Course summary
As technology, transport, and a complex international economy make our world smaller, the value of peaceful and cooperative relationships between nations is increasingly important. International relations are a vital aspect of citizenship in a global society and our three-year BA International Relations degree is one of the most important degree programmes we offer. This interesting area of study explores globalization and global institutions, development and human rights, International and regional politics, peace and conflict, political economy, security studies and strategic studies and you will learn how power, institutions and laws affect our day-to-day lives. International Relations at Swansea is ranked: • 4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025) • Top 15 in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2025) • International relations at Swansea University is ranked in the Top 250 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025) Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, you will have the opportunity to: • Study in one of the select departments in the UK to offer the British Parliamentary Studies modules where you will be taught by our specialist academic staff and members of parliament. You will also visit the House of Commons in London. • Look behind the headlines to the key players in world politics, exploring important ideas and how can we solve conflict or achieve cooperation. • Understand the patterns of behaviour between nations, their leaders and corporations, focusing on the interactions and inter-relationships between philosophical, political and economic thought. International Relations is a flexible degree offering a wide-range of specialist modules that allow you to tailor your future career goals while developing your individual interests: • You will be taught by innovative experts who have strong national and international links. • You will have the competitive option in semester one (available for 20 students) of undertaking an internship module with the National Assembly for Wales, working closely with an AM for one day a week. • You will be able to spend a semester abroad in Hong Kong, Singapore or the USA during the second year of your study to enhance your student experience and career prospects. • In your final year you have the invaluable opportunity to opt for a place on the Welsh Assembly Placement Scheme Our graduates are employed all around the world and enter careers including: Education, Government and politics, Humanitarian organisations, Business, Media and public relations plus Law and public services Our students have also gained employment working for organisations such as: Westminster Forum Projects, Labour Party, Price Waterhouse Coopers
Modules
In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: War and Peace in the Nuclear Age, Living Well and Doing Good - An Introduction to Ethics, Critical Reasoning, Political Philosophy In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Anarchy and Order: Theories in International Relations, Globalisation, Global Justice and Human Rights, International Security, The Colour Line: Race and Racism in World Politics In your final year you will complete an independent dissertation project or you have the competitive option of undertaking a work placement module with the Sennedd Cymru/ Welsh Parliament. You will also complete a compulsory group work project plus optional modules chosen from a wide variety of subject areas including: The Russian Civil War, Philosophy, Capitalism and Justice, Clear and Present Danger: America and Terrorism, Digital Futures, Global Environmental Politics, Africa in International Relations
Assessment method
Throughout your undergraduate International Relations BA (Hons) degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing. We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include: • Reading diary • Literature/ article review • Case study • Critical review For a full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations/ba-international-relations/ or get in touch with us at [email protected] "
How to apply
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:
- L254
- Institution code:
- S93
- Campus name:
- Singleton Park Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If you are an International Student, please visit our International pages for more information about entry requirements: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/students/requirements/
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 120 points
A level - BBB
Access to HE Diploma - D: 21 credits M: 24 credits
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3, H3, H3
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.
English Language Requirements at Swansea University
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
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
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
Provider information
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 8PP