International Relations BA (Hons)

About the course

Study in depth about international relations, including topics such as Europeanisation, politics of post-Communist states, security studies, the environment and transnational civil society. These are some of the most pressing issues in contemporary international politics and which have a particularly strong appeal to the overseas market.

• The course for those who want to make a difference to government, business and society
• An interesting alternative to conventional business studies or politics degrees
• Superb placement opportunities in the public and private sector
• Taught within a department that scored 24/24 for teaching quality (as assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency)

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Key facts

UCAS course code: L250

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with a placement

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

• Typical offers at 280 UCAS Points. A Level candidates need to study at least two subjects at A Level and need to achieve one grade B or above in one subject
• Five GCSEs grades A–C including English Language and Maths
• International Baccalaureate: 28 Points.

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications. Interview required: We may require you to attend an interview. We will be in touch with further information once you have applied.

International students: If English is not your first language, we require an English language level of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Teaching and assessment

Lectures, tutorials and seminars, group work and self-directed study are used for teaching and learning. Assessment will include coursework (e.g. presentations, essays and reports) and normally an exam. You will normally attend around 15 hours of timetabled taught sessions (lectures, tutorials etc) each week, and are expected to undertake at least 15 further hours of independent study to complete project work, research etc as required.

Course modules

1st year modules

• Introduction to Contemporary International Relations
• Global Comparative Politics
• Introduction to Politics
• World Politics since 1945

2nd year modules

• Themes and Debates in International Relations Theory
• Political Analysis/Research Methods

Options include:

• The Making of a Global World
• The Politics of the European Union
• Cold War
• Foreign Policy Analysis

3rd year modules

• Dissertation Options include:
• Globalisation and Democracy
• International Security in a Globalised World
• British Foreign Policy
• Politics of Nationalism
• Yugoslavia and After
• Managing the Environment
• Post-Communist Politic

Programme/Module Information Handbooks:

BA (Hons) International Relations|

Work experience and placements

An optional paid placement year offers invaluable professional experience.
For further details see dmu.ac.uk/businessplacements

Erasmus/study abroad: Option to study in another country offers invaluable international experience. See dmu.ac.uk/balstudyabroad

Graduate careers

The course prepares you for senior roles in public and private organisations where you can influence major decisions that affect us all. The public sector is the UK’s largest employer and one of the most diverse, challenging and exciting sectors in which to work. There is real demand for suitably qualified managers who are interested in making a difference and who understand the implications of the global financial crisis, climate change, and sustainable development, health care and other issues affecting contemporary society. Recent graduates are employed by NHS Trusts, education, health and police authorities and civil service agencies, as well as in private sector business and management. Give yourself a competitive edge in the graduate job market by completing the optional placement year.

Fees and funding

UK/EU Fees: £9,000

International Fees: £10,750

Learn more about fees and funding information|

Facilities

Our new £35 million building offers state-of-the-art teaching and computer lab facilities.