BA Hons International Relations with Foundation

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Regents University London

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) International Relations with Foundation at Regent's University London is designed for students who want to build strong academic and critical thinking skills before specialising in international relations. The integrated Foundation Year develops research, communication, analytical, and interdisciplinary skills, while the degree explores global politics, diplomacy, security, international law, human rights, and global governance, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, government, international organisations, NGOs, journalism, and global business.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year

The Foundation Year prepares students for university-level study through modules including Liberal Arts and Media Part I, Critical Thinking, Writing for Success at University, Communications, Cultural Industries, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, and Making Use of Data. Students strengthen their academic writing, research, presentation, analytical reasoning, and interdisciplinary thinking while developing a broad understanding of contemporary global and cultural issues.

Year 1

Students build a strong foundation in international relations through modules including History of the Present, Global Politics: Contest for Supremacy, Critical Thinking in International Relations, and International Law and Social Justice. They examine the origins of the modern international system, major theories of international relations, diplomacy, conflict, global justice, and sustainability while developing research and policy analysis skills.

Year 2

The second year develops specialist knowledge through modules including Security in an Uncertain World, Economics and Development, and Globalisation and the City. Students investigate international security, global political economy, development, environmental challenges, migration, and urban globalisation while enhancing their practical experience through an Industry Challenge, optional Placement, or Study Abroad opportunity.

Year 3

In the final year, students deepen their expertise through advanced modules exploring foreign policy, international diplomacy, contemporary global challenges, and the independent Major Project. They conduct original research into issues such as conflict, international cooperation, human rights, climate governance, technology, and geopolitical change while producing a substantial research project aligned with their academic and professional interests.

Focus Areas (String)

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

Learning Outcomes (String)

Analyse international political systems, Evaluate global security challenges, Apply international relations theories, Assess foreign policy decisions, Conduct independent policy 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 work placements, and study abroad opportunities. Students develop professional skills in policy analysis, diplomacy, negotiation, research, leadership, and cross-cultural communication while engaging with contemporary international issues and global institutions.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

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

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA (Hons) International Relations with Foundation combines academic preparation with practical engagement in global politics, diplomacy, and international affairs. During the Foundation Year, students strengthen their research, communication, and critical thinking skills before progressing to specialist international relations modules that connect political theory with contemporary global challenges. Studying in central London provides direct access to embassies, international organisations, think tanks, museums, and government institutions, allowing students to experience international relations beyond the classroom.

Foundation Year develops academic and professional skills through modules including Critical Thinking, Writing for Success at University, Communications, Cultural Industries, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, and Making Use of Data, preparing students for degree-level study through research, presentations, academic writing, and collaborative projects.
Complete the Industry Challenge module, working on live consultancy-style projects where teams analyse real international policy, diplomatic, or organisational challenges and present evidence-based recommendations.
Participate in the Enterprise Challenge, developing innovative solutions to global political, social, and economic issues while strengthening leadership, teamwork, strategic thinking, and presentation skills.
Undertake an optional professional placement, gaining practical experience with government departments, embassies, international organisations, NGOs, charities, think tanks, research institutes, consultancies, or multinational organisations.
Choose an optional Study Abroad opportunity at one of Regent's 60+ partner universities across more than 20 countries, gaining first-hand international perspectives on diplomacy, global politics, and international cooperation.
Explore contemporary issues through modules covering Global Politics, International Law and Social Justice, Security in an Uncertain World, Economics and Development, and Globalisation and the City, applying theory to current international events and policy debates.
Use London as a living classroom through visits to museums, urban spaces, galleries, and cultural institutions, examining how globalisation, inequality, sustainability, migration, and urban development influence international relations.
Complete an independent Major Project, conducting original research on a significant international relations issue while developing advanced research, policy analysis, and critical evaluation skills.
Learn from guest speakers, including diplomats, policymakers, political analysts, journalists, academics, and international affairs professionals through lectures, workshops, panel discussions, and networking events.
Participate in collaborative policy debates, negotiations, simulations, group research projects, presentations, and policy briefings, 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 to support coursework and independent research.
Study in modern technology-enabled classrooms, seminar rooms, and collaborative learning spaces designed for 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.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) International Relations with Foundation develop strong analytical, diplomatic, and research skills that prepare them for careers in international organisations, government, diplomacy, public policy, NGOs, journalism, and multinational organisations. The Foundation Year builds academic confidence and critical thinking before students progress to specialist international relations study, preparing them for roles such as Policy Analyst, Diplomat, International Development Officer, and Political Risk Consultant.

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, and 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, critical thinking, and problem-solving 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, diplomatic training programmes, civil service careers, or leadership roles within international organisations.