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International Relations

BA (Hons)

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  • Next start date: Sep 2024
  • Future start date: Jan 2025
  • Study: Full-time
  • Duration: 3 years per year
  • UCAS code: A030
  • Study abroad: Optional

Overview

With globalisation, sustainability, terrorism and foreign intervention now major forces in the world, this course prepares you to meet important, unpredictable global challenges.

While the 21st century presents us with instability and insecurity, it also offers plenty of opportunities for development and innovation. You'll learn to make sense of the world's issues, plan for change, and develop progressive solutions that make positive changes towards a better future.

Drawing on real case studies (from the fields of law, politics, human rights, economics, security, war, diplomacy and more), you'll unpick different perspectives, apply theory to practice and gain insights into the complexities of global politics and the relationships between institutions of international governance.

Lessons are flexible and agile, able to adapt quickly to focus on global issues that arise. And, with such small classes, academics can take note of your interests, and tailor their content accordingly. Recently, students have been able to:

  • Examine real-time case studies and follow live court cases 
  • Attend industry-led workshops at Chatham House 
  • Design research proposals, policy briefs, posters and podcasts
  • Visit court, The Houses of Parliament, The British Museum, The BBC, Guernica 37 
  • Join debates, role-plays and simulations 
  • Take a European study trip

You'll quickly gain confidence in thinking critically and analytically – able to understand the world around you and develop creative solutions that could change it for the better.

Students recently took a trip to Brussels, where they met with Commission officials, visited institutions like European Council and European Parliament and attended workshops with other students.

International Relations
International Relations

 

Foundation option

In the integrated foundation year, you'll gain a solid grounding in academic principles and skills. Building upon this foundation, you'll be well prepared to go on to develop specialist knowledge in your chosen course. 

It's structured around discipline knowledge, with extra modules that introduce you to the transferable skills you'll need at degree level and beyond – giving you a solid grounding in liberal arts and media principles and skills.

Once you've successfully completed your Foundation year, you'll be able to progress to any of our business, social sciences, humanities or media undergraduate courses.

Building on this foundation, you’ll develop specialist knowledge in your chosen course.

Download course specification

Regent's student Anna Romano
Hear from Anna Romano, International Relations student

How to apply

Applying to Regent's is quick and easy. We accept direct applications year-round and there's no application fee. If you haven't received your exam results, you can still apply and we'll issue you with a conditional offer. You just need be clear in your application which qualifications you're currently studying for.

Step 1: Apply

  • On our website, details here
  • Through UCAS  (The Regent’s UCAS code is R18)

During the application process, you'll have the chance to upload supporting documents, including:

  • A copy of your passport (photograph ID page)
  • Academic transcripts and certificates from all previous studies
  • A 300-500 word personal statement (view guidance)
  • If you're not a native English speaker, proof of your English proficiency (take our test)

Credit transfer

If you’ve already studied part of your degree elsewhere, you may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and join your new course at an advanced entry point. To apply for RPL, you'll need to state this clearly in your application and provide us with the certificates, transcripts and module descriptions for your previous course.

Step 2: Receive a response

You can expect to receive a decision on your application within 10 working days. We'll assess whether you meet our entry requirements and will notify you of our decision via email. UCAS applicants will also receive official notification via the UCAS system.

For some of our courses, the selection process may include an interview or audition. They can take the form of a one-to-one interview, a group interview or a portfolio review, which may be conducted by telephone or online. Arrangements of these are made between you and the Admissions department.

Step 3: Accept your offer

If you wish to accept your offer, you must pay your (non-refundable) advance tuition fee deposit. This will confirm your place. Here's how.

Step 4: Register 

Closer to the start of term, our Admissions team will send instructions regarding your registration process. This will include information on completing your online enrolment before you arrive, as well as a checklist of documents you'll need to bring with you to campus.

Information for international students

If you're an overseas student, you'll likely require a visa to study in the UK. Here's how to apply.

Scholarships and funding

There are a wide variety of funding and scholarship opportunities to help you finance your studies. For more information, please visit our scholarships and funding page.

Fees

Tuition fee:

  • £22,500 per year for the intake starting in September 2024 or January 2025
  • £23,000 per year for the intake starting in September 2025 or January 2026

Non-refundable advance deposit:

  • UK students: £1,000
  • Non-UK students: £4,000

Read more about tuition fees.

If you receive an offer for a course, you’ll receive a pro forma invoice. To accept your offer and secure your place, pay your deposit payment as soon as possible.

The remaining portion of your first year’s tuition fees will be due when you enrol. At this time, you’ll receive your invoice for the full year. You can choose to pay for the year in full before the start of your first academic year or in two instalments, spread out across the academic year. The dates of these instalments will be determined by when your course starts.

What do fees include?

Fees cover the cost of all tuition and access to the University’s IT infrastructure and library learning resources. Fees are presented for the first level of study which equates to two terms. 

What other costs should I budget for?

You will need to budget additional funds for accommodation and living expenses, travel, and any additional trips, visits, activities or courses that you choose to participate in outside of the tuition offered as part of your course.

The library holds a limited number of copies of core textbooks and where possible in e-format. You will be encouraged to purchase your own textbooks and will need to budget approximately £80-£100 per year, depending on your course.

How you'll learn

At Regent's you’ll have the freedom to explore your interests in a supportive and nurturing environment with interactive classes, regular one-to-one contact with tutors, specialist facilities, industry opportunities and tailored careers advice – ensuring you develop the skills, experience and confidence you need to succeed.

You'll be taught in interactive classes incorporating activities like debates, role-plays, simulations and real case study analysis. You'll produce policy briefs, blogs, posters and podcasts, and you'll take regular field trips into the city to explore museums, political buildings, galleries and more – and engage directly with those in the field.

Find your 23-24 academic calendar here.

Contact hours: Years 1, 2 and 3: no less than 14 hours per week. 

Teaching staff

You'll be taught by professionals who have rich and varied careers working in a range of IR and political settings (including NGOs, regional governance, UN, human rights law and social enterprise) alongside teaching. They regularly have work published in journals and have outstanding research records. Their knowledge and experience ensure your classes are shaped by the most current industry practices.

Academics include:

You'll also be allocated a personal tutor, who'll meet you on a one-to-one basis at various stages throughout the year to provide you with guidance and advice to support your personal and professional development.

Independent learning

Throughout the course, you'll be expected to undertake extra reading, personal research and reflection, as well as preparing work for workshops, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts and keeping on top of the news.

Method of assessment

Your skills and knowledge will be assessed via a wide range of written work such as essays, research reports, policy briefs and article reviews. You'll also prepare research proposals, data analysis reports and give individual and group presentations to develop your oral communication skills and your expertise in articulating and presenting your ideas.

Disability support

We welcome and support students with a wide range of disabilities and health concerns, including learning difficulties, visual and hearing impairments, mental health difficulties, autism conditions, mobility difficulties and temporary or chronic health conditions. 

Our Student Support & Welfare team is here to support you. We ask that you speak with us as early as possible to enable us to support you. Find out more about our disability support and contact us.

Academic requirements: Year 1 entry

We're interested in your potential, as well as your prior achievements – and review each application comprehensively on its own merit.

One of the following qualifications:

  • Three GCE A-levels at grade A-C
  • 24 points in the International Baccalaureate
  • US High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5 PLUS one of the following:  
    • Three AP tests with an average grade of 3 (or two, with an average grade of 4)
    • SAT score of 1100 (550+ in both subjects)
    • ACT with a composite score of 26 (20 in each section)
    • Dual Enrolment and College credits (1st year) – 30, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Equivalent qualifications as deemed acceptable by the University and set out in the Admissions Guide and UK ENIC.

English language requirements

Minimum English proficiency requirement through one of the following qualifications (or equivalent):

QualificationSubjectGrade
GCSE*English languageC (4)
IB SL or HL*English A4
IB HL*English B4
US HSD (studied in a majority English-speaking country)*Grade 11 and above EnglishC
IELTS*Academic6.0 overall and 5.5 in each component

Please note, we do not accept home/online editions of English language tests.

*Qualification satisfies the English language requirements of the UKVI for non-UK/Irish nationals.

We also offer conditional students a free, online, diagnostic test known as the Regent’s English Proficiency Test (REPT). This must be booked in advance. Discover more.

Student support

We welcome and support students with a wide range of disabilities and health concerns. This includes learning difficulties, visual and hearing impairments, mental health difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, mobility difficulties, and temporary or chronic health conditions. 

Our Student Support & Welfare team is here to support you. We ask that you speak with us as early as you can to enable us to support you. Find out more about our disability support and contact us. 

Careers

Gain a sophisticated knowledge of global problems, and a toolkit of techniques to help solve them – attractive to a range of employers who value:

  • An international outlook
  • The skills to react to unpredictable changes  
  • The ability to apply theory to practice  

You'll be able to have a career in diplomacy, politics, human rights, economics, law, policy, international business and more. Our graduates work in a variety of sectors: 

  • Government bodies and agencies  
  • Civil service – embassies, foreign offices 
  • International organisations – e.g., The United Nations 
  • NGOs/INGOs – e.g., Oxfam, Human Rights Watch 
  • Academic and media establishments  
  • Thinktanks and social start-ups  
  • Creative industries – e.g., writers, marketeers 

Some also go on to take a law conversion, and others go onto postgraduate study.

Graduate visa

After you've completed your course, you may be eligible to apply for a Graduate visa. This enables you to work, or look for work, in the UK for up to two years after you leave Regent's, without the pressure of having to secure a job immediately – applying your skills and advancing your career with valuable experiences and industry connections.

Careers support

Don't worry if you feel overwhelmed – our Careers, Enterprise and Industry team are here to provide personalised advice and access to resources for life!

  • 24/7 access to online guidance and resources
  • Exclusive internships, networking opportunities and industry events
  • Personalised consultations – from interview and CV prep to business advice
  • Access to Handshake, connecting you with 650k+ global employers

The Regent's Model

We've designed our curriculum for you. Gain a deeply personalised education, designed for you – an innovator, entrepreneur or future leader. Expand your knowledge, skills, practice and thinking with three building blocks:

  • Subject Core: Gain a deep understanding of your field and learn from academics with significant industry experience.
  • Special Electives: Go beyond your core discipline and gain even more future-focused skills. Regent's Special Electives are available to every Undergraduate student, and designed to be hyper-relevant to the world we live and work in – now and into the future
  • Industry & Entrepreneurship: Take on challenges directly from the world of work. Test your ideas, gain close industry connections, and take on real-world projects – all embedded into your course from day one. Work towards a final project, in which you’ll build and develop your unique idea.

In Year 2, you’ll also have the option to study abroad.

Read more about how you'll learn and view a complete list of Special Electives.

The integrated foundation year has been specially designed to give you the introductory knowledge and business skills needed to confidently progress to degree-level study. 

Year 1

Subject Core

International Relations, BA (Hons)
Human Rights and Social Justice In this module you will explore human rights and social justice. You will learn about the origins of international law, the history and practice of the United Nations and the birth of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A range of real-world examples will be used to introduce you to the debates surrounding human rights and social justice.
Economics and Development This module explores a range of topics in the global political economy. By considering the global distribution of wealth, you will examine the factors that have historically led countries or regions out of poverty and reflect on how those factors apply today, including the politics and economics of natural resource conflicts, such as energy, food, and water. These areas – economic development and natural resource conflicts and constraints – lead logically to consideration of global environmental concerns such as famine, pandemics, pollution and climate change. This module will utilise real-world examples and computer simulations, supported by relevant concepts and theories.
Global Politics: Contest for Supremacy The extent of globalisation requires an exploration of international politics to develop an understanding of current issues such as war, diplomacy, justice, and sustainability. This module will examine contemporary nations, regimes and the global contest for supremacy, exploring solutions to critical questions to evaluate a range of models for the international order the nation and the state. You will develop an interdisciplinary understanding of global politics, through examining case studies from global history. By critically engaging with a range of perspectives, you will gain experience presenting a convincing argument, utilising contemporary history and relevant theoretical approaches.
Critical Thinking in International Relations In international relations, issues such as genocide, human trafficking, climate change or poverty are crucial factors. As social scientists, how we define significant actors influences how they are described in international law, policy making, and political campaigning. This module will explore primary social science perspectives and understand various ways of looking at the world. You will learn about the building blocks of theoretical perspectives and critically engage with some real-world examples, applying a variety of approaches and political lenses. This will enable you to begin to analyse how these and other concepts have evolved through time, and how different perspectives shape and define the political and policy landscape.
Exploring Industry and Entrepreneurship The world of work is changing fast; in some sectors, AR, AI and automation have already mechanised the work environment. New and different jobs are rapidly being created, generating fresh industry-related and entrepreneurial opportunities. Global crises have accelerated trends, causing many sectors to rethink their approaches to work.

This module provides you with an introduction to the changes being experienced, and the scope of real-world professional activities in relation to your course. Teaching will be delivered by your course team, led by subject experts, and tailored to reflect industry and entrepreneurship in your discipline.

You will develop an understanding of how changing local and global trends impact the current and future worlds of work. The focus will be on exploring your industry or sector and its future, with a view to informing your own potential career or entrepreneurial journey.

In this module, you will be supported by the experts in the Careers, Enterprise and Industry services and the university careers platform, Handshake.
Learning Perspectives This module will develop your curiosity around your chosen degree specialism and encourages you to become a collaborative, critical and reflective learner. You will explore different approaches and key debates around learning and develop skills essential for university study.   

Learning from key thinkers across cultures and time, you will examine core questions about how and why we learn the way we do. You will gain understanding through the distinct lens of your subject and by comparison and sharing of ideas with students from all degree areas.    

To evidence your learning journey, you will create responses to key questions on the areas of the module you find most relevant and inspiring. The skills, knowledge and approaches to learning you develop in this module will support your Regent’s journey and assist you in becoming an active part of your university community.  

Common Modules

In Year 1, you can choose a mix of London Perspectives, Global Perspectives and language modules – you'll need to take two in total from the lists below.
London Perspectives (Autumn Term) In the London Perspectives module, you will explore London through multiple perspectives including your own cultural background and degree discipline. Taking the city as a learning ground, you will learn about London with a historical and contemporary focus through your degree subject (for example business, arts, fashion and media) and interact with the cultures of London through their symbols and neighbourhoods to investigate their impact on London over time. Using teasers inspired by the city of London (for example, a 'Brick Lane' extract, a segment of a visual product, a music extract), you will consider what makes London a world city. You will go on field trips and visit relevant venues in mixed-group activities where you act as guides to your cultures and/or subject, thereby fostering collaborative learning. The module uses London to explore what may unite, rather than divide, our areas of study. Topics and trips include multicultural London, Roman London, financial London and London of fashion and music. ——— You can also choose a language module instead. Choose between Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Business English – all languages are offered from beginner to advanced level.
Global Perspectives (Spring Term) For Language modules, please refer to the list on the course page below. Through this module’s challenges you will complete a number of practical group tasks inspired by contemporary intercultural, political and social issues, and by the concept of global citizenship. You will work with peers to propose and present solutions to dilemmas and global issues. In the first half of the term, groups will be divided based on disciplines and courses of study; in the second half, you will re-group with students from other disciplines. Throughout the collaboration, you will be asked to reflect individually, and to evaluate the benefits and limitations of specific disciplinary approaches versus the potential for creative solutions when working with students across disciplines. ——— You can also choose a language module instead. Choose between Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Business English – all languages are offered from beginner to advanced level.
Language Modules
Languages (Grades 1-6) – available Autumn and Spring Choose between Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish – all languages are offered from beginner to advanced level in every term.

Languages provide you with tools to understand and imagine new worlds and communicate with others. Learning a language opens the door to cultures beyond your own and allows you to bridge the gap between communities and build connections for your life and your career. 


At Regent’s, you will learn languages differently. You will learn in a highly practical way, in order to develop skills for authentic communication. At Regent’s, you will receive individual attention in a supportive atmosphere and learn through collaboration and innovative teaching methodologies.  

  

Whether you want to start learning a new language, develop existing proficiency or prepare yourself to study abroad, these modules will help you develop a multilingual identity.   
Advanced Language for Professionals (Grade 7)  – available Autumn or Spring If you want to work in international or multilingual environments and you already have a higher intermediate level of Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian or Spanish, this module is for you.  

You will learn to apply your existing language skills to the workplace and acquire the practical and linguistic tools to connect, collaborate and communicate effectively in multicultural professional settings.  

Learning in small groups, you will gain knowledge of the countries where the language is spoken and of their work practices and will apply that knowledge to tasks that resemble those in the workplace. You will also develop job-specific linguistic and cross-cultural skills and explore contemporary forms of communication at professional levels. 

Immersed in a unique classroom environment that embodies Regent’s cosmopolitan character, you will experience individual attention in a supportive atmosphere, learn through innovative teaching methodologies and develop your multilingual professional identity. 

Business English: Professional Writing – available Autumn or Spring Every professional journey will benefit from enhanced writing skills allowing you to express yourself and persuade others.  Classes provide opportunities to create written texts (such as work emails, letters, proposals and reports) while developing understanding of writing as a process and how to adapt writing for diverse audiences and purposes. At the same time, you will also consider the impact of choices around tone, style, formality and other key language aspects.  

This module offers a memorable experience of professional writing, harnessing technology use (such as digital word lists, text analysers) and formative feedback, all within a supportive classroom atmosphere.  

As a result, you will be ready to apply what you learn to tasks on this module in your university course or career. You may only take this module once.
Business English/Advanced Business English  – available Autumn or Spring For every prospective 21st century professional, higher-level business English skills are indispensable.  

Whether you study acting or psychology, business or fashion design, this module will develop business English knowledge (grammar and vocabulary) and skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) at upper-intermediate and advanced levels, to enhance your fluency, persuasiveness and effectiveness as a global communicator.   You may only take these module once.

Classes provide opportunities to engage in motivating linguistic challenges (such as discussions, presentations and reports). You will select and introduce business topics of interest and enjoy multiple opportunities for formative feedback, all within a small group, supportive classroom atmosphere.   

The sessions will encourage you to reflect throughout, helping to improve confidence through tasks designed to showcase the full range of business English skills required for success in your future career.   

Advanced Spanish through Film (Grade 8)  – available Autumn or Spring Comics, films, social media posts...we live in a multimodal world where information is conveyed through combinations of visual, written, and spatial modes. If you already have a higher intermediate level of Spanish and wish to develop an ability to understand how images are created and ‘read’, this module is for you. Through close study of a range of films and television series produced in Latin America and Spain, you will enhance your understanding of the sociocultural reality of those countries. You will become familiar with the multimodal framework and apply it to the analysis of audio-visual texts. You will also acquire practical and linguistic tools to discuss and analyse in Spanish, and with a certain level of complexity, any audio-visual product. In addition to expanding on your existing linguistic skills, this module will help you develop new and highly valuable media literacies that can be easily transferred to your subject.

Year 2

Subject Core

International Relations
Globalisation and the City We live in an increasingly urban world that has been shaped by complex spatial transformations derived from the forces of contemporary globalisation. This module looks at global cities as key agents of transnationalism and political economy. It uses London as an exemplar of global opportunities and challenges: prosperity vs poverty, diversity vs inequality, innovation vs tradition, security vs uncertainty, networking vs loneliness, and urban vs green spaces – among other examples.



We will explore these topics through interdisciplinary reflection and research – utilising critical and normative/ethical approaches to the study of globalisation and international relations. Experiential learning will use London as a dynamic space of study beyond the traditional classroom through visits to the city’s museums, urban spaces, and galleries. Deploying a range of research methods will help us ask the right questions to pose feasible and legitimate practical solutions to contemporary global issues.
History of the Present The history and the origins of the modern state system have a central role in the way we understand today’s world. This module explores continuity and change in international relations and focuses on the historical study of themes central to contemporary debates on economic and political issues, as well as on traditional security and new global challenges. We will examine how the First and Second World Wars transformed international politics and consider the lasting effect of the Cold War and decolonisation on international relations. This module will provide you the theoretical foundation of international relations, and will develop an understanding of a range of perspectives, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, feminism, postcolonialism and post-structuralism.
Security in an Uncertain World In a contemporary context where uncertainty has become a normal aspect of everyday life, security seems to be everywhere, including international and national security, economic security, information security, environmental security, food security and gender-based security.

This module will interrogate perceived contemporary security issues, asking critical questions about how security is understood, deployed, and studied: what make us feel 'secure’? Who are the actors and institutions of security and insecurity? How do these shape us as citizens and human beings? How does security play out in Europe – for example, in war-torn Ukraine? Finally, what happens when we see security beyond state-centric international relations?



This module will explore a selection of frameworks in which securitisation is made theoretically and intellectually intelligible. Through a range of research methods and analytical tools we will enhance our understanding of policy responses developing critical perspectives that go beyond the standard explanations of political practice.
In Year 2, you will also choose one of the following Experiencing Industry & Entrepreneurship modules:
Entrepreneurial Challenge Regent’s University London has been quoted as the UK university with the highest density of business founders. In this module, you will develop entrepreneurial thinking about how to grow your own or others’ entrepreneurial ideas.

You will have the freedom to choose between a range of entrepreneurial challenges and explore enterprise opportunities. In doing so, you will develop your own concepts and create an entrepreneurial plan. In collaboration with others, you will develop your entrepreneurial ideas through creative thinking, research and evaluation.

At the end of the module, you will pitch your idea, bringing your concepts closer to an exciting reality. If you have true ambitions to become a founder, the module will also prepare you to complete an individual entrepreneurial project in your final year.
Placement This placement module gives you the opportunity to experience industry and entrepreneurship in an external organisation. Through an immersive piece of work, either within or outside of your discipline, you will apply your knowledge and intellectual and practical skills to real life challenges to develop a critical appreciation of how an organisation operates and evolves.

These insights, skills and knowledge will not only prepare you for your next level of study, but they will also help you to build the attributes required to realise your future ambitions after graduation.
Industry Challenge In this module, you will experience the challenge and pace of the world of work through a real world or live project, chosen from a menu of industry scenarios. This will give you an insight into the culture, practices and commercial contexts of an industry, field or sector within which the project is situated.

The focus of this immersive experience will be on process, as you engage in team building, collaboration and project management, researching and testing concepts and presenting your concepts to address the industry challenge.

The module will support your personal and professional development so that, when you move into the final year of your course, you will be equipped to complete a significant individual project of your choice.
You can also choose to study a term abroad:
Read more about study abroad We support and encourage our full-time students to study abroad at one of our 60+ exchange partners: the possibilities for new experiences, adventure and personal & professional growth are endless. For more information, please contact [email protected]

Languages and Special Electives

Module Title
Special Elective 1 You can choose from: Creativity and Imagination; Being Human; Creating a Brand Identity; Why We Post: Social Media and Us; Financial Innovation and Technology; Photography Workshop; How to Think in a Post-Truth World; Understanding Human Rights; Literary London; Behind the Lens: Introduction to Media Production; Psychology of Emotions; London as Fashion Capital; Emerging Technologies: from Web3 to the Metaverse; Digital Design with Adobe Creative Suite; The Power of Language in Your Life; Business Ethics; Experiencing Theatre; Understanding the Global Art Market; Inspiring Your Audience; Future Cities Now. Scroll to the top of the page to find a link to the complete list and module descriptions. Please note, not all electives will be offered every term, due to timetabling and other constraints. 
Special Elective 2 You can choose from: Creativity and Imagination; Being Human; Creating a Brand Identity; Why We Post: Social Media and Us; Financial Innovation and Technology; Photography Workshop; How to Think in a Post-Truth World; Understanding Human Rights; Literary London; Behind the Lens: Introduction to Media Production; Psychology of Emotions; London as Fashion Capital; Emerging Technologies: from Web3 to the Metaverse; Digital Design with Adobe Creative Suite; The Power of Language in Your Life; Business Ethics; Experiencing Theatre; Understanding the Global Art Market; Inspiring Your Audience; Future Cities Now. Scroll to the top of the page to find a link to the complete list and module descriptions. Please note, not all electives will be offered every term, due to timetabling and other constraints. 
Special Elective 3 or a Language You can choose from: Creativity and Imagination; Being Human; Creating a Brand Identity; Why We Post: Social Media and Us; Financial Innovation and Technology; Photography Workshop; How to Think in a Post-Truth World; Understanding Human Rights; Literary London; Behind the Lens: Introduction to Media Production; Psychology of Emotions; London as Fashion Capital; Emerging Technologies: from Web3 to the Metaverse; Digital Design with Adobe Creative Suite; The Power of Language in Your Life; Business Ethics; Experiencing Theatre; Understanding the Global Art Market; Inspiring Your Audience; Future Cities Now. Please note, not all electives will be offered every term, due to timetabling and other constraints. — — — Or select a language module. You can choose between Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Business English – all languages are offered from beginner to advanced level. — — — Scroll to the top of the page to find a link to the complete list of Special Electives and Languages you can choose from.
Special Elective 4 or a Language You can choose from: Creativity and Imagination; Being Human; Creating a Brand Identity; Why We Post: Social Media and Us; Financial Innovation and Technology; Photography Workshop; How to Think in a Post-Truth World; Understanding Human Rights; Literary London; Behind the Lens: Introduction to Media Production; Psychology of Emotions; London as Fashion Capital; Emerging Technologies: from Web3 to the Metaverse; Digital Design with Adobe Creative Suite; The Power of Language in Your Life; Business Ethics; Experiencing Theatre; Understanding the Global Art Market; Inspiring Your Audience; Future Cities Now. Please note, not all electives will be offered every term, due to timetabling and other constraints. — — — Or select a language module. You can choose between Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Business English – all languages are offered from beginner to advanced level. — — — Scroll to the top of the page to find a link to the complete list of Special Electives and Languages you can choose from.

Year 3

Subject Core

International Relations
Money and Power Our international environment is shaped by the interplay of economic, political, technological and cultural forces rippling through the world. Some converge and some collide, creating ever new challenges and opportunities for policymakers and active citizens to promote their own visions and solutions.



This module will explore institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization and the World Bank, and consider some real-world case studies, such as China’s accession to the WTO, the 2008 financial crisis, India and vaccines or the Greek bankruptcy. We will critically reflect on the role of the media in global politics and examine how this affects the distribution of wealth, politics and society.



In-class discussions, research and experiential learning, will develop a systemic understanding of the shifting global economic ecology. By exploring the intricate links between different processes and critically assessing policy alternatives, we will design solutions for contemporary challenges at both a global and local level.
Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution Conflicts are challenging and intractable – but diplomacy is a way to help resolve them. This module will reflect on a range of historical and regional experiences – from traditional China to the aristocratic way of taming the conflict of the imperialist European system of states, to the partial attempts to democratise diplomacy in the late twentieth century.



It introduces you to the phases and techniques of negotiations, including the role of mediators, international organisations and citizens. This will be applied to propose solutions to the recurrent problems in the Middle East, which involve significant issues of power; resources, both scarce (water) and abundant (oil); environment; statehood; terrorism; gender and culture. The module will include simulations and the attendance of external speakers. Other regions (including South and East Asia) will be discussed as well.
Major Project l The Major Project is the culmination of your studies. You will study Major Project I in the first term of your final year and Major Project II in the second. Each module comprises 20 credits. Together, the two modules form one project.

The Major Project is a substantial piece of work, drawing on your discipline-specific and interdisciplinary learning, together with your learning about industry and entrepreneurship. You will have the freedom to design a self-directed project that reflects your interests and career aspirations. You may also choose to relate your Major Project to work you’re completing on your other final year modules.

In Major Project I, you will start the term developing a proposal for your Major Project, supported by your tutors. Following your proposal, you will begin work on your Major Project, learning through individual or group supervision, workshops or studio practice, as appropriate to your project.
Major Project II Major Project II is the second Major Project module in your final year. Following the research and development you undertook in Major Project I, you will realise and complete your work in Major Project ll.

The Major Project is your opportunity to apply your discipline-specific and interdisciplinary learning, together with your learning around industry and/or entrepreneurship to a topic of your choice. Through the Major Project, you can realise your ambitions as you prepare to graduate with work that illustrates your aspirations.

You will learn through individual or group supervisions, workshops or studio practice, as appropriate to your project. You may also choose to relate your Major Project to the work you’re completing on your other final year modules.

If you are working on an entrepreneurial project for your Major Project, you may be able to join the Founders Programme, which supports students and graduates interested in starting their own business with tailored guidance, coaching, mentoring, and access to experiential bootcamps and live events.

Languages and Special Electives

Module Title
Special Elective 1 You can choose from: Creative Futures; Essential Leadership Skills; Brand Me; Influencer Marketing Masterclass; The Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Revolution; How to Create a Social Enterprise; How to deal with Uncertainty; Understanding the Politics of Migration; Living Religions in London; Podcasting Masterclass; Exploring Sleep and Dreaming; Material Cultures and Sustainability; Understanding Artificial Intelligence; Professional Project Management; Introduction to Environmental Law; The Art of Data Storytelling; Cyber-psychology: Understanding Digital Behaviour; Decision-making Strategies Masterclass; Creative and Professional Writing Masterclass; Global Conflict and the Arts. Scroll to the top of the page to find a link to the complete list and module descriptions. Please note, not all electives will be offered every term, due to timetabling and other constraints. 
Special Elective 2 You can choose from: Creative Futures; Essential Leadership Skills; Brand Me; Influencer Marketing Masterclass; The Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Revolution; How to Create a Social Enterprise; How to deal with Uncertainty; Understanding the Politics of Migration; Living Religions in London; Podcasting Masterclass; Exploring Sleep and Dreaming; Material Cultures and Sustainability; Understanding Artificial Intelligence; Professional Project Management; Introduction to Environmental Law; The Art of Data Storytelling; Cyber-psychology: Understanding Digital Behaviour; Decision-making Strategies Masterclass; Creative and Professional Writing Masterclass; Global Conflict and the Arts. Scroll to the top of the page to find a link to the complete list and module descriptions. Please note, not all electives will be offered every term, due to timetabling and other constraints. 
Special Elective 3 or a Language You can choose from: Creative Futures; Essential Leadership Skills; Brand Me; Influencer Marketing Masterclass; The Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Revolution; How to Create a Social Enterprise; How to deal with Uncertainty; Understanding the Politics of Migration; Living Religions in London; Podcasting Masterclass; Exploring Sleep and Dreaming; Material Cultures and Sustainability; Understanding Artificial Intelligence; Professional Project Management; Introduction to Environmental Law; The Art of Data Storytelling; Cyber-psychology: Understanding Digital Behaviour; Decision-making Strategies Masterclass; Creative and Professional Writing Masterclass; Global Conflict and the Arts. Scroll to the top of the page to find a link to the complete list and module descriptions. Please note, not all electives will be offered every term, due to timetabling and other constraints.  — — — Or select a language module. You can choose between Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Business English – all languages are offered from beginner to advanced level. — — — Scroll to the top of the page to find a link to the complete list of Special Electives and Languages you can choose from.
Special Elective 4 or a Language You can choose from: Creative Futures; Essential Leadership Skills; Brand Me; Influencer Marketing Masterclass; The Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Revolution; How to Create a Social Enterprise; How to deal with Uncertainty; Understanding the Politics of Migration; Living Religions in London; Podcasting Masterclass; Exploring Sleep and Dreaming; Material Cultures and Sustainability; Understanding Artificial Intelligence; Professional Project Management; Introduction to Environmental Law; The Art of Data Storytelling; Cyber-psychology: Understanding Digital Behaviour; Decision-making Strategies Masterclass; Creative and Professional Writing Masterclass; Global Conflict and the Arts. Scroll to the top of the page to find a link to the complete list and module descriptions. Please note, not all electives will be offered every term, due to timetabling and other constraints.  — — — Or select a language module. You can choose between Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Business English – all languages are offered from beginner to advanced level. — — — Scroll to the top of the page to find a link to the complete list of Special Electives and Languages you can choose from.

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BA (Hons) International Relations

Integrated Foundation option

You can also start this course from Foundation Year – follow the link below to learn more about BA (Hons) International Relations with Liberal Arts and Media Foundation.

Tre’Shawn Griffin-Noordermeer
'This course offered so many different perspectives on culture, politics and life. We all brought our own viewpoints to class, and that translated into such a rich learning environment.' Tre’Shawn Griffin-Noordermeer, International Relations alumnus
Abdulrahman Al-Hashemi
'This course allowed me to engage with global networks and prepared me for my Master’s in International Studies and my work with NATO. It played a major part in shaping my personality, teaching me to be open minded and welcoming.' Abdulrahman Al-Hashemi – International Relations alumnus

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