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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Aberystwyth University
The BA International Relations with a year abroad is perfect for curious minds who want to understand how the world really works. Over four years, you’ll explore global politics, international issues, and gain first-hand experience studying in a different country, building both your knowledge and your confidence.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundations of International Relations
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in the basics of global politics. Modules like Introduction to International Relations and Political Systems help you understand how countries interact, while building essential skills like critical thinking and analysis that will carry you through the degree.
Year 2: Deepening Understanding
The second year goes deeper, tackling complex global issues. With modules such as International Security and Global Political Economy, you’ll learn to think critically about world events, explore how economic and political systems interconnect, and prepare for more specialized study in your later years.
Year 3: Study Abroad Experience
This is your chance to broaden your horizons! You’ll spend the year at one of Aberystwyth’s partner universities abroad, experiencing new academic perspectives and immersing yourself in a different culture. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a global setting while gaining independence and intercultural skills.
Year 4: Advanced Topics and Dissertation
In your final year, you’ll tackle advanced topics like International Law and Global Governance. You’ll also complete a dissertation, where you can research a topic you’re passionate about, showing off your analytical skills and becoming an expert in your chosen area.
Focus Areas
International Security, Global Political Economy, International Law, Global Governance, Regional Studies
Learning Outcomes
Critical analysis, research skills, cross-cultural communication, policy evaluation, independent thinking
Professional Alignment
This program sets you up for real-world careers in diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, and government roles, equipping you with the knowledge and experience employers value.
Reputation
Aberystwyth’s Department of International Politics is world-famous — the first of its kind, established in 1919. With a strong research reputation and high student satisfaction, it’s a fantastic place to study politics and international relations in the UK.
At Aberystwyth, learning isn’t just about lectures and reading — it’s about experiencing international relations first-hand. Students gain practical skills by engaging in interactive seminars, collaborative projects, and real-world research opportunities, all while having access to excellent facilities and expert guidance. Whether you’re exploring global security issues or analyzing international policies, the program ensures you develop the tools you need to succeed in the real world.
Some of the hands-on experiences and facilities you’ll benefit from include:
Centre for Intelligence and International Security Studies (CIISS): Specialized resources and expert support for research in intelligence and global security.
Interactive seminar rooms: Modern teaching technologies foster discussions, debates, and group projects.
Study abroad opportunities: Spend a year at a partner university, gaining international experience and cultural insights.
Aberystwyth University Library: Extensive political science and international relations collections, with access to journals, databases, and research support.
Workshops and guest lectures: Regular sessions with diplomats, policy experts, and visiting scholars.
Research guidance: Support for independent projects, including dissertations and policy analyses.
These experiences help you develop critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and professional skills that are highly valued by employers worldwide.
Graduating from Aberystwyth’s BA International Relations opens doors to exciting and meaningful careers around the world. With a solid mix of academic learning, practical experience, and international exposure, students leave ready to make an impact in global politics, policy, and security. Typical roles graduates pursue include:
Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer
Policy Analyst or Researcher
International Development Specialist
Intelligence Analyst or Security Consultant
Aberystwyth makes sure you’re fully supported in taking the next step in your career:
Career Services: Personalized advice, CV workshops, and interview preparation to help you land the job you want.
Year in Employment Scheme (YES): Gain hands-on work experience between your second and third years to strengthen your employability.
Global Opportunities: Studying abroad and international placements broaden your perspective and boost cross-cultural skills.
Collaborative Research Projects: Work with industry partners and research institutes to get real-world insights and networking experience.
Graduates also benefit from impressive outcomes:
Employment Rate: Around 85% of graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after finishing.
Average Salary: Graduates earn approximately £26,000 per year.
Graduate Satisfaction: 100% overall satisfaction, with excellent feedback on teaching quality.
Further Academic Progression:
Once you finish your degree, the possibilities for further study are wide open:
Master’s Programs: Specialize further with postgraduate degrees in International Relations, Political Science, Security Studies, and related fields.
PhD Opportunities: Conduct original research and contribute to knowledge in international relations.
Professional Development: Short courses or certifications in diplomacy, international law, or conflict resolution can refine your expertise and open doors to specialized careers.
Aberystwyth University equips you not just with a degree, but with the skills, experiences, and connections to thrive in both professional and academic paths around the globe.
A-level - CCC-BBB Equivalent to 96 - 120 UCAS Tariff Points.GCSE (minimum grade C/4): English or WelshIELTS - 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component TOEFL iBT - 93 with minimum component scores: Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17 India – Standard XII: 75% in Year XII from a recognized central or state board.India – English Requirement: 70–80% in Class XII English (Standard) from a recognized board (CBSE, CISCE, excluding Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh), obtained within 7.5 years of the course start date.USA – Minimum GPA 3.0–3.2 plus either 2 AP tests (score 3+), 2 Honors classes (B grades), or 2 College-level classes (B grades).DiplomatForeign Service OfficerPolicy AnalystInternational Development SpecialistHuman Rights AdvocateNGO CoordinatorIntelligence AnalystPolitical Risk ConsultantInternational Law AdvisorResearcher in Think TanksGlobal Security ConsultantPublic Affairs OfficerInternational Organization OfficerGovernment AdvisorMedia and Communications Specialist in International Affairs
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