International Relations BA
Year of entry 2023
2024 course information- UCAS code
- L254
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- AAB (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBB
Full entry requirements - Contact
- ugpolis@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview

International relations explores how states interact and co-operate with each other. This degree offers you an historical understanding of the development of the ‘society of states’ and how it is changing today.
As an International Relations student you’ll gain expertise in data analysis, research, critical thinking and more as you develop an in-depth understanding of the discipline. Taught by experts in a stimulating research environment, you’ll examine the ways in which states behave and what obligations they may have to wider conceptions of international society. You’ll explore the political dynamics that influence interstate cooperation, and the roles of international organisations, like the UN, in promoting international peace and security. We offer a wide range of optional modules which allows you to tailor your degree to pursue topics that excite you, so you can you develop your interests in specialist areas.
On this course you’ll have the opportunity to study abroad, allowing you to develop an international perspective on your subject or undertake a work placement which will give you an insight into working life in a particular organisation or sector linked to your studies.
Throughout the course, you’ll gain a diverse skillset that will be valuable to you as a citizen, as well as in your future career – whatever path you choose to take.
Quantitative Research Methods (QRM) pathway
At the end of Year 1, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a place on our BA International Relations with Quantitative Research Methods pathway. This pathway will help you develop advanced analytical skills, which are in high demand across the public, private, and third sectors. You will learn statistical analysis techniques and their application to real data (e.g. survey data, countries’ statistical data) using statistical software. You will also write a dissertation in which you will analyse quantitative data to examine questions about politics, development or international relations.
You are not required to have done Mathematics at A level, this pathway is open to all students as long as you have attained an overall 2:1 in your first year and a 2:1 in the Comparative Politics module.
Course details
Core modules in Year 1 will equip you with the research and academic skills you need to study international relations. You’ll also gain an understanding of the historical development of states, the divide between the Global North and South and diverse political theories, while exploring current changes in the system of international politics and comparing the systems within different states. You can also start to put your studies into context, with optional modules on topics like development or British politics.
Year 2 allows you to build on this foundation, as you explore international organisations and their role in world order. You’ll develop a critical understanding of rival theories in international relations and examine important debates in security studies. Our modules are designed to help you improve your own research skills and give you an insight into the research methods used in the social sciences. A range of optional modules will allow you to focus on the political landscape in different countries or regions, and you could also choose a related module on development, public policy or a range of broader topics.
The only compulsory module in your final year will be your dissertation – an independently researched project on a topic of your choice, which showcases your knowledge and skills. In addition, you’ll complete your study with optional modules covering topics such as terrorism, UK foreign policy and Europe’s relationship with the wider global community. You can choose up to two optional modules from a range offered across the school in areas such as political psychology, the politics of aid or political theory.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Comparative Politics | 20 |
Making of the Modern World | 20 |
International Politics | 20 |
Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introduction to Political Ideas | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will choose 20 to 40 credits of optional modules from the following.
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
British Politics | 20 |
Global Development Challenges | 20 |
If you only select 20 credits from the above will choose to take either the following module OR 20 credits of discovery modules: | |
Contemporary Africas: Politics, Society and the Environment | 20 |
Year 1 discovery modules
If you only choose 20 credits of optional modules you will choose 20 credits of discovery modules.
Year 2 compulsory modules
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Theories of International Relations | 20 |
Security Studies | 20 |
Approaches to Analysis | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will choose 40 to 60 credits from lists of optional modules in the school.
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
State of Emergency: Social science and the COVID-19 pandemic | 20 |
Politics and Policy in the EU | 20 |
Politics of Contemporary China | 20 |
State and Politics in Africa | 20 |
United States Politics | 20 |
The Labour Party Since 1945 | 20 |
Spin Doctors and Electioneering | 20 |
North-South Linkages | 20 |
Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century | 20 |
Justice, Community and Conflict | 20 |
Analysing Data in Politics, Development and International Relations | 20 |
Year 2 discovery modules
Depending on the number of optional modules selected, you may choose up to 20 credits of discovery modules.
Year 3 compulsory modules
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Dissertation | 40 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will choose 60 to 80 credits from lists of optional modules in the school.
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
State of Emergency: Social science and the COVID-19 pandemic | 20 |
British Foreign Policy | 20 |
Extreme Right Parties | 20 |
Europe in the World | 20 |
American Foreign Policy | 20 |
Nuclear Weapons and Global Politics | 20 |
Critically Analysing The Responsibility to Protect | 20 |
Terrorism: Concepts, Debates, Cases | 20 |
Philosophy of Human Rights | 20 |
Prime Ministers and British Politics | 20 |
The Politics of national identity in the UK | 20 |
The Labour Party Since 1945 | 20 |
International Development and Social Policy | 20 |
Violence and Reconciliation in Africa | 20 |
Britain and the EU | 20 |
Gender and Security in Global Politics | 20 |
Radical Political Ideas | 20 |
Reimagining Politics: Gender, Race, and Popular Culture | 20 |
Video Games: Politics, Society and Culture | 20 |
Gender, Technologies and the Body | 20 |
Ethnicity and Popular Culture | 20 |
Year 3 discovery modules
Depending on the number of optional modules selected, you may choose up to 20 credits of discovery modules.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you gain diverse skills. These will include seminars and workshops where you can discuss in more depth the topics set out in traditional lectures. We emphasise the importance of participation, presentation skills and group work.
Independent study is also a vital element of the course, as it allows you to develop your research and critical skills while preparing for taught sessions.
You’ll also have a personal tutor – one of our academics – who will be on hand to offer you guidance and support on academic issues, such as module choices, as well as career and personal matters.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Modules will use a variety of assessment methods. As well as traditional exams, you could also be asked to complete essays, case study based projects, policy briefs, group presentations, work logs, research briefs, project proposals or development agency reviews. In your final year you’ll also submit a 12,000 word dissertation.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB
We do not require A-level Politics for courses in the School of Politics and International Studies. We welcome applications that include vocational A-level subjects such as AVCE (single or double awards). Any combination of these with A-levels is acceptable.
In general we expect applicants to have two ‘traditional’ academic subjects at A-level. See our accepted subjects document to see which subjects we accept.
When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attact an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be ABB at A-level including grade A in the EPQ.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
BTEC
DDD.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M1.
International Baccalaureate
35 overall (6,5,5 higher).
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
AAAAAB.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AAAAB overall (AB at advanced level).
T-Levels
We will consider T levels in appropriate subjects as they become available. In all cases applicants should have GCSE English at 4 or above.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer:
BBB at A level. Applicants must also meet the University’s GCSE matriculation standard and pass the Access to Leeds module.
For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, we offer a foundation year for UK students who meet specific widening participation criteria. Learn more about the BA Social Science (foundation year).
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Politics and International Studies admissions team.
International foundation year
If you have the ability to study for a degree but don’t have the qualifications to enter directly to level one, you might consider studying a foundation year. We have formal links with the following foundation year programmes:
- University of Leeds International Foundation Year (IFY)
- Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK)
- Study Group Leeds International Study Centre (LISC)
If you are applying from an alternative foundation year provider, please contact our admissions team to find out if your qualification is suitable for entry to our courses.
Study Group international year one
Taught at the Leeds International Study Centre, this two-semester course is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. It aims to help you develop the skills you need to join the second year of the BA International Relations at the University of Leeds. Find out more about the international year one.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 will be available on individual course pages from September 2023.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We typically receive a high number of applications for this course. To ensure we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we review applications after the UCAS deadline before making a final decision. All applications received before the UCAS deadline are guaranteed equal consideration. Please see our Admissions Guidance page for more details as well as advice on personal statements.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
This course is taught by
School of Politics and International Studies
Contact us
School of Politics and International Studies Admissions Team
Email: ugpolis@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
This course will give you in-depth understanding of one of the most important aspects of political life, as well as a range of transferable skills in research and analysis, critical thinking, communication and presentation that will be valuable in a wide range of careers in different sectors.
Our graduates have gone on to work in political research and analysis, the Civil Service, the media, marketing, PR, international organisations like the UN and World Bank and non-governmental organisations. They work as policy advisors, diplomats, advocacy workers, public affairs executives, youth or support workers and journalists. Others have pursued careers in education, the charity sector, banking and finance or law.
Graduate destinations have included the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, BBC, Oxfam, Royal Institute of International Affairs, Department for International Development, Amnesty International, the House of Commons, the New Statesman and many others.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. Thats one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
Student profile: Iulian Biris
I like that the assessments often take a practical approach. I enjoyed writing a constitution for a democratic China and a policy recommendation regarding Palestinian refugees.Find out more about Iulian Biris's time at Leeds