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Explore the key themes and challenges of international relations, from the Cold War to the Coronavirus pandemic.
This programme covers the broad themes and theories associated with the study of international relations, such as the state system, development, security, conflict and globalisation.
You’ll be taught by world-class academics with distinctive expertise in their fields of research, including British, French, European, American, Latin American, African and Middle Eastern politics. You'll study international relations through the lens of both historical and contemporary examples, from the 1870s ‘Scramble for Africa’ through to the Cold War, the origins of the War on Terror, the global financial crisis and the coronavirus pandemic, and learn how to apply theories to reflect on their relevance.
You'll be introduced to political concepts, theories, ideologies and analysis in your first year. As you progress in your studies you'll choose from a wide range of module options, covering national and global issues.
You can complete your International Relations degree in three or four years. If you choose to do a year abroad this will take place in Year 3 and Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4.
Compulsory:
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
In each year you may also choose some modules from outside the School of Politics and International Relations.
Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.
Go global and study abroad as part of your degree – apply for our International Relations BA with a Year Abroad. Queen Mary has links with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia (partnerships vary for each degree programme).
Find out more about study abroad opportunities at Queen Mary and what the progression requirements are.
Coming from an international background taught me the concept of diversity and empathy and inspired me to learn more about the different countries and the relations among them. The study of International Relations allows me to satisfy my global curiosity and critically analyse the current issues, from a legislative, historical and political point of view.
You’ll receive approximately eight to 12 hours of weekly contact time, in the form of formal lectures and small group seminars. The seminars are designed to generate informed discussion around set topics, and may involve student presentations, group exercises and role-play as well as open discussion.
You’ll complete a further 20 hours of independent study per week.
Students are assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. A few modules are assessed by coursework only.
The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:
UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.
Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.
Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.
Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.
We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.
Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:
Our International Relations graduates are highly employable, with invaluable political knowledge and research, analytical and communication skills that open doors to a huge variety of roles. They move into domestic and international careers both inside and outside the political sphere – predominantly in government, policy research, education, media and business.
Recent graduates from the School of Politics and International Relations have been hired by:
While studying with the School of Politics and International Relations you'll have access to bespoke careers support every step of your degree, including one-to-one guidance, tailored workshops, and external speakers on topics such as careers in public affairs and working in parliament.
Our careers team can also offer:
Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.
International Relations - BA (Hons)
International Relations with Year Abroad - BA (Hons)
The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats)
The School of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary is invested in high-quality teaching, and we pride ourselves on our friendly and informal approach. Our staff are active researchers with diverse interests, from British politics to the Middle East, which is reflected in our teaching and the breadth of our programmes.
Our location in one of the world’s greatest capital cities is hard to beat. Home to the nation’s Parliament, political think tanks and economic powerhouses, London is where all the action takes place. We host a range of high-profile speakers on campus, and offer students regular contact with Westminster, Whitehall and the third sector through our events.
Students can also take advantage of the Mile End Institute, a major policy centre based at Queen Mary which brings together policymakers, academics and local communities to address national political challenges.
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