Course summary

Sometimes referred to as international studies, you do not have to look too far to find examples of how international relations impact our everyday lives. From international conventions on human rights; how environmental issues shape domestic legislation; or why the prospect of local military interventions can have an adverse impact on a global economy. The International Relations degree at Birmingham allows you to look at the role of states and organisations in an ever interconnected world. On our four-year Year Abroad programmes, you will undertake a year abroad between your second and fourth years at a partner HE institution. This will give you the opportunity to experience a different academic environment and way of teaching (and even different approaches to the subject). The year abroad will also enhance your employability prospects through a proven ability to succeed in a foreign setting, and will provide an additional opportunity to develop relevant, marketable skills in terms of organisation, communication, and intercultural awareness. Students applying for this degree will join the Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS), a department that scores high in the National Student Survey (NSS) and is consistently viewed as one of the best departments in the country.