and withdrawal of the United Kingdom as a member state following the historic United Kingdom EU membership referendum. Russia attempted to assert itself in international affairs, annexing Crimea in 2014. In the late 20th century the study of international relations was increasingly influenced by constructivism. According to this approach, the behaviour of humans is determined by their identity, which itself is shaped by society’s values, history, practices, and institutions.

Career outcomes

Constructivism focuses on social identities, beliefs, and norms, whereas Realism and Liberalism emphasize power and cooperation, respectively. Public consultation in Baja California served as the space for critical consciousness development, political mobilization and political participation of Indigenous people. The course builds analytical thinking, communication skills, and global awareness — all within an inspiring academic environment. These roles combine fieldwork with advocacy and often involve close collaboration with local communities.
Nothing is more illustrative of the inherently interdisciplinary nature of international relations inquiry than the nexus between economic and political factors. Writings on political economy proliferated from the rise of the modern state in the mid-17th century until the mid-19th century. Much of the literature emphasized mercantilism, the notion that economic activity is, or should be, subservient to the interests of the state. The nature of realism implies that seeking a moral high ground is a goal that governments cannot always achieve and that deceit and violence can be highly effective tools for advancing national interests.
Discuss key international relations theories from feminist, green and postcolonial perspectives. You’ll apply these theories to contemporary events and developments in international politics ranging from climate change to the rise of non-Western powers. This theory examines the lasting impact of colonial history on modern international relations. Thinkers like Edward Said (1978) argue that Western perspectives continue to dominate global politics, often marginalizing voices from the Global South. Postcolonialism seeks to challenge these power imbalances and promote decolonized narratives in international studies.