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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of St Andrews
The BA (International Honours) in International Relations is a unique four-year program that lets you study at both the University of St Andrews in Scotland and the College of William & Mary in the USA. It’s perfect for curious, globally-minded students who want to understand how the world works, from diplomacy and human rights to international security and global trade.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore real-world issues and gain the knowledge and skills to think critically about global politics, preparing you for exciting careers in diplomacy, international organizations, or global policy-making.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundations at St Andrews
In your first year at St Andrews, you’ll lay the groundwork for a deep understanding of international relations. You’ll study modules like Concepts in Global Politics (IR1005) and Foreign Policy and Diplomacy in Global Politics (IR1006), alongside economics courses such as Macroeconomics (EC1001). This year is all about understanding the key ideas, debates, and tools that shape global politics.
Year 2: Transition to William & Mary
Year two takes you to the USA, where you’ll continue your studies at William & Mary. Here, modules like Theoretical Approaches to International Relations (IR2005) will help you analyze international systems, while Studying International Relations (IR2006) builds your research and analytical skills. You’ll gain a broader perspective by learning within a different academic culture.
Year 3: Advanced Studies at William & Mary
In your third year, you’ll take advanced courses such as International Political Economy (IR3004), International Regimes and Organisations (IR3006), and Democracy and Democratisation (IR3007). This is the stage to specialize in topics that interest you most, from global trade to democratic governance, while sharpening your ability to critically evaluate complex international issues.
Year 4: Dissertation and Specialisation at St Andrews
Back at St Andrews for your final year, you’ll focus on independent research with the Honours Dissertation in International Relations (IR4099). You’ll also select specialized modules like Global Public Policy (IR4514) or Communication in International Relations (IR4401), giving you the freedom to explore your passions and develop expertise in a specific area of international relations.
Focus Areas
International security, global trade, human rights, environmental politics, terrorism, regional conflicts, globalization
Learning Outcomes
Develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, understand global political systems, and gain strong communication and presentation abilities.
Professional Alignment
The program is jointly awarded by the University of St Andrews and the College of William & Mary, ensuring international recognition and high academic standards.
Reputation
Graduates are highly sought after in diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, government, and academia. The dual-degree experience gives you a competitive edge in the global job market.
At St Andrews, studying International Relations isn’t just about reading books or listening to lectures — it’s about experiencing the world of global politics firsthand. The program is designed to give you practical skills alongside academic knowledge, helping you think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively in real-world international settings. From immersive research projects to interactive workshops, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to apply what you learn.
Some of the hands-on experiences you can expect include:
Field Trips – Visit international organizations, diplomatic institutions, and policy centers to see global politics in action.
Internships – Gain real-world experience with governmental and non-governmental organizations, putting your learning into practice.
Research Projects – Tackle current global issues, develop analytical skills, and contribute to meaningful research.
Workshops and Seminars – Learn from experts, guest speakers, and practitioners in interactive sessions.
Collaborative Learning – Engage in group projects and discussions to sharpen teamwork and communication skills.
Facilities Support – Use the Arts Faculty Building’s modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms, and explore the University Library’s extensive collections for your studies.
A degree in International Relations from St Andrews gives you the skills, knowledge, and international perspective to step confidently into a wide range of careers. Graduates often move into exciting roles in diplomacy, policy analysis, international organizations, and global NGOs. The combination of study in the UK and the USA also gives you a unique edge when entering the competitive global job market:
Career Support – The St Andrews Career Centre offers tailored advice, CV workshops, interview preparation, and guidance to help you land your ideal role.
Internships & Work Experience – Opportunities with the UN, EU, WTO, and other organizations allow you to gain hands-on experience in international affairs.
Networking – Alumni events and professional connections help you build contacts in government, NGOs, and multinational companies.
Employment Stats – Around 96% of graduates are in full-time employment or further study within six months, with many in professional and highly skilled roles.
Dual-Degree Advantage – Studying at both St Andrews and the College of William & Mary gives your qualification strong international recognition.
Graduation Outcomes – Graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international law, policy analysis, research, and leadership roles in NGOs and governmental organizations.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA, you can continue your studies in specialized postgraduate programs such as International Security, Political Science, or Law. St Andrews also offers advanced degrees like the International Security Studies MLitt, providing opportunities to deepen your expertise and pursue research or high-level professional roles.
Application Fee – If you are not applying through UCAS, you must pay a £50 application fee (in pounds sterling) before your application can be processed. This fee applies to all Direct Applications.Entry requirements have not been finalised.DiplomatPolicy AnalystInternational Development OfficerIntelligence AnalystHuman Rights AdvocatePolitical Risk ConsultantForeign Affairs CorrespondentInternational NGO OfficerResearcher in International RelationsGlobal Policy AdvisorInternational Trade SpecialistCivil Service OfficerInternational Law ConsultantPublic Affairs SpecialistEconomic/Political Consultant
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