International Relations, BA (Hons)
Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom
Course overview
As technology, transport, and a more complex and globalised economy make our world smaller, the value of peaceful and cooperative relationships between states and nations is increasingly important. At the same time, the threats that states, communities, and individuals face are increasing in intensity and breadth. How do states cope with the changing nature of conflicts and new threats to security?
How do we maintain and strengthen peaceful relations between people and states? What role can international institutions play alongside state actors in a complex and interconnected world? Our three-year BA International Relations degree provides you with an opportunity to investigate the impact of a globalised world on states and citizens, the role of digital communication in shaping citizenship understanding of events, or the evolution of global human rights.
The drivers and forces behind international cooperation and conflict form part of the degree just as much as the impact of conflict on the relation between states and people. You will learn how power, norms and institutions, as well as legal frameworks, affect our day-to-day lives and how historical events still have a noticeable impact on the global world order.
Key highlights
- Examines how states respond to changing conflicts and new security threats
- Explores the role of international institutions alongside state actors
- Covers digital communication's role in shaping citizens' understanding of events
- Traces the evolution of global human rights
- Analyses how power, norms, institutions and legal frameworks shape daily life
- Considers how historical events still influence today's global world order
Entry requirements
- A-level: BBB-BCC — Text: BBB-BCC. A level (or equivalent) typical offer: BBB-BCC
- BTEC: DDM-DMM — BTEC: DDM-DMM
- Access to HE Diploma — UK Access: in Humanities or Social Sciences - minimum of 21 Distinctions and 24 Merits at Level 3
- T-level: Merit — T Levels: Merit
- UCAS tariff points: 120 — Mixed Qualifications: 120 UCAS tariff points from 3 highest qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: 32 — International Baccalaureate: 32 points
Scholarships
International Excellence Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded as a discount on tuition fees worth up to £5,000 in the first year of study, with a further £2,000 awarded in Year 2 (for £5,000 awardees only, subject to achieving a 70% average).
Swansea University Sport Scholarship
Financial support (of up to £2000).
Thrive Bursary
The Thrive bursary is a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees for the first year of study, with a progression bursary of £2,000 in subsequent years (applied as a discount off tuition fees).
Up to £4,000
Careers this course leads to
- Diplomatic service officer
- Policy analyst
- Intelligence analyst
- Political risk analyst
- Non-governmental organisation programme officer
- Public affairs consultant
Cost of study
UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £19,000 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Swansea University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.