BA International Relations with integrated foundation year

At Aberystwyth, you’ll do much more than study international relations—you’ll experience it. From crisis simulations and research projects to placements in parliaments and study abroad opportunities, this course is built to help you live global politics while you learn about it. You’ll gain hands-on experience that builds confidence, strengthens teamwork and negotiation skills, and prepares you for a career on the international stage.

Here’s how you’ll put your learning into practice:

• Crisis Simulation Exercises: Take part in immersive role-play simulations such as the Crisis Games, where you’ll act as diplomats, journalists, or policy advisors responding to real-world international crises. It’s an exciting way to develop leadership, communication, and strategic decision-making skills.

• Parliamentary Placement Scheme: Gain first-hand experience of political life through a 3–4 week internship with a Member of Parliament in Westminster or a Member of the Senedd in Cardiff. You’ll help draft speeches, write press briefings, and observe how real policy decisions are made.

• Study Abroad Opportunities: Spend a semester studying at one of Aberystwyth’s partner universities in regions like North America, Europe, or the Asia-Pacific. This global experience helps you understand international relations from multiple perspectives.

• Student-Led Projects and Events: Join the Interpol Society or contribute to the student journal Interstate. You’ll collaborate with classmates to organise debates, publish articles, and discuss global challenges in an academic yet creative setting.

• Specialist Research Centres: Learn from and engage with active researchers through Aberystwyth’s world-leading institutes, such as:

  • David Davies Memorial Institute (DDMI) – focusing on ethics and global order.

  • Centre for Intelligence and International Security Studies (CIISS) – exploring modern security and intelligence.

  • Centre for the International Politics of Knowledge and Planetary Challenges and Politics Centre (PCPC) – tackling 21st-century issues from climate change to technology.

• World-Class Library and Digital Resources: You’ll have access to the Hugh Owen Library, one of Wales’s most extensive academic collections, plus online databases and archives to support your essays, research, and dissertation work.

These opportunities make Aberystwyth a truly interactive place to study international relations—where theory meets practice and every experience helps shape your global perspective.

A degree in International Relations from Aberystwyth opens doors to exciting global careers. Graduates are valued for their analytical thinking, problem-solving, and deep understanding of world affairs. Whether you see yourself shaping policy, managing international projects, or working in diplomacy, this course prepares you to step confidently into roles such as policy analyst, diplomatic service officer, NGO or charity project manager, or communications specialist.

Here’s how Aberystwyth helps you turn your passion for global issues into a professional pathway:

• Career Support and Development: The University’s award-winning Careers Service runs tailored workshops, one-to-one career coaching, and networking events with employers. Through the AberForward work placement scheme and the ABERskills programme, you’ll gain practical experience and key transferable skills for your CV.

• Graduate Success: Around 85% of graduates from Politics and International Relations programmes are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, with average earnings of around £26,000 five years after graduation (DiscoverUni, 2024).

• Industry and Government Links: You’ll have the chance to take part in the Parliamentary Placement Scheme, working directly with Members of Parliament or the Senedd in Cardiff. Many students also build professional connections through the Interpol Society, student-run journal Interstate, and regular departmental events and crisis simulations.

• Global Reputation and Prestige: Aberystwyth’s Department of International Politics is the oldest in the world, established in 1919. Employers recognise the department’s historic excellence and its alumni network that spans international organisations, governments, and think tanks.

• Graduate Destinations: Alumni have gone on to careers in diplomacy, journalism, the civil service, and non-profit leadership — with roles such as Consular Attaché, Press Officer, and Director of External Relations.

Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates choose to continue their academic journey. You could progress to a Master’s degree in International Relations, Security Studies, Global Development, or Diplomacy at Aberystwyth or another leading university. Others go on to complete PhD research or professional postgraduate qualifications in public policy, human rights, or conflict resolution — perfect for those aiming to become researchers, diplomats, or policy advisors at international level.