Course summary

The topic of International Relations is never far from the news headlines as the world grows more interconnected through trade and migration, the internet and social media. Blend the fields of politics, economics, history and law with our BA in International Relations as you explore our ever-changing political landscape. With such a varied range of topics, it’s no wonder our graduates go on to such diverse and successful careers. This degree will prepare you for a career in international organisations, business, finance, government institutions, agencies, and the media. It will provide you with specific knowledge in three core areas: International Relations theory and concepts, global institutions, and contemporary issues in international affairs. You’ll be able to choose topics from a variety of electives including ‘International Human Rights’, ‘Conflict and Peace Studies’, ‘Foreign Policy Analysis’, ‘Diplomatic Studies’, ‘US Grand Strategy’, ‘Global Energy Politics’, and ‘Critical Globalization Studies’. Our programme is designed to offer you a specialisation as you progress with your degree, according to your main area of interest. You can also take courses which allow you to specialise in the International Relations of different regions, including the USA, Latin America, the EU, Asia, Russia, Africa and the Middle East. We’ll introduce you to the main concepts and approaches to the study of international relations and encourage you to analyse, interpret and evaluate world political events and issues. It’s a broad remit as you’ll investigate security, nationalism and warfare while also addressing politics within international law and institutions, the global economy, and issues related to development and developing states. Top reasons to study this programme:

• Learn within the flexible Liberal Arts framework. Choose your own path – find out more about the Liberal Arts - https://www.richmond.ac.uk/about-richmond/the-liberal-arts/

• Acquire an analytical grasp of contemporary social, political and economic issues as well as conflicts at international and regional level

• Broaden your perspective by understanding the main actors and institutions in the international system and their impact on society

• Gain vital work experience with an international internship, enhancing your career opportunities, while building experience with writing in a range of professional formats from project evaluations, policy briefs and policy-maker profiles to NGO campaign analyses and project grant applications

• Take part in field trips to the European Parliament, Council and Commission and NATO in Brussels and the International Court of Justice in the Hague

• Learn from faculty academics leading research in specialist areas from Conflict and Peace Studies.