International Relations

International Relations at the University of Leeds offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the dynamic interactions between countries, governments, international organizations, and non-state actors in the global arena. This interdisciplinary program combines politics, economics, history, and sociology to provide students with a nuanced understanding of global issues such as conflict resolution, development, human rights, security, and diplomacy. Throughout the course, students will analyze contemporary international challenges and learn to evaluate policy options through critical thinking and research skills. The curriculum includes core modules on international politics, global governance, and security studies, alongside options in areas like environmental policy, international law, and regional studies. The program also emphasizes practical skills development, including diplomatic negotiation, data analysis, and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in government, NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector. With a diverse student community and access to expert faculty with extensive research and policy experience, students will benefit from lectures, seminars, workshops, and opportunities for internships and study abroad. The University of Leeds's strong links with international institutions and a focus on real-world application ensure that students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to make meaningful contributions in the global landscape. Whether you are interested in pursuing research, policy-making, or a career in international affairs, this program offers a rigorous and supportive environment for developing your expertise and global perspective.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12900 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU student fees
£9,000 per year full-time.

International student fees
£12,900 per year full-time.

• English

Course Content

Year one introduces you to key concepts and debates within politics.

Compulsory modules

• Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introducation to Political Ideas is an introduction to political theory and an invitation for you to subject your own political views to critical examination, to work out what you think and why you think it.
• International Politics introduces you to the complex changes currently underway in the international system and their political implications across the globe. We discuss the main ideas, concepts and philosophies that inform the contemporary world order.
• Making of the Modern World examines the current divide between the global North and South, and considers the impact of colonialism, capitalist industrialisation and the slave trade upon the contemporary situation. You will analyse the history of resistance to colonial rule, the attraction of socialism to post-independent governments, and examine the legacies of colonial rule across the Americas, Africa and Asia.
• Comparative Politics involves the systematic study and comparison of political systems. In this module you will examine the political systems of 3 different nations from across the globe, focusing on their respective political histories, political economies, party systems, social movements and foreign policies.
• Studying and Researching in POLIS is a five credit, supernumeracy skills module.

You will also take one or two optional modules from the following.

• British Politics
• Global Development Challenges

Discovery modules

You may select discovery modules to make up the credit blance for the year. Discovery modules allow you to study modules that may be taught outside your subject or home school.

In Year two, you have more flexibility in your study and can direct your degree towards the areas that interest you most.

Compulsory modules

Security Studies provides an introduction to the debates on security in international relations, examining the concept, role and making of security in the contemporary international system. It outlines the main theoretical approaches and conceptualizations used in security studies and analyses a selection of important challenges that have been framed as security threats.

Theories of International Relations offers students advanced training in International Relations Theory (IR) by critically analysing rival theories. As part of which, students will develop critical thinking through assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

Approaches to Analysis introduces students to the ways in which research is conducted in the social sciences, with particular emphasis on approaches commonly used in the fields of politics, international development and international relations. Students will engage with key methodologies, theoretical frameworks and methods used in practical research.

Optional modules

You will then select two or three optional modules from:

• British Central Government
• Politics and Policy in the EU
• United States Politics
• Comparative Politics of Pacific Asia
• Politics of Contemporary China
• State and Politics in Africa

Plus you must then take one module from:

• The Conservative Party from Churchill to Cameron
• Spin Doctors and Electioneering
• Developmental Approaches
• North-South Linkages
• Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century
• Justice, Community and Conflict
• Comparative Public Policy
• Beliefs and Attitudes in Politics
• Political Problems in the 20th Century
• Career Planning for POLIS Students

Discovery modules

You may select a number of discovery modules to make up your credit balance for the year. Discovery modules allow you to study modules that may be taught outside your subject or home school.

Compulsory module

The only compulsory module in Year three is your Dissertation. This is a piece of written work of 12,000 words, and can be researched on a topic of your own choice. It is designed to allow you to produce an extended piece of written work on a topic of special interest to you.

Optional modules

You will be required to take two - four modules from:

• British Foreign Policy
• Europe in the World
• Israel: Politics and Society
• American Foriegn Policy
• Politics of Islamism
• The Responsibiltiy to Protect and to Prosecute
• Crisis Diplomacy: Coercion, Sanctions and the Use of Force in International Relations
• Dirty War: Insurgency, the State and Cities
• Terrorism: Concepts, Debates, Cases
• Analysing Data in Politics
• Development and International Relations

You will be required to study up to two modules from:

• Elections and Voters
• British Political Parties
• Prime Ministers and British Politics
• The End of British Politics?
• Land, Fuel and Agriculture
• The Politics of Aid
• Gender and Violence
• Violence and Reconciliation in Africa
• Extreme Right Parties in Contemporary Europe
• Britain and the EU
• Exploring Political Theory
• Political Psychology
• Feminist Challenges to Political Theory
• Culture and Community: Theoretical Perspectives
• Machiavelli and the Making of Modernity
• Video Games: Politics, Society and Culture

Discovery modules

You can then take a discovery module if necessary to make up the balance. Discovery modules allow you to study modules that may be taught outside your subject or home school.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 CAE score : 60(Grade C) TOEFL iBT® test : 92

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Our standard entry requirements are three A levels, or two A levels and two AS levels.

In general, prospective applicants for our degree courses will be in the process of studying two 'traditional' academic subjects for A level, with a third in any other subject.

We do not require A level Politics for any of our degrees, and we design our first year modules for students both with and without previous knowledge of Politics.

We accept General Studies as an A level for all of our programmes except BA Economics and Politics, and we welcome applications that include vocational A level subjects: for example, AVCE (single or double awards). Any combination of A levels or AVCE is acceptable.

Current academic requirements

• BA International Development: ABB.
• BA International Relations: AAB.
• BA Politics: AAB.
• BA Politics and Parliamentary Studies: AAB, including interview.
• BA Economics and Politics: AAB, plus A in GCSE Mathematics. Excludes General Studies.

If English is not your first language, we require evidence of English language ability in reading, writing and speaking. If you do not hold an English language equivalent to UK GCSE standard, then you should hold one of the following qualifications.

• IELTS: 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL (internet-based test): 92 with not less than 21 in listening, 21 in reading, 23 in speaking and 22 in writing.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Leeds.

The International Relations program at the University of Leeds offers students a comprehensive understanding of the key issues shaping the contemporary world. This degree explores the complex interactions between nations, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other actors on the global stage. The program covers a broad range of topics, including diplomacy, security, global governance, international political economy, human rights, conflict resolution, and environmental sustainability.

Students enrolled in the program will develop critical analytical skills, enabling them to assess international events and policies effectively. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical approaches, preparing graduates for careers in government, international organizations, think tanks, NGOs, or further academic research. The program also provides opportunities for internships, allowing students to gain real-world experience and network within the field of international relations.

The University of Leeds has a strong reputation for research excellence, and its International Relations program benefits from expert faculty members who are active researchers in their fields. Students can take advantage of a vibrant academic community and numerous seminars, conferences, and guest lectures that enrich their learning experience. The program offers flexibility through optional modules, enabling students to tailor their studies according to their interests, such as security studies, global political economy, or area studies focusing on specific regions like the Middle East, Asia, or Europe.

The program’s emphasis on current global issues means students often engage with contemporary debates on topics such as climate change, global health challenges, migration, terrorism, and European integration. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, exams, and research projects, encouraging comprehensive understanding and communication skills. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue further academic qualifications or enter the workforce in roles that require knowledge of international affairs and policy-making.

The University of Leeds’s location in the UK provides students with unique access to political institutions, diplomatic events, and international organizations, enhancing their educational and professional development. Overall, the Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at the University of Leeds aims to produce informed, critical, and globally-minded individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to international policy and diplomacy.