Discover the causes of conflict, instability and poverty. Explore democracy and justice in today's society. With our International Relations undergraduate degree, you'll learn both the theory and practice of global politics. You'll develop analytical, critical thinking and research skills. This course can lead to careers in national and global politics, think tanks, and more. We know that your future career is at the top of your mind. We have developed a suite of bespoke initiatives. These include PAIR (Politics and International Relations) specific internships, which offer you the opportunity to work with one of our academics on their groundbreaking research projects. We are proud to say that due to this, and other initiatives, we are ranked 11th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide, 2026). Furthermore, as part of the Russell Group, our rigorous scientific research feeds directly into your modules. Key features of this course:

Study global issues, like arms control, security, migration, and how they apply to different regions

Learn from hands-on activities such as public engagement and field trips to Whitehall and Westminster

Study abroad in Europe, the Far East or North America or gain work experience with a year-long placement in industry

Student Support Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will be there to help guide you throughout your time at Southampton. Offering career advice and guidance, as well as signposting to pastoral services if needed. Further information The department is based at Highfield Campus, our oldest and largest campus, located close to Southampton Common. It's the academic heart of our University and home to social events, sports facilities and our Students' Union.

Modules

With our International Relations course you will learn about the foreign and security policies of the major players in world politics. Some of the modules you may study include Theorising International Politics; Ethics of War; and Advanced Social Data Science For further module information visit https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/international-relations-degree-bsc#modules

Assessment method

Modules are examined through a combination of examinations and coursework, and the specific arrangements vary according to module. Final degree classifications are based on marks from the second and third years.

How to apply

14Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: L250

Institution code:: S27

Campus name:: Main Site - Highfield Campus

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - ABB

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DDM

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - DD

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) - D

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

Typical offer: Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B

Extended Project - A

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2

GCSE/National 4/National 5

We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard to the A level applicant. For more details on the suitability of your qualifications or foundation programme please contact the Admissions Team at [email protected]

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/politics/undergraduate/courses/l250_bsc-international_relations.page

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6.5	with no component less than 6.0

English Language proficiency for international students: All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. For more information on the University of Southampton’s English Language entry requirements, please see the English Language Proficiency webpage at http://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page.

http://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9535*	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9535*	Year 1
Scotland	£9535*	Year 1
Wales	£9535*	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9535*	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9535*	Year 1
EU	£26000	Year 1
International	£26000	Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

Provider information

Visit our website

University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ

Course contact details

Visit our course page

Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Social Sciences

[email protected]

023 8059 4732

View address on Google Maps

Location	Qualification	Study mode	Duration	Start date	Apply
Main Site - Highfield Campus	BSc (Hons) - Bachelor of Science (with Honours)	Full-time	3 years	21 September 2026	Available to Apply	Course option 9de95118-a72e-4ec7-ba9e-961a651a9b35

International Relations at University of Southampton - UCAS

Degree level: Undergraduate

International Relations

Course options

Open days

Course summary