International Relations, BA (Hons)

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United Nations, General Assembly

This course is available through Clearing

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?

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.

Modules

We've enhanced our modules to deliver an engaging learning experience, designed to help you develop the skills employers are looking for. Discover what's on offer and feel inspired by the modules you can study.

Entry Requirements

We have vacancies across a variety of subjects for September 2026 entry - please call our Clearing Helpline to discuss your options.

0808 175 3071

We also welcome enquiries from candidates researching starting a course in 2027 - please see our Entry Requirements Page to find out typical offer ranges or get in touch by email or by telephone 01792 295111.

Are you an international student, waiting on exam results or an English Language test score? If so, we'd encourage you to apply through our free and easy to use direct application system, as you may be eligible for a conditional offer.

Careers and Employability

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

International Relations, BA (Hons)

International Relations with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons)

International Relations with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

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