International Relations and Development BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The BA in International Relations and Development at Sussex combines the study of global politics with development issues, perfect for students who want to understand the big challenges shaping our world. You'll explore topics like migration, human rights, climate change, and poverty, gaining the skills to make a real difference in international development and policy.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In your first year, you'll get a solid grounding in how the world works. You'll study modules like Introduction to International Relations and Rise of the Modern International Order, learning about key global events and theories. Courses such as Classical Thinkers and Current Events and Local & Global: IR in Practice help connect historical ideas to today’s issues, while Short Twentieth Century and Beyond gives context to the modern global landscape.

Year 2:
Year 2 lets you dive deeper into how politics and economics shape the world. You'll take modules like Contemporary International Theory and Introduction to International Political Economy, exploring how governments, markets, and societies interact. Subjects such as War in International Politics and Security and Insecurity give you the tools to critically analyze conflict, security, and global power dynamics.

Year 3:
In your final year, you’ll tackle advanced and specialized topics. Courses like Empires, Nations and Citizenship and Environment & Development in World Politics explore the links between identity, power, and global challenges. Modules such as Indigenous Peoples, Development and Religions in Global Politics broaden your perspective on cultural, ethical, and environmental dimensions of development.

Focus Areas: Global governance, sustainable development, international security, human rights, political economy

Learning Outcomes: Critical thinking, policy evaluation, intercultural communication, research skills, ethical reasoning

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Recognised by the University of Sussex, with strong connections to international organizations and NGOs

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies (QS 2025); 10th in the UK for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education 2025)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sussex, learning isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about getting hands-on experience that prepares you for a career in international relations and development. From internships to field trips, and collaborative projects to research opportunities, the program is designed to help you apply what you learn in real-world settings, build practical skills, and gain confidence navigating global challenges.

Students also have access to excellent facilities and resources to support their learning and research:

Internships and Work Experience: Opportunities to work with international organizations, NGOs, and other partners in the UK and abroad, helping you turn theory into practice.
Career Lab: Dedicated support for finding internships, work placements, and career development tools.
Collaborative Projects: Group work and simulations that build teamwork, problem-solving, and real-world project management skills.
Field Trips: Experiences that expose you to different cultures and global development challenges, giving context to classroom learning.
Research Opportunities: Access to Sussex’s research centres and institutes, where you can contribute to projects tackling current global issues.
Digital Tools and Resources: A variety of online platforms and software to support research, data analysis, and collaborative learning.

These experiences are all designed to make sure you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and skills to make an impact in international relations and development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Sussex’s BA in International Relations and Development leave with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to make an impact in global affairs. Many go on to exciting roles such as Policy Analyst, International Development Consultant, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, or Diplomatic Service Officer. The program equips you with the confidence and expertise to thrive in international organizations, NGOs, government, or research institutions:

Career Services: The Sussex Career Hub provides one-to-one guidance, workshops, and networking opportunities to help you land internships and jobs in international development and related fields.
Employment Stats: Sussex graduates enjoy a 92.9% employment rate, highlighting strong career outcomes in the UK and abroad.
University–Industry Partnerships: Work with organizations like Save the Children International and the UN Industrial Development Organisation through internships and collaborative projects.
Long-Term Value: A degree accredited by Sussex is globally recognized, giving your career a strong foundation.
Graduation Outcomes: Around 80% of International Development graduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduating.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing your BA, you can continue to expand your expertise and career options:

Master’s Degrees: Consider postgraduate studies in International Development, International Relations, or related fields to specialize further and enhance career prospects.
Research Opportunities: MPhil or PhD programs allow you to engage in academic research and contribute to policy-making in global development.
Professional Development Courses: Short courses and certifications in project management, humanitarian aid, or international law can add valuable skills and credentials.

These paths let you shape a career that fits your interests and ambitions, whether in policy, research, or international development practice.