International Relations (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

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

If you are passionate about international relations but do not yet meet the entry requirements for a three-year undergraduate degree, London Metropolitan University's four-year International Relations (including foundation year) BA (Hons) is the ideal pathway for you. This programme is designed to equip you with essential academic skills and introduce you to a broad spectrum of current affairs and social sciences topics, preparing you for advanced undergraduate study. Upon successful completion of your foundation year, you will seamlessly transition into the full BA (Hons) International Relations degree, covering the same comprehensive curriculum and offering the same module choices as students on the traditional three-year course.

This undergraduate degree is studied full-time on campus over four years, beginning with a foundational year that shares common modules with students from other disciplines, fostering a diverse academic community. You will develop critical thinking, essay writing, and research abilities within the context of social sciences, exploring topics like media, crime, race, society, and identity, all of which significantly influence international politics. Following your foundation year, you will delve into specialised modules in international relations, political economy, and global security, with increasing flexibility to choose areas of interest in your final years, culminating in a potential placement or dissertation project.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) degree in International Relations offers a comprehensive exploration of global politics, from foundational concepts to advanced theories and contemporary issues. You will examine historical conflicts, international political economy, and diverse regional perspectives, while developing critical thinking and analytical skills. The program includes opportunities to study foreign policy, diplomacy, security studies, and the politics of specific regions, alongside language acquisition and a significant research project or placement.

1 Year 1 modules

After Empire: Regions and Powers in World Politics
Conflict and Diplomacy Since 1945
Global Wealth and Inequality: An Introduction to International Political Economy
Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or English)
Perspectives from the Global South
Political Science Concepts and Institutions
Understanding the International System
Violence, Peace and Progress: Issues in World Politics
What is Politics For? Political Aims and Ideas

2 Year 2 modules

Paradigms and Politics: Research Methods and Models
Theories of International Relations: Discipline and Diversity
Foreign Policy Analysis
Global Encounters: Engaging Critical Issues Affecting Global Communities at Home and Abroad
Immigrants and Nativists
Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or English)
Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or English)
Modern Diplomacy: Communication, Representation, Negotiation
Peace and Conflict: Practice and Approaches
Peace and Conflict: Theories and Issues
Politics of the Middle East
Strategy in the Contemporary World
Sustainability and Environmental Justice
The New Diplomacy
The Politics of the European Union

3 Year 3 modules

International Security Studies: Issues and Challenges
International Security Studies: Theories and Challenges
Placement 1 Year
Project 1 Semester
Project 1 Year
Action and Identity: Gender and Political Participation
African Politics
Conflict Resolution: Building Sustainable Peace
Conflict Resolution: Concepts and Strategies
Global Populism and the Crisis of Democracy
Human Rights and Global Justice
Identity, Information and Warfare in an Age of Cyberconflict
Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or English)
Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or English)
Latin American Politics
Public Diplomacy and Global Influence
South Asia in the Global Context: Borders, Mobility and Transformations
Strategic Communications and Global Media

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

15% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,300.00 USD 26,358.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,358.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,358.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,358.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 101,375.00 USD 105,432.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,115.00 - USD 1,588.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 5,034.00
Estimated Total USD 8,056.00 - USD 11,278.00

Living cost estimates are based on Holloway campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

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

Common Graduate Roles

Aerospace ManufacturingAlternative Aviation Fuel & SustainabilityClinical & Medical ServicesCurriculum & Instructional DesignHealthcare ConsultingHigher Education & UniversitiesHome Health & Long‑Term CareNursing & Allied HealthSecondary & High School EducationVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Kings College London

United Nations

Why Study International Relations (including foundation year) - BA (Hons) at London Metropolitan University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Fast Application response time

London Metropolitan University typically responds to applications within a week, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at London Metropolitan 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 International Relations (including foundation year) - BA (Hons) at London Metropolitan University

Can I work while studying?

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

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you must meet English proficiency requirements. Acceptable scores include TOEFL: overall 72, IELTS: overall 6.0, or PTE: overall 59.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers in diplomacy, politics, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

What will I actually study in this course?

This four-year International Relations course provides foundational academic skills and covers diverse topics like social sciences and current affairs. After the foundation year, you'll study alongside traditional undergraduate students and receive the same degree.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The course has an intake in September. Be sure to check application deadlines well in advance to secure your spot.
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