INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS BA

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS BA

Why choose this program ?

Explore global challenges and navigate complex diplomacy to influence the future. Our International Relations BA empowers you with interdisciplinary insights, hands-on experiences such as our Model NATO, and career-ready skills—preparing you to lead in an interconnected world.

Understand the world, how critical decisions are made, and stand out in a competitive job market. Develop strategic decision-making, cultural intelligence, and problem-solving skills to lead initiatives that tackle global challenges and drive meaningful change—empowering you to thrive in international careers, further study, and impactful leadership roles in diplomacy, global policy, international organizations, and NGOs.
Our International Relations BA combines a research-led curriculum with hands-on learning and global experiences. You'll develop critical thinking and research skills, engage in real-world case studies, and complete a dissertation under expert supervision. Unique opportunities, such as participating in Model NATO events in Washington DC, London, and Lisbon, allow you to experience high-level diplomacy and decision-making. With diverse optional modules and a focus on global challenges, this degree prepares you for successful careers in international relations, government, armed forces, NGOs, and beyond.

Reasons to study at Birmingham

- Enhance your critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world case studies and global challenges.
- Participate in Model NATO events in Washington DC, London, and Lisbon for hands-on diplomacy and a unique global perspective.
- Explore a wide range of optional modules to specialise in areas of personal interest and career goals.
- Gain skills for international careers through employability workshops, internships, and support from expert faculty.
Our International Relations BA equips you with critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers. Upon graduation, youâ¿¿ll be able to pursue diverse career paths in government, international organisations, NGOs, diplomacy, the armed forces, business or even academia and take on rewarding, leadership roles. With strong employability support and global experiences like Model NATO, you¿ll be prepared for a successful career in the dynamic world of international relations.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Modality

£

Price Remarks

Open registration Limited spots

A Level

- AAB

IB

- 6,6,5 at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overall

BTEC

- BTEC options considered

- Number of A levels required: 3
- General Studies: not accepted
- T Levels: all subjects considered. Standard offer: Distinction overall with A in the Core Component.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015): Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
- Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

Apply for partial scholarships


Our International Relations BA equips you with critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers. Upon graduation, youâ¿¿ll be able to pursue diverse career paths in government, international organisations, NGOs, diplomacy, the armed forces, business or even academia and take on rewarding, leadership roles. With strong employability support and global experiences like Model NATO, you¿ll be prepared for a successful career in the dynamic world of international relations.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

SYLLABUS

Year 1

- Debates in World Politics I
- Debates in World Politics II
- Pathways to International Relations Research I
- Pathways to International Relations Research II
- Global History
- Introduction to Political Theory
- Understanding International Relations
- Understanding Politics

Year 2

- Global Governance
- International Relations Theory
- Research Design

Year 3

- Dissertation

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