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BA (Hons) International Relations

BA (Hons)

Our three-year course in International Relations offers a comprehensive understanding of global affairs, enabling you to engage with complex issues from a well-rounded perspective. This broad view will be essential for tackling the multifaceted challenges of our interconnected world.

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Our three-year course in International Relations offers a comprehensive understanding of global affairs, enabling you to engage with complex issues from a well-rounded perspective. This broad view will be essential for tackling the multifaceted challenges of our interconnected world.

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BA (Hons)
Start date(s)
UCAS Code
L250
Course specifications
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Course length
Campus location
School
School of Social Science, Humanities and Creative Industries
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Through the support of the department, I was able to grow in confidence, and to reach my full potential.
Kelly Bradley, Graduate, School of Social Science and Humanities

Why choose this course?

The BA (Hons) International Relations at the University of Wolverhampton gives you the chance to explore the forces shaping today’s world, from diplomacy and global governance to conflict, security and international power. You’ll study an interdisciplinary curriculum drawing on politics, war studies, economics, history and sociology, with modules such as Disputes, Debates and Diplomacy in International Relations, World Politics, America and the Cold War, 1947–91 and From Inter to Intranational? The Changing Nature of War and Conflict. The course also explores contemporary global issues including terrorism, cyber threats, environmental diplomacy, sustainable development and the growing influence of countries such as China and India. 

Employability is built into the course from the start, with a guaranteed professional placement for every student, hands-on projects, industry-informed learning and embedded professional development designed to strengthen skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and research. Wolverhampton states that graduates are prepared for careers across diplomacy, international organisations, government, NGOs and the private sector, while dedicated research and dissertation modules help develop the analytical and evidence-based decision-making skills valued by employers. 

What's unique about this course?

Our three-year course in International Relations offers a comprehensive understanding of global affairs, enabling you to engage with complex issues from a well-rounded perspective. This broad view will be essential for tackling the multifaceted challenges of our interconnected world.

What happens on the course?

You will dive into a curriculum that draws from various academic disciplines, providing a holistic and comprehensive education in international relations. This interdisciplinary approach equips you with the knowledge and skills to address complex global problems.

We offer modules that examine the evolving landscape of global security, including issues related to terrorism, cyber threats, and national security policies. You will also have opportunities to explore conflict resolution strategies, peace negotiations, and post-conflict reconstruction. These modules make you well-prepared for roles in security, defence, and peacebuilding.

We also offer modules that examine the critical area of environmental diplomacy and sustainable development. These modules will give you the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental challenges and advocate for a sustainable future.

Our course stands out with its specialised modules focusing on key players in the global arena. You will explore Indian politics and its ascension on the world stage, as well as the geopolitical significance of a rising China. Our course also offers a number of dedicated modules on British politics, as well as modules that cover the history and foreign affairs of the United States.

Finally, if you are passionate about addressing global challenges, promoting peace, and shaping the future of international relations, this course empowers you to be a catalyst for positive change. We offer a number of modules that prepare you to engage in initiatives that promote social justice and equity on a global scale.

Incorporating dedicated dissertation and research project modules, our course equips you with the tools to conduct in-depth research, analyse global issues, and present your findings effectively. These modules prepare you for careers that require research-based decision-making and analytical expertise, enhancing your employability in the international arena.

Placements on the course

We’ve built professional placements into every degree, every student will be guaranteed a professional placement. Our placements give you the real-world exposure and proven experience your CV needs, while building the industry networks essential for your career.

These short-term, structured experiences include:

  • Short duration: condensed work-like experience in professional environments
  • Academic integration: always linked to coursework, assessments or professional development modules
  • Project-based learning: students work on specific tasks or research with an organisation
  • Flexible format: can be in-person, remote, hybrid or virtual
  • Skill development: enhances workplace skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving
  • Experiential learning: helping to close the gap between knowledge gained and the skills needed to succeed

Employability on the course

Our courses are designed from day one to prepare you for your future career. You will benefit from:

  • Extended induction: a period to familiarise yourself with your new university
  • Structured learning pathways: courses are crafted with a focus on preparing students for future careers
  • Hands-on project experience: projects and practical activities designed around real-world activities
  • Embedded professional development: all courses are designed with workplace skills development and professional placements as part of the course
  • Industry-informed modules: course content is kept up-to-date with industry standards through our industry links, staff's research and work in the field
  • Placement opportunities: professional development placements for every student

Course Modules

Module: 5IR001
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

This module explores how disputes in international relations come to be identified, discussed and, if possible, resolved. Through a focus on specific examples, we explore the mechanisms and resources available to states in their attempts to manage cross-border or international disputes, whether on their own terms – via diplomacy – or through regional or international arbiters such as the United Nations. We will also consider the role that ‘soft power’ and ‘public diplomacy’ might play in the resolution of international disputes, as well as exploring the role played by sub-state actors and regional organisations.

Module: 5HS014
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

Research underpins all academic study. Most scholarly monographs and journal articles present new research that has been undertaken and understanding that research helps with understanding the reading. Equally, research is not only something you will read about but something you will undertake for yourself before the end of your course. To do so, it is important that you are aware of the different options available to you as you embark upon your own research. To that end, this module will introduce you to a variety of approaches to research in your subject area and to how you might develop ideas for your own research projects.

Module: 5IR002
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

This module is intended to develop and refine your understanding of selected aspects of international politics. It begins by looking at key schools of thought and evolving debates in international relations theory in order to explore in depth some of the key concepts regarding which factors shape how international politics and relations are conducted. The module also considers some of the key structural factors at play in international relations. To this end the role of the international and transnational organisations is examined, and debates regarding their purpose and effectiveness are considered. The module also looks at the concepts of regionalism and globalisation, and explores how states respond to these ideas in terms of policy formation.

Module: 5HS001
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Optional

This module explores the history of America and the Cold War between 1947 and 1991. The module traces the course of conflict from the Truman Administration, through periods of crisis and detente, to its end during the George H.W. Bush administration in 1991. At the same time, the module explores the evolving ramifications of the Cold War upon domestic politics and society across these decades.

Module: 5SA017
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Optional

This module will explore the role of community engagement in the delivery of public and third sector services. It will look at how policy initiatives such as ‘co-production’ and ‘partnership working’ have impacted on both the commissioning and delivery of welfare services in the UK, and how some of these initiatives have been driven by policy failures. It will also investigate the role of social movements, such as Black Lives Matter and Reclaim the Streets, on our society.  It will critically examine how enhancing the voice of service users, parent carers and community activists in decision-making can not only enhance the services being delivered and but can bring about social change.

Module: 5WR010
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Optional

The ‘traditional’ image of wars and conflicts tend to be of large confrontations where states’ forces are pitted against each other, but how accurate is this perception in the contemporary world? This module examines the reality of modern war and conflicts, highlighting its changing nature and examining why modern conflict is overwhelmingly intrastate rather than interstate. It encourages students to consider the shifting nature of war and conflict in terms of where wars occur, who are the likely victims of modern campaigns and the ways in which the causes, impacts and outcomes of modern warfare are significantly altered over recent decades.

Module: 5EC008
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Optional

International economics considers how economies and the global economy have become more interconnected. In this module, you will study theoretical models of international trade as well as the effects of trade policies such as tariffs and free trade agreements. You will also explore international macroeconomic issues such as the balance of payments, the foreign exchange market and the links between the exchange rate and macroeconomic activity. The module will develop student’s awareness of the role of international trade and sustainable development.

Module: 5HS008
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Optional

This course explores the upheavals of modern history through the eyes of some of those who were most profoundly affected: Itinerants, migrants and refugees. With a focus on the available primary sources, we will examine the different ways that historians have attempted to reconstruct the perspective and agency of the men, women and children in question, and also consider the manner in which governments have sought to control this movement of people. The course takes as its two main themes the geographical mobility that came in the wake of nineteenth century industrialisation and the displacement of populations that resulted from war and persecution in the twentieth century.

Module: 5SL008
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Optional

This module provides opportunities for community-based learning through voluntary community engagement. This activity will enable you to understand the relevance of your studies within a community context, combining practical experience with academic studies. In addition, it is an opportunity to develop a critical understanding of the Third Sector, and the notion of citizenship. Both subject specific and transferable skills will be developed and utilised throughout this module, thus developing graduate employment attributes.

Module: 6IR002
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Core

This module explores issues arising from the attempt on the part of the international community to develop sustainable policies and practices. It examines concepts that enable analysis and interpretation of social and political issues related to global sustainable development. The module covers a range of sustainability topics, including climate change, decarbonisation, and biodiversity loss. Students will evaluate existing governance and management efforts around key sustainability issues while developing innovative policy responses of their own. Ethical issues arising from these attempts at sustainable development are also considered.

Module: 6IR001
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Core

This module explores the rapid emergence of Asia as a major force in global affairs. With a particular emphasis on the growth of powers like China and India, it examines Asia's increasing economic, political, and cultural prominence. The module covers topics such as the economic rise of China, India's role as an emerging power, the continued influence of Japan and South Korea, and Asia's growing assertiveness on issues like trade, security, and global governance. It analyses dynamics like the US-China strategic rivalry, China's Belt and Road Initiative across Eurasia and the developing world, and the China-India relationship. The module also addresses implications for the international order as Asian countries challenge Western dominance and promote new models of development and globalization rooted in Asian traditions and institutions. Overall, it provides a comprehensive look at the major forces reshaping international relations due to Asia's rise.

Module: 6WR011
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Optional

This module allows students to analyse how conflicts end. It will consider and critique the debates around the theory and outcomes of conflict resolution. The module adopts a case study approach and critically analyses the extent to which peace processes in the modern world have followed similar or unique patterns. It will consider whether examining peace processes in a comparative manner can provide ‘models’ or ‘best practice’ that may be extrapolated from the case studies considered and potentially applied to future peace processes in different states.

Module: 6IR003
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Optional

The Independent Study - Written Project is a sustained piece of independent study carried out in the field of International Relations, under supervision. You will be expected to devise, plan, research and write your project, the content of which will be of your own devising.

Module: 6IR004
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Optional

The Independent Study - Written Project is a sustained piece of independent study carried out in the field of International Relations, under supervision. You will be expected to devise, plan, research and write your project, the content of which will be of your own devising.

Module: 6IR003
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Optional

The Independent Study - Written Project is a sustained piece of independent study carried out in the field of International Relations, under supervision. You will be expected to devise, plan, research and write your project, the content of which will be of your own devising.

Module: 6IR004
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Optional

The Independent Study - Written Project is a sustained piece of independent study carried out in the field of International Relations, under supervision. You will be expected to devise, plan, research and write your project, the content of which will be of your own devising.

Module: 6PO008
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Optional

This module explores the nature of modern, post-colonial India through an analysis of its politics, economics, religion, caste-system and culture. Modern India is the second most populous country in the world and the world’s largest democracy, yet it is a complex and diverse country – linguistically, religiously, and ethnically – which, since achieving independence, has sought both to unify itself internally, and, as a unified nation-state, to assert its place both regionally and globally. This module examines the achievements, problems and potential of this important country.

Module: 6SA010
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Optional

This module will focus on how international Non Governmental Organisations – such as World Health Organisation and United Nations – impact on policy making in the UK. It will investigate whether global problems, such as climate changes, increasing wealth inequality, modern day slavery and global pandemics and disease, give these NGO’s legitimacy in the national policy-making context – including with the general public. It will explore the range of ways International NGO’s try to influence national policy – and how and why national policymakers resist the policy directives of these organisations.

Module: 6SL011
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Optional

    Migration is a fundamental feature of the contemporary world.  Its social and economic effects are self evident; its political ramifications frequent.  This course will provide an overview of key concepts and issues in the study of migration.  The organisation will be split into two interrelated sections.  The first will consider the key motivations why people move from one country to another.  Here the course will look at definitions, push and pull factors in migrant flows and migration in history.  Second, it will look at immigration and British society.  This will section will pay particular attention to immigration to the UK since 1945: Irish and New Commonwealth immigration, Immigration Control and contemporary asylum and Eastern European immigration.

Potential Career Paths

Employers highly value graduates who can immediately apply their skills to real-world challenges, and our course equips you to do just that. Our graduates are well-equipped for various career opportunities, including:

  • Diplomacy and foreign service

  • Peace and conflict resolution

  • Intelligence and security analysis

  • Environmental and sustainability roles

  • International NGOs and non-profits

  • International business and trade

  • Journalism and media

  • Public relations and communications

  • Cultural exchange and tourism

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

We recognise that the world of international relations is not confined to textbooks alone. Our curriculum is designed to bridge theory and practice, giving you a deep understanding of real-world challenges and solutions. By emphasising case studies, we ensure that you are well-prepared to apply your knowledge to actual international issues.

We emphasise practical skills that are highly valued in the job market. Through a range of coursework, practical projects, and hands-on experiences, you will develop a set of skills crucial for effective global engagement. Throughout the course, you will develop critical thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving expertise, all essential for a successful career in international relations.

At the University of Wolverhampton, we also understand the importance of support throughout your academic journey. Our experienced faculty, mentors, tutors, and course leaders are dedicated to guiding and inspiring you to reach your full potential in international relations.

  • Critical thinking: You will develop the ability to analyse complex global issues, evaluate multiple perspectives, and make informed decisions based on evidence and reasoned judgment.

  • Research and analysis: You will acquire strong research skills, enabling you to gather, interpret, and present data and information effectively. This skill is essential for understanding international events and conducting meaningful research.

  • Communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are vital for expressing ideas, engaging in diplomatic discussions, and effectively conveying your findings and recommendations to various audiences.

  • Cross-cultural competence: You will gain cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural communication skills, allowing you to navigate diverse environments, understand different worldviews, and engage with individuals from various backgrounds.

  • Problem-solving: Your ability to identify and address complex political and international issues will be honed, helping you develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.

  • Leadership and teamwork: You will have opportunities to work in group projects and simulations, fostering leadership and teamwork skills necessary for international collaborations and initiatives.

  • Information literacy: In an era of information overload, you will gain the ability to critically evaluate and use information from various sources, distinguishing between credible and unreliable sources.

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Jan intake Fee Year
Home Full-time £9790 per year £9790 per year 2026-27
Home Part-time £4895 per year# N/A 2026-27
International Full-time £17600 per year £17600 per year 2026-27

Additional Course Costs

Additional Field Trips: Small contribution for field trips may be requested.
Further information on these additional costs will be provided during your studies.

Further information on these additional costs will be provided prior to the start of your studies

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.


If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

Typical entry requirement: 96 UCAS points

  • A Levels - grades CCC / BCD
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades MMM
  • BTEC L3 Diploma - grades DD
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (96 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit)
  • T Levels with an overall grade of Pass and a minimum grade of C in Core.

    • Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

    Other Requirements

    Students must usually have studied for a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, we will consider applications from mature students who do not have two years of post-16 study, where they have relevant work experience. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

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