Queen's University Belfast United Kingdom

Anthropology and International Relations BA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Anthropology and International Relations BA at Queen's University Belfast offers you a unique interdisciplinary pathway to understanding the complex forces shaping our world. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are keen to explore the intricate connections between global politics, diverse cultures, and societal structures, and to critically analyse issues from human diversity to international conflict. You will delve into core concepts of world politics, comparative politics, and the study of human societies, equipping you with a foundational understanding of both global governance and the human experience across different cultural contexts.

This full-time, three-year programme is delivered on campus, immersing you in a dynamic learning environment. You will engage with a rich curriculum that includes modules on international relations, key debates in anthropology, and specialized topics like peace and conflict studies, human morality, and the politics of deeply divided societies. Through core modules, optional courses, and the opportunity for a short or long placement or a dissertation, you will develop essential skills in ethnographic methods, critical analysis, and cross-cultural understanding, preparing you for diverse career paths in international organisations, NGOs, government, or further academic research.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program offers a comprehensive exploration of both anthropology and international relations. You will delve into foundational concepts of world politics, comparative politics, and cultural anthropology, examining human societies and global power dynamics. The curriculum progresses to advanced topics, allowing for specialization in areas such as security, political thought, ethnographic methods, and the politics of divided societies, culminating in a dissertation or placement opportunity.

1 Year 1

World Politics Compulsory
Being Human: Culture and Society Compulsory
Comparative Politics Compulsory
Perspectives on Politics Compulsory
Us And them: Why do we have ingroups and outgroups? Elective
Being Creative: Music Media and the Arts Elective
'Understanding Northern Ireland: History, Politics and Anthropology' Elective

2 Year 2

International Relations Compulsory
Key Debates in Anthropology Compulsory
Human Morality Elective
Hanging out on Street Corners: Creative, Public and applied Anthropology Elective
British Politics in crisis? Elective
Northern Ireland: Past, Present and Future Elective
Peace and Conflict Studies Elective
The Politics of the Planetary Crisis: power, people and place Elective
Anthropology of Media Elective
Identity Politics in Diverse Societies Elective
Apocalypse: Cultures, communities, and the end of the world Elective
Security and Terrorism Elective
Irish Politics Elective
The Politics of Deeply Divided Societies Elective
Modern Political Thought Elective
Studying Politics Elective
American Politics Elective
Politics and Policy of the European Union Elective
Democracy, Ethics & Economics Elective
Skills in the Field: Ethnographic methods Elective
International Organisations Elective

3 Year 3

Global Pol. Econ. of Energy Elective
Short Placement Elective
Security and Technology Elective
Asylum and Migration in Global Politics Elective
US Foreign Policy Elective
In Gods We Trust: The New Anthropology of Religion Elective
Anthropology Dissertation Elective
Music, Power and Conflict Elective
Anthropology and Roma Elective
Remembering the Future: Violent Pasts, Loss and the Politics of Hope Elective
Radical Hope:Inspiring Present-day Sustainability Transformations through an Examination of Our Past Elective
Politics, Public Administration and Policy-Making Elective
Challenges to contemporary party politics Elective
Middle Eastern Politics Elective
Dissertation (Politics and International Studies) Elective
Gender and Politics Elective
Contemporary Critical Theory Elective
Long Placement Elective
The Politics of Performance: From Negotiation to Display Elective
Earth, Energy, Ethics and Economy: The Politics of Unsustainability Elective
National and Ethnic Minorities in European Politics Elective
Political Parties and Elections in Northern Ireland Elective
Politics of the Global Economy Elective
European Cultural Identities Elective
Contemporary Political Philosophy Elective

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

16% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,564.00 USD 30,278.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,278.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,278.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 86,121.00 USD 90,834.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 785.00 - USD 1,416.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,833.00 - USD 7,249.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 4,833.00
Estimated Total USD 9,667.00 - USD 15,304.00

Living cost estimates are based on Belfast Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

89%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accounting & AuditingAdult & Continuing EducationAnimation & Visual EffectsCorporate & Commercial LawCorporate Training & DevelopmentCreative & ContentFinancial Technology (Fintech)Secondary & High School EducationVocational & Technical TrainingWealth Management & Financial Advisory

Top Employers Hiring for this course

A&O Shearman

Baker McKenzie

Citi

European commission

National History Museum

PwC

United Nations

Why Study Anthropology and International Relations BA at Queen's University Belfast

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Queen's University Belfast in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Anthropology and International Relations BA at Queen's University Belfast

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks for degree courses. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

English language proficiency is required, with specific scores for tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. For example, a Duolingo overall score of 120 is needed.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Cultural Anthropologist, International Relations Analyst, Foreign Services Officer, Policy Advisor, and Human Rights Advocate.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Joint Honours Programme in Anthropology and International Relations provides students with an in-depth, interdisciplinary understanding of contemporary cultures and politics, international affairs, societies, and conflict situations in their political, historical, social, cultural, economic and legal dimensions.

International Relations at

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the Anthropology and International Relations BA program is September. Make sure to apply in advance to secure your place.
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