International Relations (including Year Abroad)

The International Relations (including Year Abroad) undergraduate program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and globally focused education in political science, international affairs, and diplomatic practices. Designed for those interested in understanding the complexities of international politics, security, development, and global governance, this degree provides a solid foundation in theoretical frameworks and practical skills necessary to analyze current international issues. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics, including foreign policy analysis, international organizations, diplomacy, war and peace studies, human rights, and international economic relations. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in government, international agencies, NGOs, journalism, or further academic study.

A distinctive feature of this program is the Year Abroad, which offers students the opportunity to spend a year studying at a partner university in a different country. This experience enhances language skills, intercultural understanding, and global awareness, providing students with valuable firsthand insight into international cultures and institutions. The Year Abroad also fosters independence and adaptability, essential qualities for careers in global environments. Students are supported throughout their placement by university advisors and have opportunities to engage in internships or collaborative projects during their year abroad, enriching their academic and professional profile.

The coursework combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research, allowing students to engage actively with current debates and develop their analytical abilities. The program also includes opportunities for internships and placements, enabling students to gain practical experience and build professional networks. Assessment methods vary but typically include essays, presentations, group projects, and examinations, encouraging a diverse and engaging learning environment. The University of Essex’s strong links with international organizations, diplomatic missions, and policy think tanks provide students with valuable networking opportunities and insights into real-world applications of their studies.

Graduates of the International Relations (including Year Abroad) program are well-equipped to pursue careers in diplomacy, international development, journalism, consultancy, or further academic research. They benefit from the university’s commitment to employability and the development of transferable skills valued across many sectors. The program’s combination of theoretical learning, practical experience, and international exposure aims to prepare students to become informed, responsible global citizens capable of contributing effectively to international affairs in an increasingly interconnected world.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our course are flexibility and choice. In your first year you have 60 credits of compulsory modules and 60 credits of optional modules. For BA International Relations (Including Year Abroad) your optional modules can be chosen from across the faculty in first year and from within the Department of Government in your second and final year. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
During your second year you will have 60 credits of compulsory modules and you will take a further 60 credits of optional modules. You will spend your third year abroad. In your final year you will have complete choice where you will have 120 credits of optional modules, although 30 credits must be taken in internationally focused courses.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our four-year course consists of 420 credits (120 credits in your first year, 60 credits in your third year abroad, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Politics;
Introduction to European Politics (recommended);
Introduction to International Relations; and
one social science option or one humanities option

Year 2

Political Analysis;
International Relations;
one politics option from a specialised list; and
one politics option

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

One politics option with a regional focus;
one politics option with an international relations focus; and
two politics options

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

• A-levels: AAB-ABB
• GCSE English: C; GCSE Maths: C
• IB: 33-32 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 12 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

-levels: AAB-ABB

IB: 36-34 points

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

International Relations at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum designed to provide students with a deep understanding of global political processes, international organizations, and diplomatic strategies. The programme emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to interpret complex international issues and contribute thoughtfully to debates on global governance, security, human rights, and economic development. A distinctive feature of this course is the Year Abroad, which allows students to spend a full academic year studying at a partner university abroad, experiencing different cultures and perspectives firsthand. This component aims to enhance intercultural communication skills, broaden students' international outlooks, and build networks that can be valuable in international careers. The programme combines core modules such as International Politics, Global Governance, and Comparative Politics with optional courses allowing specialization in areas like European Union policies, Middle Eastern affairs, or environmental politics. Students gain practical skills through simulations, case studies, and research projects, preparing them for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, and global business. Essex’s strong emphasis on research excellence and its vibrant, diverse student community foster an engaging learning environment. The course promotes active participation, critical debate, and independent study, supported by experienced faculty members with expertise in various global issues. Graduates of the programme have gone on to work with the United Nations, European institutions, government agencies, think tanks, and international consultancy firms. Overall, the International Relations programme at Essex aims to produce well-rounded, informed, and adaptable individuals ready to make an impact in the interconnected world of international affairs.