International Relations, BA (Hons)

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United Nations, General Assembly

Course Overview

As technology, transport, and a more complex and globalised economy make our world smaller, the value of peaceful and cooperative relationships between states and nations is increasingly important. At the same time, the threats that states, communities, and individuals face are increasing in intensity and breadth. How do states cope with the changing nature of conflicts and new threats to security? How do we maintain and strengthen peaceful relations between people and states? What role can international institutions play alongside state actors in a complex and interconnected world?

Our three-year BA International Relations degree provides you with an opportunity to investigate the impact of a globalised world on states and citizens, the role of digital communication in shaping citizenship understanding of events, or the evolution of global human rights. The drivers and forces behind international cooperation and conflict form part of the degree just as much as the impact of conflict on the relation between states and people. You will learn how power, norms and institutions, as well as legal frameworks, affect our day-to-day lives and how historical events still have a noticeable impact on the global world order.

Why International Relations at Swansea?

International Relations at Swansea is ranked:

  • 7th in the UK for Student Voice* (NSS 2025) - assessed under Politics
  • 13th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • Top 25 in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • In the Top 250 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

*based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Study in one of the select departments in the UK to offer the British Parliamentary Studies modules, where you will be taught by our specialist academic staff and members of parliament. You will also visit the House of Commons in London.
  • Look behind the headlines to the key players in world politics, exploring important ideas and how can we solve conflict or achieve cooperation.
  • Understand the patterns of behaviour between nations, their leaders and corporations, focusing on the interactions and inter-relationships between philosophical, political and economic thought.

Your International Relations Experience

Our International Relations programme is a flexible degree offering a wide range of specialist modules that allow you to tailor your future career goals while developing your individual interests.

You will be taught by innovative experts in international relations, intelligence and security studies with strong national and international links. You will have the opportunity to enhance your skills development through varied assessments and learning experiences, through joining extra-curricular activities such as student societies and journals or volunteering activities, or the option of joining one of our competitively selected summer-abroad programmes.

This programme offers the opportunity to undertake a Year Abroad, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience. This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Furthermore, the optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BA.

International Relations Employment Opportunities

Our graduates are employed all around the world and enter careers including:

  • Education
  • Government and politics
  • Humanitarian organisations
  • Business
  • Media and public relations
  • Law and public services

Our students have also gained employment working for organisations such as:

  • Westminster Forum Projects
  • Labour Party
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

International Relations, BA (Hons)

International Relations with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

International Relations with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)