Aberystwyth University United Kingdom

BA International Relations (with integrated year studying abroad)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA International Relations (with integrated year studying abroad) from Aberystwyth University is your gateway to understanding the complex global forces that shape our world. This degree is ideal for students keen to explore the dynamics of war, peace, global development, and international politics, engaging with critical debates from historical perspectives to contemporary challenges like climate change and terrorism. You will gain a deep understanding of international relations, informed by the legacy of the world's first international politics department, founded in 1919 to foster global peace.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over four years, including a dedicated year abroad at one of our international partner universities. Your learning journey will involve exploring core concepts, engaging with diverse optional modules such as 'Capitalism and International Politics' or 'Science, Technology, and International Relations', and culminating in a significant dissertation in your final year. You will graduate with enhanced negotiation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, prepared for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, policy analysis, or further postgraduate study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA in International Relations program offers a comprehensive exploration of global politics, security, and development. Students will examine core concepts, historical contexts, and contemporary debates in international affairs, including topics such as globalization, political theory, and intelligence studies. The curriculum is designed to build analytical skills and provide a deep understanding of the forces shaping the modern world, culminating in a dissertation and an integrated year studying abroad.

1 YEAR 1

Behind the Headlines
Exploring the International 1: Central Concepts and Core Skills
Globalization and Global Development
Politics in the 21st Century
The Making of the Modern World: War, Peace and Revolution since 1789
War, Strategy and Intelligence

2 YEAR 2

International Relations: Perspectives and Debates
A War on the Mind: Propaganda and Secret Intelligence from the Great War to the 21st Century
Capitalism and International Politics
Climate Change Politics
Climate Change and International Politics in the Anthropocene
Contemporary Latin America
Devolution and Wales
International Politics and Global Development
Intervention and Humanitarianism
Militaries and Crisis: Where Strategy Meets Society
People and Power: Understanding Comparative Politics Today
Political Theory
Politics in Diverse Societies
Questions of International Politics
Russian Intelligence from Lenin to Putin
Science, Technology, and International Relations
Strategy, Intelligence and Security in International Politics
Terrorism & Counter Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War
The BRICS in World Politics
The European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems
The Governance of Climate Change: Simulation Module
The Second World War in Europe
Total War, Total Peace
Trade Wars and the Liberal Order
War Crimes
Warfare after Waterloo: Military History 1815-1918

3 YEAR 4

Dissertation
A War on the Mind: Propaganda and Secret Intelligence from the Great War to the 21st Century
Capitalism and International Politics
Climate Change Politics
Contemporary Latin America
Devolution and Wales
Intervention and Humanitarianism
Militaries and Crisis: Where Strategy Meets Society
Political Theory
Politics in Diverse Societies
Questions of International Politics
Russian Intelligence from Lenin to Putin
Science, Technology, and International Relations
Terrorism & Counter Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War
The BRICS in World Politics
The European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems
The Second World War in Europe
Total War, Total Peace
Trade Wars and the Liberal Order
War Crimes

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

10% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,256.00 USD 25,939.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 101,073.00 USD 103,756.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 689.00 - USD 1,322.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Penglais campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Banking & Financial ServicesCivil & Infrastructure EngineeringCommercial & Industrial ConstructionCorporate Finance & TreasuryElectrical & Mechanical InstallationEnvironmental & Sustainable ConstructionFinancial Technology (Fintech)Insurance & Risk ManagementReal Estate DevelopmentWealth Management & Financial Advisory

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Department for Business and Trade

European commission

Why Study BA International Relations (with integrated year studying abroad) at Aberystwyth University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Aberystwyth University 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 BA International Relations (with integrated year studying abroad) at Aberystwyth University

Can I work while studying?

As an international student in a degree course, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks without needing a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you can take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE tests with specific scores required in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Ensure you achieve the minimum overall score and individual components to qualify.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue roles such as Diplomat, Policy Analyst, International Relations Consultant, or roles within governmental agencies.

What will I actually study in this course?

Studying International Relations at Aberystwyth allows you to develop critical skills through the 'International Crisis Game' and gain practical experience via the Parliamentary Placement Scheme. You’ll also benefit from a year studying abroad at one of our partner universities in regions like Europe and North America.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the BA International Relations program is September. You'll start your academic journey then and embark on an enriching educational experience.
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