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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Swansea UniversityThe BA (Hons) International Relations and American Studies with a Year in Industry at Swansea University is designed for curious minds who want to understand how global politics works and explore the unique political, cultural, and social landscape of the United States. It’s perfect for students who are passionate about international affairs, U.S. history, and politics, and who want to gain practical experience alongside academic learning.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll get a solid foundation in both international relations and American studies. You’ll study modules like Introduction to International Relations and Politics and the People, which help you understand political systems and citizen engagement. You’ll also explore historical perspectives in Europe of Extremes, 1789-1989, setting the stage for more advanced study in later years.
Year 2
The second year allows you to dive deeper into the subjects that interest you most. You’ll look closely at U.S. foreign policy, American political institutions, and how globalization affects American society. Through these modules, you’ll develop strong analytical skills and learn to think critically about the United States’ role in the wider world.
Year 3 (Year in Industry)
The third year gives you the chance to put your knowledge into practice. During your Year in Industry, you’ll gain real-world experience in organizations connected to international relations or American studies. This hands-on experience, combined with your dissertation research project, helps you build confidence, professional skills, and a portfolio that will impress future employers.
Focus Areas
International Relations, American Politics, U.S. History, Globalization, Political Economy
Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking, Research Skills, Analytical Writing, Cross-Cultural Understanding, Professional Experience
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
While the program doesn’t have a specific professional accreditation, its combination of academic study and a Year in Industry equips you with skills and experience that align closely with careers in international relations, politics, and related fields.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Swansea University is highly regarded for supporting student employability, helping you gain practical experience and skills that employers value in political science, international relations, and American studies.
At Swansea, studying International Relations and American Studies isn’t just about reading and lectures — it’s about getting hands-on experience and seeing the world of politics and international affairs in action. You’ll develop practical skills like research, analysis, and professional communication while using the university’s fantastic resources and taking part in real-world projects. The program blends academic study with opportunities to gain experience that makes your CV stand out and gives you confidence in your future career. Here’s how you’ll get involved:
National Assembly for Wales Internship – Work directly with an Assembly Member and see political processes up close, giving you firsthand experience of legislative work.
Study Abroad Opportunities – Spend part of your degree in the United States, immersing yourself in American politics, society, and culture.
Specialist Libraries and Digital Tools – Use Swansea’s rich collections and online resources tailored for international relations and American studies research.
Dedicated Research Spaces – Access collaborative and independent study areas designed to support projects and dissertations.
Interactive Learning Environments – Take part in group projects, debates, and discussions that build analytical thinking and communication skills.
These opportunities make your learning active, relevant, and directly connected to the careers you’ll be aiming for.
Graduates from this program leave Swansea with a mix of practical experience and academic knowledge that opens doors to exciting careers around the world. You’ll be well-prepared for roles such as a Diplomatic Service Officer, Policy Analyst, International Relations Consultant, or Cultural Attaché. These positions allow you to work on real-world political, cultural, and international issues while making an impact globally.
Your career journey is supported every step of the way:
Careers and Employability Service – Get tailored guidance on CVs, interviews, and career planning to help you stand out to employers.
Industry Partnerships – Benefit from Swansea’s links with organizations like the National Assembly for Wales and opportunities for internships, including in the United States.
Alumni Network – Connect with Swansea graduates worldwide for mentorship and career advice.
Graduate Success – Swansea’s American Studies program ranks highly for graduate outcomes and student satisfaction, showing that students leave ready to succeed in their chosen fields.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you have plenty of options to continue learning:
Master’s Degrees – Specialize further in International Relations, American Studies, or other related fields.
PhD Programs – Conduct in-depth research and contribute original knowledge to your field.
Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates – Enhance particular skills or areas of expertise to strengthen your career prospects.
Swansea makes it easy to build on your undergraduate studies, whether you want to deepen your knowledge or take your career to the next level.
All Offers are based on your predicted/achieved grades, subjects, reference, and personal statement.IELTS 6.0 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component)India – Year XII Certificate / Standard XII / HSC / Year 12 Certificate (Central & State Boards): Overall score 70%In addition to IELTS scores, we also accept the following school leaving qualifications: CBSE/ICSE/ISC – 70%; Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal – 70%; Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana (2018+), Andhra Pradesh (2018+) – 75%USA – Standardized Tests: ACT 24; AP three exams (4,3,3); SAT 570 Math, 610 Reading & Writing; High School Diploma required; highest scores from combinations accepted.Diplomatic Service OfficerPolicy AnalystInternational Relations ConsultantCultural AttachéForeign Affairs SpecialistInternational Development OfficerHuman Rights AdvocateIntelligence AnalystPolitical Risk ConsultantInternational Trade AdvisorPublic Affairs ManagerGlobal Communications SpecialistNon-Governmental Organization (NGO) Project CoordinatorInternational Business Development Manager
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