International Relations

An international relations degree will help you to gain appreciation of how states, international organisations, and non-state actors interact on the global stage. This course is about using theories and models to best explain and understand power in the world, why the world is the way it is, and how we can change it. This takes place at all levels, from individuals to whole global systems, and understanding this allows us to question what we think we know, what we think matters, and how we can develop a better world. Supported by knowledgeable and passionate staff, you’ll start by looking at the core critical and emancipatory theories of international relations and their underlying methods.

You’ll get a broad grounding in the key issues of today’s world and the contested historical development of world politics; studying topics informed by staff research such as terrorism, security studies, human rights, cultural politics, and many others.

A wide variety of options means that you can pursue your own interests – with things becoming increasingly flexible as you progress through the course, and in your final year, you will engage more directly with current academic debates and contemporary political developments.

We place a heavy emphasis on employability and offer valuable practical skills training, including advanced analytical approaches, which many employers look for when offering placement opportunities. This, alongside the possible opportunity to study abroad – with all the experience that it brings – means that an International Relations degree opens doors to a range of interesting and rewarding career possibilities.

You can also combine international relations with another subject and broaden your outlook still further, and in your third year, you may have the opportunity to take a placement year with an employer or study abroad, broadening your horizons and boosting your employability.*

This course has a foundation year available.

*Placement and/or study abroad options may be available, potentially extending the duration of study up to 4 years. Study abroad will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability.

Features and Benefits

Flexibility and choice is central to the course, with Joint Honours degrees available and a variety of option units, from human rights protection and global terrorism, to Brexit and climate change, giving you the opportunity to pursue the topics that interest you most.

You will be taught by research-active staff who have expertise in areas including critical international relations, digital politics and US foreign policy, and the course content is directly informed by these research specialisms of the teaching team.

Our fantastic team of highly skilled researchers and academic staff are ready to support your learning and provide you with the essential tools for your studies – both in person and online.

You can spend your third year on placement with an employer or studying abroad, enhancing your employability prospects through a proven ability to succeed in a professional or foreign setting.

Our courses include practical skills training, including advanced analytical approaches which are sought after by employers, to ensure you’re fully prepared for your future career.

You can also study a foreign language during your second year through Uniwide Languages, giving you a competitive edge in the global jobs market. Find out more about Uniwide Languages at mmu.ac.uk/uniwide.