International Relations (with integrated year studying abroad)

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. The degree in International Relations (with integrated study abroad) offers the opportunity to study international politics as a discipline with the option of studying in one of our partner Universities globally.

We offer students high-quality teaching on a wide range of modules (around 20 to choose from in Years 2 & final year of study), an intellectually stimulating but friendly environment and a real sense of community. On this course, you will learn about the concepts, policies and histories that make up international relations as a discipline. You will 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.

The study abroad element will enable you to choose to study in one of our partner Universities: we have a number of these across Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific. Your year abroad will take place during your third year, and you will return to Aberystwyth to complete your degree in the fourth (and final) year.

As well as honing your academic skills, our modules will equip you with the know-how you’ll need for life after uni, like writing blogs and policy briefs, giving presentations and using your creativity to solve problems. We even run role-play simulation modules every year which develop skills in negotiation, persuasion, collaboration and teamwork. Our graduates go into a wide range of careers, such as diplomacy, journalism, or working for political parties, NGOs or international organisations like the UN, as well as graduate pathways in business, industry, education and the public sector.

Opportunities – Politics and IR students at Aberystwyth can: • Join our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ – a role-playing exercise in political and diplomatic manoeuvres and a highlight of the course. • Apply for our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme: a three to four week internship for second years working alongside an MP in Westminster or an MS in Cardiff. • 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 social events.