BA International Relations
University of Leeds, Faculty of Social Sciences
Key Information
Campus location
Leeds, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Introduction
International relations explores how states interact and co-operate with each other. This degree offers you a historical understanding of the development of the ‘society of states’ and how it is changing today.
As an International Relations student, you’ll gain expertise in data analysis, research, critical thinking and more as you develop an in-depth understanding of the discipline. Taught by experts in a stimulating research environment, you’ll examine the ways in which states behave and what obligations they may have to wider conceptions of international society. You’ll explore the political dynamics that influence interstate cooperation, and the roles of international organisations like the UN in promoting international peace and security. We offer a wide range of optional modules which allows you to tailor your degree to pursue topics that excite you, so you can develop your interests in specialist areas.
On this course you’ll have the opportunity to study abroad, allowing you to develop an international perspective on your subject or undertake a work placement which will give you an insight into working life in a particular organisation or sector linked to your studies.
Throughout the course, you’ll gain a diverse skill set that will be valuable to you as a citizen, as well as in your future career – whatever path you choose to take.
Quantitative Research Methods (QRM) pathway
At the end of Year 1, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a place on our BA International Relations with Quantitative Research Methods pathway. This pathway will help you develop advanced analytical skills, which are in high demand across the public, private, and third sectors. You will learn statistical analysis techniques and their application to real data (e.g. survey data, countries’ statistical data) using statistical software. You will also write a dissertation in which you will analyse quantitative data to examine questions about politics, development or international relations.
You are not required to have done Mathematics at A level, this pathway is open to all students as long as you have attained an overall 2:1 in your first year and a 2:1 in the Comparative Politics module.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.
Curriculum
Core modules in Year 1 will equip you with the research and academic skills you need to study international relations. You’ll also gain an understanding of the historical development of states, the divide between the Global North and South and diverse political theories while exploring current changes in the system of international politics and comparing the systems within different states. You can also start to put your studies into context, with optional modules on topics like development or British politics.
Year 2 allows you to build on this foundation, as you explore international organisations and their role in the world order. You’ll develop a critical understanding of rival theories in international relations and examine important debates in security studies. Our modules are designed to help you improve your own research skills and give you an insight into the research methods used in the social sciences. A range of optional modules will allow you to focus on the political landscape in different countries or regions, and you could also choose a related module on development, public policy or a range of broader topics.
The only compulsory module in your final year will be your dissertation – an independently researched project on a topic of your choice, which showcases your knowledge and skills. In addition, you’ll complete your study with optional modules covering topics such as terrorism, UK foreign policy and Europe’s relationship with the wider global community. You can choose up to two optional modules from a range offered across the school in areas such as political psychology, the politics of aid or political theory.
Course structure
Year 1
Compulsory modules | Optional modules You will choose 20 to 40 credits of optional modules. |
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Discovery modules | |
If you only choose 20 credits of optional modules you will choose 20 credits of discovery modules. |
Year 2
Compulsory modules | Optional modules You will choose 40 to 60 credits from lists of optional modules in the school. |
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|
Discovery modules | |
Depending on the number of optional modules selected, you may choose up to 20 credits of discovery modules. |
Year 3
Compulsory modules | Optional modules You will choose 40 to 80 credits from lists of optional modules in the school. |
Dissertation |
|
Discovery modules | |
Depending on the number of optional modules selected, you may choose up to 20 credits of discovery modules. |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree, you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate.
Learning and teaching
We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you gain diverse skills. These will include seminars and workshops where you can discuss in more depth the topics set out in traditional lectures. We emphasise the importance of participation, presentation skills and group work.
Independent study is also a vital element of the course, as it allows you to develop your research and critical skills while preparing for taught sessions.
You’ll also have a personal tutor – one of our academics – who will be on hand to offer you guidance and support on academic issues, such as module choices, as well as career and personal matters.
In this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Modules will use a variety of assessment methods. As well as traditional exams, you could also be asked to complete projects based on essays and case studies, policy briefs, group presentations, work logs, research briefs, project proposals or development agency reviews. In your final year, you’ll also submit a 12,000-word dissertation.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
This course will give you an in-depth understanding of one of the most important aspects of political life, as well as a range of transferable skills in research and analysis, critical thinking, communication and presentation that will be valuable in a wide range of careers in different sectors.
Our graduates have gone on to work in political research and analysis, the Civil Service, the media, marketing, PR, international organisations like the UN and World Bank and non-governmental organisations. They work as policy advisors, diplomats, advocacy workers, public affairs executives, youth or support workers and journalists. Others have pursued careers in education, the charity sector, banking and finance or law.
Graduate destinations have included the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, BBC, Oxfam, Royal Institute of International Affairs, Department for International Development, Amnesty International, the House of Commons, the New Statesman and many others.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.