Undergraduate BA (Hons)

International Relations

Study global issues such as poverty, debt and famine, and how we can address the challenges faced by humanity from an international relations perspective.

International Relations

Course Overview

  • UCAS code


    L250
  • Institution code


    L27
  • Main location


    City Campus
  • Attendance


    Full-Time
  • Duration


    3 Years
  • Start date


    16 Sep 2024

You'll choose a pathway to study*:

  • BA (Hons) International Relations 
  • BA (Hons) International Relations with Global Development (UCAS code L258)
  • BA (Hons) International Relations with Politics (UCAS code L254)
  • BA (Hons) International Relations with Human Rights (UCAS code L253)

Gain an international perspective by exploring how nations interact on the global stage.

As part of this course, you’ll:

  • Critically explore global issues such as security, poverty, debt and famine
  • Understand how we can address the challenges faced by humanity from an international relations perspective
  • Examine global inequalities, the rise of the superpower nations and what power looks like at a global level
  • Understand how major developments, including the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, globalisation, changing global power relations and the emergence of new terror threats and social movements have shaped the world
  • Evaluate theories of international relations and diplomacy and analyse the ideas, ideologies, policies and institutions that form the foundations of global politics
  • Analyse what happens during conflict, and the challenges faced by states and world organisations trying to preserve peace and security
  • Undertake a volunteering placement giving you work experience in the field
  • Blend critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills

*You can apply to study the single honours degree or one of the combined awards listed below. You'll be able to apply direct to UCAS for the combined awards using the UCAS codes provided.

BA (Hons) International Relations with Global Development (UCAS code L258)
Explore how global development confronts the ethical dilemmas facing the distribution of power and resources. You’ll examine theories of development, poverty and economic crises and their relevance to the social and political challenges of the 21st century.  

BA (Hons) International Relations with Politics (UCAS code L254)
Critically explore politics. You’ll examine some of the pressing issues facing us today, such as climate change, human rights, migration and the crisis of capitalism.  

BA (Hons) International Relations with Human Rights (UCAS code L253)
Many political, economic, social, and cultural factors impact the successful protection and promotion of human rights around the world. You’ll engage with debates about the universality of human rights and assess the success of human rights as a mechanism for social justice. You’ll explore the work of human rights activists and the political strategies they employ to try and stop human rights violations. 

International perspective
You’ll gain experiences and insight that will enhance your world view and help build your network of international contacts. Studying the roles of international organisations such as the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations will give you an understanding of their working processes and limitations. You’ll be encouraged to think critically and develop ideas that might help them to achieve their goals.

High profile speakers
Our annual Politics & International Relations Festival and Peace Lecture have previously attracted guest speakers such as Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition, former Labour MP David Miliband, and Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas.

Research expertise
Our academic team are research-active and are involved in international activism and global development. They include Professor Rachel Julian, who is currently researching local understandings of conflict in Myanmar through culture and stories.

Volunteering 
You’ll also carry out a volunteering placement of your choice, enriching your concept of society and citizenship, and developing your skills for employment.

Why study International Relations at Leeds Beckett University...

  1. 98% of students were positive about the teaching on BA (Hons) International Relations (pathways)*
  2. Pathways available, with the option to change direction after Year 1
  3. Fantastic placement opportunities
  4. Guest lectures, including annual festival of Politics and International Relations
  5. Volunteering opportunities
  6. 93.3% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation**

*National Student Survey 2023
**Percentage of respondents from this course, HESA Graduate Outcomes 20-21

Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students. 

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