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BA International Relations
About this course
International relations is the study of how states and other actors interact across national borders, and why the global order takes the shape it does. It draws on history, political science, economics, law, and philosophy to analyse war and peace, cooperation and conflict, trade and development, and the institutions and norms that attempt to govern an inherently anarchic system of sovereign states. Questions about why wars begin and why they sometimes end, why states cooperate on climate or fail to, and how power shifts between regions and generations lie at the heart of the discipline. At Queen Mary University of London, this four-year full-time programme gives you deep grounding in the central theories and debates of international relations, from realism and liberalism to constructivism, critical theory, and postcolonial perspectives. You will examine landmark events and ongoing crises, developing the ability to analyse complex situations through multiple analytical lenses. Queen Mary's location in London brings particular advantages: proximity to international institutions, diplomatic missions, think tanks, and a global city whose politics reflect the international system in microcosm. You will develop strong analytical writing skills, the ability to construct and defend arguments, and the intellectual flexibility to engage with rapidly changing world events. The programme encourages you to connect theory to current affairs, examining issues such as the resurgence of great-power competition, the politics of international climate agreements, the governance of migration, and the changing character of warfare. You will also engage with international law, global political economy, and the role of non-state actors, building a well-rounded picture of how the world is organised and contested. Graduates from international relations programmes pursue careers in diplomacy, the foreign and civil service, international organisations, journalism, non-governmental organisations, think tanks, development agencies, and international business. The analytical, research, and communication skills the degree develops are also valued in law, consultancy, and public policy. Postgraduate study in international relations, security studies, international law, or development is a natural next step for those seeking specialist roles or academic careers.
Syllabus & Modules
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