BA

International Relations

BA International Relations Code 142L Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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You are viewing this course for September start 2025

Key Facts

142L

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 96

  • Course duration

    3 years

Further details on entry requirements

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It is a challenging yet fascinating moment in world politics. We invite our students to explore world politics – and learn how to best shape its future. As the world’s first Department of International Politics, we have pioneered the study of International Relations for over 100 years, and we continue to tackle the world’s most pressing problems, such as nuclear instability, climate change, global inequality and the weakening of international institutions. 

Course Overview

Why study International Relations at Aberystwyth University?

  • We offer students high-quality teaching on a wide range of modules (around 20 to choose from in years 2 & 3), an intellectually stimulating and friendly environment with a strong sense of community.
  • On this course, you will learn about the concepts, policies and histories that make up international relations as a discipline.
  • You'll learn to assess global events from a range of perspectives and to look ‘behind the headlines’ to discover the deeper dynamics which drive the actions of countries, leaders and activists.
  • You can study political dynamics like nationalism or the global economy, learn about development and colonial legacies, consider different perspectives like liberalism or gender, or analyse key security problems.
  • In addition, you have the opportunity to study international institutions or regions like the Middle East, Africa or the Americas.    
  • As well as honing your academic skills, our modules will equip you with the know-how you’ll need for life after university, like writing blogs and policy briefs, giving presentations and using your creativity to solve problems.
  • We run role-play simulation modules every year which develop skills in negotiation, persuasion, collaboration and teamwork – all essential in the world of politics.
  • Our graduates go into a wide range of career pathways, such as civil service, journalism and diplomacy, or working for political parties, NGOs or international organisations like the UN, defence, as well as graduate pathways in business, industry, education and the public sector.   
  • In addition, we offer a number of modules taught entirely or partially through the medium of Welsh.

Opportunities – IR students at Aberystwyth can:

  • Apply for our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme: a three to four week internship which enables you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP in Westminster) or an MS in Cardiff.
  • Join our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ – a role-playing exercise in political, economic and diplomatic manoeuvres which will develop your negotiation and communication, critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills. A highlight of the course.
  • Spend a semester abroad studying in many destinations, across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific.
  • Get involved and feel part of our departmental community through activities, like the regular ‘Roundtable’ discussions on key global events, Interpol Society activities, the student journal Interstate, Student Diversity Group and our popular social events.
Our Staff

Lecturers in the Department of International Politics are all research active and qualified to PhD level, and most also have a PGCHE.

Modules September start - 2026

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Behind the Headlines * IP12620 20
Exploring the International 1: Central Concepts and Core Skills * IP12420 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Globalization and Global Development IP12520 20
Politics in the 21st Century * IP12920 20
The Making of the Modern World: War Peace and Revolution since 1789 IP12820 20
War, Strategy and Intelligence IP10320 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Employability is embedded within all courses provided by us. Our degrees provide a solid foundation for a vast array of careers across a range of sectors. In a rapidly shifting global economy, our graduates are adaptable and able to draw on a range of transferable skills, ensuring that they are always in demand.

The skill sets include:

  • effective problem solving and creative thinking skills
  • information technology skills
  • the ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • time-management, organisational skills
  • communication skills both written and oral
  • self-motivation and self-reliance.

What opportunities are there for me after I complete my degree?

Our graduates have found work in the following areas:

  • development sector
  • local and national politics
  • the Civil Service
  • Government research
  • social research
  • the third sector, eg NGOs
  • international organisations
  • journalism.

What opportunities are there for me whilst studying at University? 

Employability is embedded across our teaching. We teach our students to aim for the career they want, not the job that they can get.

  • Students can apply for our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme, a 3-4 week internship for second years working alongside an MP in Westminster or an MS in Cardiff.
  • We are also home to Interstate, the oldest student-run international politics journal in the United Kingdom, providing a unique opportunity for you to publish your work (particularly advantageous if you wish to progress to postgraduate study) or gain valuable experience working as part of the editorial team.
  • Stimulating student societies foster a strong sense of community within the department, offering a programme of political debates, visiting speakers, conferences and workshops, alongside numerous social activities such as an annual ball.

What work experience opportunities are available to me while I study?  

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers. Enhance your employability prospects with our Year in Employment Scheme.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three-year degree scheme.

In your first year you will have the opportunity to explore:

  • a range of perspectives and approaches to the study of international politics
  • the development and progress of international relations during the twentieth century
  • the different methodologies to analyse topical issues in international and domestic politics
  • political theory and key political issues
  • contemporary political problems and how they are portrayed
  • key issues in the fields of War, Strategy and Intelligence.

In your second and third years you will have the opportunity to study issues such as:

  • theories, approaches and perspectives in international relations
  • a range of challenges facing the international system, such as globalisation, international security, the environment, inequality, global health, conflict and post conflict environments
  • a variety of regional and national politics including Latin American, Russia, Europe and the EU, the BRICS, the Middle East, the UK
  • international twentieth century history and Cold War
  • a dissertation to demonstrate your substantive knowledge in your chosen subject area.

How will I be taught?

We deliver this degree through the medium of lectures and seminars.

We encourage our students to take part in the Crisis Games. Crisis games have been based on humanitarian crises, the Northern Ireland peace process, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the US presidential election, an Arctic environmental disaster, war between Russia and Georgia. The Crisis Games will allow you to learn about aspects of international politics which cannot be taught in lectures and seminars, especially the constraints which political leaders face in responding to various crises. This is no doubt, the highlight of the year.

Assessment

We assess our students through essays, reports, examinations, book reviews, learning logs and presentations.

Student Testimonials

I love the International Relations course, because it's a subject that attracts a wide range of people from around the UK and internationally, meaning you encounter a wide range of people and opinions. The seminars allow for great discussion and learning, and the lectures themselves are interesting with just as interesting lecturers! Roxy Taylor

The Department of International Politics has provided me with a new-found understanding of the world through modules on issues surrounding concepts of globalisation and the lives of women in the Third World. With experts in so many fields it is great having such an approachable set of tutors. My three years here at Aberystwyth have been educational as well as enjoyable and I would recommend studying here to anyone. Hannah Mitchell

Great lecturers, great building, great people on the course! Matthew David Bold

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-26

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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