International Relations Degree Course

It focuses on diplomacy, conflict, international cooperation, and the forces that shape world affairs. If you’re curious about war and peace, climate agreements, human rights, foreign policy or global justice, studying International Relations provides the analytical tools and global awareness needed to understand and influence the modern world.

This guide outlines what to expect from an IR degree in the UK, what topics are covered, how it compares internationally, which A levels are useful, and what career paths are available.

Studying International Relations in the UK

In the UK, International Relations is typically offered as a BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree, although some universities offer it as a BSc if the course has a more quantitative or policy-driven approach. The degree usually lasts three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and four years in Scotland.

IR may be offered as a standalone degree or in combination with other disciplines, such as Politics, History, Economics, Law, Sociology or Languages. The subject is multidisciplinary, drawing from political science, history, economics, international law, and philosophy.

What You Study in an International Relations Degree

IR programmes provide students with a broad understanding of global affairs, alongside the opportunity to specialise in key regions or thematic areas. While course content varies, most degrees cover the following:

1. Core Concepts and Theories of IR
Students begin with foundational modules on major IR theories including:

• Realism and liberalism

• Constructivism

• Marxism and critical theory

• Postcolonialism and feminism in international relations

These theories help students interpret power, conflict, cooperation, and change in the global arena.

2. Global Governance and International Institutions
You’ll study how international organisations operate and influence world politics, including:

• The United Nations

• NATO

• The World Trade Organization

• The International Criminal Court

• The European Union

This includes topics such as peacekeeping, humanitarian intervention, and treaty negotiation.

3. Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Students explore how states develop and execute foreign policy, how diplomatic relations are managed, and what drives national interests.

4. Conflict, Security and Peacebuilding
Many programmes cover:

• Causes of war and civil conflict

• Terrorism and counterterrorism

• Nuclear weapons and arms control

• Conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction

• Global security threats including cyber warfare and climate security

5. International Political Economy
This examines how politics and economics intersect in areas such as:

• Global trade and development

• Financial institutions

• Economic inequality between states

• Globalisation and its critics

6. Regional Studies and Global Issues
Optional modules may allow specialisation in areas such as:

• Middle East politics

• Asian geopolitics

• Latin American development

• US foreign policy

• Global migration and refugees

• Climate diplomacy

• International human rights

7. Research Methods and Dissertation
You’ll develop skills in qualitative and quantitative research, policy analysis and critical writing. Most courses end with a final-year dissertation based on independent research.

Teaching and Assessment
IR degrees are taught through lectures, seminars, simulations, group work and sometimes model UN-style debates. Assessment includes essays, presentations, exams, policy papers and research projects.

Leading UK universities for International Relations include LSE (London School of Economics), Oxford, Cambridge, King’s College London, St Andrews, Warwick, Edinburgh and Aberystwyth, which hosts one of the UK’s oldest departments in the field. Many other universities also offer respected and innovative IR programmes.

Useful A Levels for Studying International Relations

There is no single required A level for IR, but subjects that develop analytical thinking, writing and global awareness are especially useful. These include:

• Politics – helpful for understanding state systems and ideologies

• History – provides context for understanding modern international relations

• Economics – valuable for studying international trade and development

• Geography – supports understanding of global issues and regional dynamics

• Sociology – useful for examining global inequality and migration

• Modern Foreign Languages – particularly useful if the degree includes area studies or overseas study

• English Literature or Language – supports strong writing and reading comprehension

Essay-based subjects and a demonstrated interest in current affairs are especially valued by universities.

Career Prospects

An IR degree offers wide-ranging career opportunities in diplomacy, global policy, non-governmental organisations and international business. Graduates are valued for their ability to think globally, understand complex systems and communicate effectively. Common career paths include:

• Diplomatic Service or Foreign Office

• International organisations such as the UN or World Bank

• NGOs and humanitarian agencies

• Policy analysis and political consultancy

• International law (with further qualifications)

• Journalism and global media

• Risk analysis and political intelligence firms

• Research and academia

• Civil service and development agencies

• International business and trade policy

Some graduates go on to postgraduate study (e.g. MA in International Relations, Development Studies or Global Security) or specialised training for international law, diplomacy or intelligence work.

Studying International Relations in the USA

In the United States, International Relations is often studied as a major under Political Science or Global Affairs. Degrees usually last four years and include general education subjects alongside core IR modules. US programmes often emphasise foreign languages, regional studies, and practical experience such as internships in government or international organisations.

Studying International Relations in Canada

Canadian universities offer IR or Global Studies as part of a four-year BA programme. Students often study Canadian foreign policy, peacebuilding, international development and North American relations. Many courses include co-op placements or internships in government, research institutes or NGOs.

Studying International Relations in the EU

Across Europe, IR is widely taught under the Bologna Process, with bachelor’s degrees lasting three years. Many programmes are available in English, especially in the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. EU courses often place a strong emphasis on European integration, diplomacy, migration and post-colonial relations.

Studying International Relations in Australia and New Zealand

IR is commonly offered within Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of International Studies programmes. Courses may include Asia-Pacific relations, Indigenous diplomacy, environmental politics and conflict resolution. There is a strong emphasis on global engagement and regional geopolitics.

Final Thoughts

International Relations is the perfect degree for students who want to understand the dynamics of the modern world and contribute to shaping its future. It combines the study of power, cooperation, culture and conflict on a global scale and offers insight into the forces that affect millions of lives every day.