BA (Hons) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
BA (HONS) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Do you wonder how the world works? Or why it often doesn't work? And do you wonder if, and how, we can find a collective response to urgent issues such as climate change, unfair trade relations, security dilemmas, terrorism, global inequality, and racism? If so, then you are already on your way to thinking like an international relations student. And studying International Relations (IR) with us is a sure way to gain a deeper understanding of these global issues.
IR is the study of a world composed of sovereign states who acknowledge no higher authority. This creates a sphere of influence very different from that of national politics. Our degree trains you to understand and analyse these dynamics as we examine the functioning, theory, and history of this global sphere. Together, we examine the nature of the changing relations between states and non-state actors, looking at the most pressing and important questions from every corner of the globe.
At UEA, you’ll be taught by cutting-edge specialists in International Relations. In the most recent Times Higher Education REF Analysis (2021), UEA was ranked 14th overall for research quality in Politics and International Studies.
About
Global politics affects all our lives. Our International Relations degree brings you to investigate the dynamics of a constantly changing world of the 21st century. You’ll develop the ability to think critically about regional, national, and international politics such as the European Union to the African Union, to understand institutional processes such as combating climate change, and to interrogate structures such as the historical racial hierarchy of the modern world. In learning about these issues, you’ll study different regions from the Asia-Pacific to Latin America to Europe, Africa, the United States, and beyond.
Taught by leading academics who are experts in their fields, our degree prepares you for a variety of career paths in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors within international relations. We work with you to provide the opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills to pursue your passion and make a difference. You will explore political ideas, systems, and processes, learn to question and to challenge, how to collect data, develop knowledge, construct arguments, and communicate your findings in different ways. We’re increasingly decolonising the curriculum. You’ll learn about international law, gender politics, geopolitical dynamics such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This will be done through a large choice of modules helping you tailor the course to your own interests and goals. We also offer opportunities to take part in study trips, internships and placements, as well as an extended period of study abroad. We warmly invite you to join us.

We’re 14th for research quality!

What's included in your fees
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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
International Relations students can participate in outgoing study across the globe for one semester, in the second semester of your second year at one of UEA’s partner universities. Opportunities abroad enhance your academic experience, increase employability prospects, build a network of contacts with other students – and are fun!
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.

We’re 14th for research quality!

What's included in your fees
After the Course
This exciting degree will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. You will graduate with a wide range of transferable skills such as research, critical thinking, analysis, and team working.
Popular career destinations for our graduates include the civil and foreign service, local government, the charity sector, international organisations, teaching, business, and the armed forces. This course also provides a good foundation for further studies at Masters level.
We work alongside you to develop your career skills at every stage of the course. UEA CareerCentral offers guidance, workshops and experiences that enable students to explore possible career pathways and the realities of job progression.
Career destinations
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- International organisations
- Political careers, such as working in Parliament
- Charities and NGOs
- Think tanks and other research careers
- Civil service
- Armed forces

We’re 14th for research quality!

What's included in your fees
Assessment for Year 1
Our assessments are predominantly at the individual level. These include essays and other written assessments including mini-essays, portfolios, short critical summaries, and reading logs.
Assessment for Year 2
As you progress through your degree, you choose from a wide range of modules with a range of assessment formats. Most assessments are at the individual level, made up of written coursework. Students can take modules involving assessments by presentation, group projects, including group presentations, and a range of new types of writing including policy briefs.
Assessment for Year 3
The third year gives you the opportunity to write a dissertation of 8-9000 words. You will select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert. There are also opportunities to partake in activist campaigns, write reflective essays, as well reports and select committee submissions.
The Course Director can support up to 40 credits off profile over the course of your degree. Students of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies are able to take one free non-credit module alongside your degree.
Assessment for Year 1
Our assessments are predominantly at the individual level. These include essays and other written assessments including mini-essays, portfolios, short critical summaries, and reading logs.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.The Course Director can support up to 40 credits off profile over the course of your degree. Students who wish to take Language modules cannot take more than 40 credits of languages across their degree without seeking approval from the course director.
Assessment for Year 2
As you progress through your degree, you choose from a wide range of modules with a range of assessment formats. Most assessments are at the individual level, made up of written coursework. Students can take modules involving assessments by presentation, group projects, including group presentations, and a range of new types of writing including policy briefs.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.The Course Director can support up to 40 credits off profile over the course of your degree.
Assessment for Year 3
The third year gives you the opportunity to write a dissertation of 8-9000 words. You will select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert. There are also opportunities to partake in activist campaigns, write reflective essays, as well reports and select committee submissions.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
ABB If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.T Levels
Not acceptedBTEC
DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business AdministrationScottish highers
AAABBScottish highers advanced
BCCIrish leaving certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3Access course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3European Baccalaureate
75%International Baccalaureate
32GCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.Additional entry requirements
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Humanities and Law (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
We’re 14th for research quality!

What's included in your fees
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.

We’re 14th for research quality!

What's included in your fees
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:

We’re 14th for research quality!

What's included in your fees

We’re 14th for research quality!

What's included in your fees
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