Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Swansea UniversityThe BA (Hons) International Relations with a Foundation Year at Swansea University is a four-year program perfect for students who want to understand global politics, diplomacy, and international affairs. It starts with a supportive Foundation Year, helping you build the academic skills and confidence needed to succeed at university.
Curriculum Structure:
Foundation Year (Year 0):
This year is all about getting you ready for higher education. You'll develop key skills in research, writing, and analysis while exploring core topics in humanities and social sciences. Modules like Understanding Society introduce you to contemporary global issues, while Research Skills equips you with tools to study and think critically.
Year 1:
Your first year dives into the basics of international relations and political theory. You'll explore core ideas about how countries interact, global challenges, and political systems, laying a strong foundation for the years ahead.
Year 2:
In the second year, you’ll tackle more specialised topics like international organizations, global security, and conflict resolution. You'll start analysing how global systems work and the roles different actors play in shaping world events.
Year 3:
The final year is your chance to focus on areas you’re most passionate about. Modules cover subjects like international political economy, human rights, and global governance, and you'll complete a dissertation that showcases your research and analytical skills.
Focus Areas: Global Politics, Diplomacy, International Security, Human Rights, International Organizations
Learning Outcomes: Critical Thinking, Research Skills, Cross-Cultural Understanding, Policy Analysis, Effective Communication
Professional Alignment: The program prepares you for careers in international organizations, government, NGOs, or the private sector, giving you the practical skills employers look for.
Reputation: Swansea University’s School of Social Sciences is known for its excellent research and strong support for students, helping you succeed both academically and professionally.
At Swansea University, this program isn’t just about learning theory — it’s designed to give you real-world experience and practical skills that prepare you for a career in international relations. From your very first year, you’ll develop strong research and analytical skills, and as you progress, you’ll have opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships, field trips, and engagement with international organizations. Swansea’s Bay Campus offers modern facilities, study spaces, and resources to support your learning and independent research every step of the way:
Internships: Gain practical experience with organizations such as Westminster Forum Projects, the Labour Party, or PwC, helping you build your professional network.
Field Trips & Study Abroad: Take part in international summer programs lasting 2–6 weeks, with destinations like Sri Lanka, South Korea, Fiji, Bali, the USA, and various European countries.
Research Facilities: Access state-of-the-art libraries, study spaces, and technology on Swansea’s £450 million Bay Campus, designed to support your learning and research.
Career Support: The Employability Team provides guidance and support to help you secure placements and develop skills that employers value.
Graduates from this program leave Swansea University well-prepared for a wide range of careers in international relations, diplomacy, and global policy. Many find roles as policy advisors, international development officers, or intelligence analysts, while others work in NGOs, government agencies, or multinational corporations. Building on the practical skills, research experience, and professional networks you gain here, your career journey can start right after graduation:
University Career Services: Swansea’s Careers and Employability Service helps students secure internships, placements, and graduate jobs, offering one-to-one advice, CV workshops, and networking opportunities.
Employment Stats & Salary: A significant number of Swansea social sciences graduates find relevant employment within six months of graduating, with starting salaries typically ranging from £22,000–£28,000 depending on sector.
University–Industry Partnerships: Opportunities for engagement exist with organizations such as Westminster Forum Projects, PwC, and various international NGOs, giving students exposure to real-world policy and research work.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The program equips students with transferable skills in analysis, communication, and research that are recognised by employers globally.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are highly employable in areas including diplomacy, international development, policy research, think tanks, and journalism, as well as roles in the private sector that require global awareness and analytical skills.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can choose to continue their studies with postgraduate degrees in International Relations, Political Science, Global Security, or related fields. Swansea University also offers opportunities for research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD) for those interested in an academic or policy research career.
IELTS - 5.5 (Minimum of 5.5 in each component)Completion of All India or State Board HSC (XI or XII): Minimum grade average of 50%.USA - High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5; SAT or ACT scores are not required but can be submitted to strengthen the application.Policy AdvisorDiplomatInternational Development OfficerIntelligence AnalystHuman Rights OfficerNGO Project CoordinatorGlobal Policy ResearcherPolitical AnalystForeign Affairs ConsultantJournalists covering international affairsInternational Trade SpecialistGovernment or Civil Service OfficerInternational Organisations OfficerPublic Affairs ConsultantRisk Analyst
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
