Aberystwyth University United Kingdom

BA International Relations with with Integrated foundation year

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

Course Overview

The BA International Relations with Integrated Foundation Year at Aberystwyth University is your gateway to understanding the complex forces shaping global politics and addressing critical international challenges. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you aspire to analyse world events, from the rise of new global powers to the intricate nature of interconnected problems, but need a foundational year to build your academic skills. You will explore core concepts in international politics, develop essential analytical abilities, and gain a deep appreciation for how historical transformations influence contemporary global dynamics.

This full-time, on-campus programme spans four years, beginning with a dedicated foundation year designed to equip you with the necessary academic grounding. You will then progress to study key areas such as international security, global development, and political theory, with opportunities to specialise through a wide range of optional modules like 'Climate Change Politics' or 'Science, Technology, and International Relations'. You will develop your research capabilities, culminating in a significant dissertation in your final year, preparing you for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, policy analysis, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This integrated foundation year program in International Relations provides a comprehensive introduction to the field, covering essential academic skills and core concepts. Students will explore global issues, social science perspectives, and the complexities of international politics. The curriculum progresses through foundational modules, core international relations topics, and a wide array of specialized elective courses, culminating in a dissertation.

1 Year 1 Modules

How to be a Student 1 Compulsory
How to be a Student 2 Compulsory
Information in a Post-Truth World Compulsory
Introduction to Social Science Compulsory
The ‘Othered' Migrant: Social Science Perspectives Compulsory
Representing the Other: Cultures and Clashes Elective
Understanding Change - Environment, People, Places Elective

2 Year 2 Modules

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

3 Year 3 Modules

International Relations: Perspectives and Debates Compulsory
A War on the Mind: Propaganda and Secret Intelligence from the Great War to the 21st Century Elective
Britain and Ireland in War and Peace since 1800 Elective
Britain and World Politics from Global Empire to Brexit: The Diplomacy of Decline Elective
Capitalism and International Politics Elective
China From the Opium War to the Present Elective
Climate Change Politics Elective
Climate Change and International Politics in the Anthropocene Elective
Contemporary Latin America Elective
Devolution and Wales Elective
Economic Diplomacy and Leadership Elective
European Security in 21st Century Elective
Gender, Conflict and Security Elective
Global Politics and the Refugee Regime Elective
International Politics and Global Development Elective
International Politics and the Nuclear Age Elective
Intervention and Humanitarianism Elective
Knowing about Violent Conflict in International Politics Elective
Middle Powers in the Global Political Economy Elective
Militaries and Crisis: Where Strategy Meets Society Elective
Nationalism in Theory and Practice Elective
People and Power: Understanding Comparative Politics Today Elective
Political Theory Elective
Politics in Diverse Societies Elective
Questions of International Politics Elective
Race in Global Politics Elective
Refugee Simulation Elective
Russian Security in the 21st Century Elective
Russian Intelligence from Lenin to Putin Elective
Science, Technology, and International Relations Elective
Strategy, Intelligence, and Security in International Politics Elective
Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War Elective
The Arab-Israeli Wars Elective
The BRICS in World Politics Elective
The British Army's Image in Battle, from the Crimean to the Present Elective
The European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems Elective
The Governance of Climate Change: Simulation Module Elective
The Long Shadow of the Second World War Elective
The Past and Present of US Intelligence Elective
The Politics and Paradoxes of International Organisations Elective
The Second World War in Europe Elective
Total War, Total Peace Elective
Trade Wars and the Liberal Order Elective
UK Politics Today: A Union Under Strain? Elective
War Crimes Elective
Warfare after Waterloo: Military History 1815-1918 Elective
Women and Global Development Elective

4 Year 4 Modules

Dissertation Compulsory
A War on the Mind: Propaganda and Secret Intelligence from the Great War to the 21st Century Elective
Britain and Ireland in War and Peace since 1800 Elective
Britain and World Politics from Global Empire to Brexit: The Diplomacy of Decline Elective
Capitalism and International Politics Elective
China From the Opium War to the Present Elective
Climate Change Politics Elective
Climate Change and International Politics in the Anthropocene Elective
Contemporary Latin America Elective
Devolution and Wales Elective
Economic Diplomacy and Leadership Elective
European Security in the 21st Century Elective
Gender, Conflict and Security Elective
Global Politics and the Refugee Regime Elective
International Politics and the Nuclear Age Elective
Intervention and Humanitarianism Elective
Knowing about Violent Conflict in International Politics Elective
Middle Powers in the Global Political Economy Elective
Militaries and Crisis: Where Strategy Meets Society Elective
Nationalism in Theory and Practice Elective
Political Theory Elective
Politics in Diverse Societies Elective
Questions of International Politics Elective
Race in Global Politics Elective
Refugee Simulation Elective
Russian Security in the 21st Century Elective
Russian Intelligence from Lenin to Putin Elective
Science, Technology, and International Relations Elective
Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War Elective
The Arab-Israeli Wars Elective
The BRICS in World Politics Elective
The British Army's Image in Battle, from the Crimean to the Present Elective
The European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems Elective
The Long Shadow of the Second World War Elective
The Past and Present of US Intelligence Elective
The Politics and Paradoxes of International Organisations Elective
The Second World War in Europe Elective
Total War, Total Peace Elective
Trade Wars and the Liberal Order Elective
UK Politics Today: A Union Under Strain? Elective
War Crimes Elective
Women and Global Development Elective

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

Architecture & Urban PlanningBanking & Financial ServicesBrokerage & Trading & SecuritiesFinancial Technology (Fintech)Industrial & Offshore ConstructionInsurance & Risk ManagementPrivate Equity & Venture CapitalProject & Construction ManagementTax & Legal ComplianceWealth Management & Financial Advisory

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Department for Business and Trade

European commission

Why Study BA International Relations with with Integrated foundation year 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 with Integrated foundation year at Aberystwyth University

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?

To enroll, you must meet specific English test requirements: TOEFL overall score of 93, IELTS overall score of 6.5, or PTE score of 59, covering listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as foreign service officers, international development consultants, policy analysts, and political scientists.

What will I actually study in this course?

This degree explores key concepts and practices in international politics and addresses global challenges facing today's world. Students will engage with transformative factors shaping international relations in the twenty-first century.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the BA International Relations with Integrated Foundation Year is September each year.
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