BA (Hons) International Relations

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Regents University London

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) International Relations at Regent's University London equips students with the knowledge and analytical skills to understand global politics, diplomacy, conflict, security, and international governance in an increasingly interconnected world. Combining political theory with real-world case studies and an international perspective, the programme prepares graduates to address global challenges and pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations, public policy, NGOs, journalism, and global business.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students establish a strong foundation in international relations through modules including History of the Present, Global Politics: Contest for Supremacy, and Learning Perspectives. They examine the evolution of the modern international system, major political theories such as realism, liberalism and constructivism, and contemporary issues including war, diplomacy, justice, and sustainability while developing critical thinking and academic research skills.

Year 2

The second year develops deeper knowledge of global politics through specialist modules focusing on Security Studies, International Political Economy, and Foreign Policy Analysis, alongside interdisciplinary electives. Students analyse international institutions, global governance, economic development, human rights, climate policy, and regional conflicts while enhancing their research capabilities through an Industry Challenge, optional Placement, or Study Abroad opportunity at one of Regent's international partner universities.

Year 3

In the final year, students undertake advanced study through specialist modules exploring Contemporary Global Challenges, International Diplomacy, and the independent Major Project. They critically evaluate emerging geopolitical issues, global security, international cooperation, migration, technology, and environmental governance while completing an original research project that reflects their academic interests and professional aspirations.

Focus Areas (String)

International relations, Global politics, Diplomacy, International security, Foreign policy, International organisations, Global governance, International political economy, Human rights, Conflict resolution, Geopolitics, International law, Sustainability, Global development

Learning Outcomes (String)

Analyse international political systems, Evaluate global security challenges, Apply international relations theories, Assess foreign policy decisions, Conduct independent political research, Develop diplomatic and negotiation skills, Understand global governance and international institutions, Communicate complex political arguments effectively, Solve contemporary global challenges, Prepare for careers in international affairs and public policy

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme combines academic study with practical engagement through policy debates, case studies, industry projects, guest speakers, optional placements, and study abroad opportunities. Students develop professional skills in policy analysis, diplomacy, negotiation, research, and cross-cultural communication while engaging with contemporary global issues and international organisations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Located in central London, Regent's provides students with direct access to embassies, think tanks, international organisations, government institutions, NGOs, and policy events. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalised teaching, opportunities to study abroad at 60+ partner universities in over 20 countries, and membership of Regent's global alumni network spanning 34,000+ graduates across 170+ countries, creating valuable international professional connections.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA (Hons) International Relations combines academic study with practical, real-world experiences, enabling students to understand global politics beyond the classroom. Throughout the programme, students analyse international case studies, participate in policy debates, work on live projects, and engage with diplomats, policymakers, academics, and international organisations. Located in central London, Regent's provides direct access to embassies, think tanks, NGOs, government institutions, and global policy events, giving students valuable professional exposure throughout their studies.

Develop practical analytical and research skills through policy debates, case studies, simulations, presentations, negotiations, and collaborative projects focused on contemporary international issues such as diplomacy, conflict, security, human rights, migration, and global governance.
Complete the Industry Challenge module, working on live consultancy-style projects where teams analyse real international policy or organisational challenges and present evidence-based recommendations to external partners.
Participate in the Enterprise Challenge, developing innovative solutions to global political, social, or economic issues while strengthening leadership, strategic thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills.
Undertake an optional professional placement, gaining practical experience with government departments, embassies, international organisations, NGOs, charities, research institutes, think tanks, consultancies, or multinational organisations.
Choose an optional Study Abroad opportunity at one of Regent's 60+ partner universities across more than 20 countries, gaining international perspectives on diplomacy, politics, and global affairs while building intercultural competence.
Explore real-world issues through specialist modules covering Global Politics, Security Studies, International Political Economy, Foreign Policy Analysis, and Contemporary Global Challenges, applying theory to current international events and policy debates.
Complete an independent Major Project, conducting original research into a significant international relations issue under academic supervision while developing advanced research, policy analysis, and critical evaluation skills.
Learn from guest speakers, including diplomats, political analysts, policymakers, journalists, academics, and international affairs professionals through lectures, workshops, panel discussions, and networking events.
Participate in field visits to embassies, international organisations, museums, policy institutes, and political institutions across London, using the city as a living classroom for international relations and diplomacy.
Work on collaborative group research projects, policy reports, presentations, negotiations, and international simulations, strengthening leadership, communication, teamwork, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
Personalise your studies through cross-disciplinary elective modules and the opportunity to study a foreign language, enhancing your global communication skills and international employability.
Access the Regent's University Library, offering specialist books, international relations journals, policy databases, government publications, and digital research resources supporting independent study and dissertation research.
Study in modern technology-enabled classrooms, seminar rooms, and collaborative learning spaces designed to support debates, workshops, simulations, presentations, and project-based learning.
Receive personalised support from Careers, Enterprise and Industry Services, including career coaching, CV and LinkedIn reviews, internship guidance, employer networking, enterprise mentoring, and access to the Handshake careers platform for placements, graduate roles, and international career opportunities.
Benefit from Regent's central London location by engaging with embassies, international NGOs, policy institutes, multinational organisations, government agencies, and global conferences, providing valuable networking opportunities throughout the programme.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) International Relations develop advanced analytical, diplomatic, and research skills that prepare them for careers in international organisations, government, diplomacy, public policy, NGOs, journalism, and global business. Through policy analysis, international simulations, industry projects, and exposure to global affairs, the programme prepares students for roles such as Policy Analyst, Diplomat, International Development Officer, and Political Risk Consultant, while also providing a strong foundation for careers in international advocacy, security, and research.

Dedicated Careers, Enterprise and Industry Services: Students receive personalised career coaching, CV and LinkedIn reviews, interview preparation, employer networking, placement support, enterprise mentoring, and access to the Handshake careers platform. Throughout the degree, students complete Exploring Industry and Entrepreneurship, choose between an Industry Challenge, Enterprise Challenge, or Work Placement, and integrate this professional experience into their final-year Major Project.
Employment outcomes: While Regent's does not publish programme-specific salary figures, graduates are prepared for careers in diplomacy, foreign affairs, public policy, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, political consultancy, intelligence analysis, journalism, international business, human rights, and global development.
University–industry partnerships: Students engage with diplomats, policymakers, academics, and international affairs professionals through guest lectures, policy discussions, networking events, and industry projects. The programme also offers optional work placements, study abroad opportunities at 60+ partner universities in over 20 countries, and field visits to political institutions, with opportunities for study trips to Brussels, Strasbourg, or The Hague.
Long-term professional value: Graduates leave with expertise in international diplomacy, conflict resolution, negotiation, foreign policy analysis, global governance, international political economy, security studies, policy research, and cross-cultural communication. They also develop advanced research, presentation, and critical thinking skills that are highly valued across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates pursue careers as Diplomats, Policy Analysts, Political Risk Consultants, International Development Officers, Intelligence Analysts, NGO Programme Officers, Human Rights Advisors, Government Researchers, Public Affairs Consultants, and International Communications Specialists. They also become part of Regent's global alumni network of 34,000+ graduates across 170+ countries, creating valuable international professional connections.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this programme, graduates can progress to postgraduate study in International Relations, International Security, Diplomacy, Public Policy, International Development, Human Rights, Global Governance, Political Science, International Law, or Peace and Conflict Studies. The research expertise, policy analysis skills, international experience, and professional network developed throughout the programme also provide a strong foundation for doctoral research, civil service careers, diplomatic training programmes, or leadership roles within international organisations.