International Relations with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons)

At Swansea, studying International Relations is about more than reading theories — it’s about experiencing how global politics works in the real world. From the very beginning, you’ll have opportunities to put your knowledge into action, develop practical skills, and build a strong portfolio of experiences that employers value. Whether it’s working inside a political institution, studying abroad, or taking part in real-world simulations, the program is designed to help you understand global issues not just in theory, but in practice.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience throughout your degree:

• Work inside government – Stand out with an internship opportunity at the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru), where you can work alongside Members of the Senedd and policy teams, gaining first-hand insight into how decisions are made.

• Global study experiences – Broaden your perspective with a semester abroad at one of Swansea’s partner universities in Hong Kong, Singapore, or the USA, exploring how different countries approach international relations.

• Placement opportunities – Choose a placement module with the Senedd Cymru later in your degree to gain real professional experience in legislative or policy environments, helping you build valuable skills before you graduate.

• Collaborative projects and simulations – Take part in group work, policy debates, and global summit simulations, where you’ll apply classroom knowledge to real-world political scenarios and sharpen your negotiation and problem-solving skills.

• Digital learning tools – Access course materials, lectures, and interactive activities on Canvas, Swansea’s online learning platform, giving you flexibility to study and collaborate anywhere, anytime.

A degree in International Relations from Swansea University opens doors to exciting careers around the world. You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of global politics, diplomacy, and international cooperation — skills that are highly sought after in government, international organisations, NGOs, and the private sector. Many graduates go on to become policy analysts, diplomats, or foreign service officers, international development officers, or political risk consultants, shaping decisions that have real-world impact.

Here’s how Swansea helps you succeed after graduation:

• Career support from day one – The dedicated Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Employability Team offers one-to-one career advice, CV and interview coaching, internships, and placement opportunities — ensuring you’re ready for the global job market.

• Strong graduate outcomes – Around 90% of Swansea’s Politics and International Relations graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating, with average starting salaries of around £26,000.

• Valuable professional links – Swansea is ranked 11th in the UK for student work experience, thanks to its strong connections with employers, NGOs, government agencies, and international partners.

• Long-term career value – With 82% of graduates in graduate-level roles or further study, your Swansea degree carries weight and credibility across sectors worldwide.

• Diverse career paths – Alumni have gone on to work in diplomacy, public policy, international development, media, NGOs, consulting, and think tanks — showing how versatile this degree is.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to specialise further, Swansea offers postgraduate options like the MA in International Relations, MSc in Global Politics, or degrees focused on security studies, human rights, or conflict resolution. You could also pursue a PhD, paving the way for careers in academia, advanced policy research, or leadership roles in global organisations.