BA International Relations with Year Abroad

Students pursuing the BA International Relations with Year Abroad at the University of Birmingham gain invaluable practical skills through a combination of research projects, real-world diplomatic simulations, and immersive international experience during their year abroad. The program leverages excellent university resources including the Cadbury Research Library, advanced digital research tools, and personalized guidance from expert faculty to support students as they develop critical thinking and professional competencies.

Specifically, the program offers:

• Engaging participation in Model NATO events held in major global cities such as Washington DC, London, and Lisbon, providing hands-on diplomacy and negotiation experience.

• Opportunities to undertake independent research projects culminating in a dissertation, fostering deep analytical and writing skills under expert supervision.

• Access to the University’s Careers Network offering internships, mentoring, and employability workshops tailored to politics and international relations students, including the popular B-Experienced Internship Programme.

• A transformative year abroad at partnered international institutions, enhancing intercultural understanding, language skills, and global awareness through academic and practical exposure.

• Use of state-of-the-art facilities including the Cadbury Research Library with extensive political science collections and digital databases to support research and learning.

• Collaboration with student societies such as the Guild UN Modelling Society, providing additional experiential learning through event organization and leadership roles.

This mix of academic rigor, practical engagement, and global immersion ensures graduates are well-prepared to excel in international careers and make meaningful impacts on global affairs.

Graduates from the BA International Relations with Year Abroad at the University of Birmingham are highly sought after for their deep understanding of global politics, diplomacy, and intercultural experience gained during their year abroad. Typical career roles include Diplomatic Officer, Policy Advisor, International Development Specialist, and Research Analyst, all supported by the program’s focus on critical thinking and real-world application.

Moreover, the university supports employability through:

• A comprehensive Careers Network providing personalized coaching, internships via the B-Experienced Internship Programme, mentoring, and employability workshops tailored specifically for politics and international relations students.

• Graduate outcomes show that around 55-60% of graduates secure jobs where their degree is essential or beneficial within 15 months of graduation, with average starting salaries approximately £28,000, increasing significantly as graduates progress in their careers.

• Strong university-industry partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, international organisations, and private sector firms offer valuable networking and placement opportunities.

• The program holds full accreditation through the University of Birmingham, aligned with UK academic standards in political science and international relations, assuring lasting professional value.

• Graduates regularly achieve strong degree classifications and successfully transition into skilled employment or further academic study.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue advanced postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham, such as the MA in International Relations, enhancing expertise in diplomacy, security, and global governance. Additionally, there are pathways to professional qualifications and research careers within the university’s globally respected departments, supporting lifelong learning and specialized career advancement.