Philosophy with International Relations

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Royal Holloway University of London

Program Overview

The BA in Philosophy with International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London, invites you to explore life’s biggest questions while understanding how ideas shape global politics. You’ll learn how to think critically, argue persuasively, and connect philosophical reasoning with international issues like justice, power, and human rights. It’s ideal for intellectually curious students, globally minded, and eager to challenge assumptions about the world.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations of Thought and Global Understanding
Your first year introduces you to the building blocks of both disciplines. In philosophy, you’ll take modules like Introduction to Logic and Introduction to Ancient Philosophy, developing clarity in reasoning and analysis. On the international relations side, Introduction to International Relations helps you understand how global systems, conflicts, and cooperation work — setting a solid base for your later studies.

Year 2 – Connecting Ideas and the World
You’ll now dig deeper into philosophical questions about mind, morality, and knowledge through modules like Mind and World and Kant. Alongside this, IR modules such as International Political Economy or Global Governance will help you connect abstract theories with pressing global issues — from inequality to security. This is where your critical thinking begins to find real-world application.

Year 3 – Specialisation and Independent Thinking
In your final year, you’ll bring together your analytical and global insights through advanced modules and a philosophy dissertation on a topic of your choice. You might explore themes like Ethics and Politics, International Human Rights, or The Philosophy of Democracy. By the end, you’ll have developed intellectual independence and confidence that prepares you for both professional and academic futures.

Focus Areas:

Ethics, metaphysics, logic, philosophy of mind, international relations theory, global politics, human rights

Learning Outcomes:

Develop critical thinking, persuasive argumentation, and research skills; understand how philosophy informs political decision-making; analyse ethical and global challenges with clarity and confidence.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

While not a professionally accredited program, this degree equips you with highly transferable skills in logic, analysis, ethics, and communication — valued in careers from policy to law, journalism, consulting, and academia.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Royal Holloway’s School of Politics, International Relations and Philosophy is internationally recognised for its research excellence and high student satisfaction. The degree’s blend of humanities and global studies ensures strong employability across public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Royal Holloway, studying Philosophy with International Relations isn’t limited to lectures or textbooks — it’s about bringing ideas to life. You’ll explore how philosophical concepts shape the world around us through discussion-based classes, global field experiences, and opportunities to connect with leading thinkers. The program encourages active learning — questioning, debating, and researching — in an environment where theory meets real-world context.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout your degree:

Philosophy Field Trip to Athens – Experience the roots of Western philosophy with a guided visit to Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum, connecting classroom learning to the places where great ideas were born.
Specialist Library & Research Access – Use the Royal Holloway Library and departmental resources to explore primary philosophical and political texts, with guidance from world-class academics who are active researchers in ethics, logic, and international thought.
Global Exposure & Study Abroad – Take advantage of study abroad options and exchange programs that broaden your international perspective — a perfect fit for students studying global politics and philosophy together.
Seminars & Group Debates – Most classes take the form of small-group seminars, encouraging open discussion, collaborative analysis, and structured debate — essential skills for careers in law, policy, or academia.
Student-Led Philosophy Society – Join a vibrant community that hosts talks, discussion nights, and research events where you can test ideas, challenge perspectives, and learn from peers.

Through these experiences, you’ll not only understand philosophy and politics — you’ll live them, developing the confidence to articulate your ideas and apply them to the challenges of today’s world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BA in Philosophy with International Relations from Royal Holloway, University of London, opens up a world of possibilities. This unique degree trains you to think deeply, argue clearly, and understand how global systems and ideas shape society — skills that are valued in every industry. Many graduates go on to become Policy Advisors, Research Analysts, Diplomatic Service Officers, or Communications and Advocacy Specialists, using their analytical mindset and global perspective to make a real impact.

Here’s how Royal Holloway helps you build your future:

Dedicated Career Support – The Careers & Employability Service offers one-to-one guidance, CV and interview coaching, and employer networking events tailored to students interested in law, politics, global affairs, and media.
Strong Graduate Outcomes – Royal Holloway graduates earn, on average, £2,000 more than peers from other London universities and are placed within the top 20% nationally for salary outcomes — proof that your skills have long-term value in the job market.
Real-World Connections – The Department of Politics, International Relations & Philosophy maintains strong partnerships with policymakers, NGOs, media organisations, and public sector bodies, opening opportunities for internships and placements.
Transferable Expertise – While this degree isn’t tied to a professional licence, it’s designed to build critical skills — reasoning, communication, and ethical judgment — that translate directly into success across industries.
Diverse Career Destinations – Graduates have gone on to careers in law, government, journalism, public policy, business, and humanitarian organisations, reflecting the flexibility and global relevance of this degree.

Further Academic Progression:
After your undergraduate degree, you can take your studies further with postgraduate options such as:

MA in Political Philosophy or Global Ethics – deepening your understanding of global justice and human rights.
MSc in International Relations or Global Policy – for careers in diplomacy, government, or NGOs.
MA in Philosophy – if you want to pursue academic research or teaching.

Royal Holloway’s philosophy and international relations graduates are known for combining insight with action — they don’t just question the world, they shape it.