University of Southampton

International Relations (BSc)

University of SouthamptonHighfield, Southampton

Course overview

Discover the causes of conflict, instability and poverty. Explore democracy and justice in today's society. With our International Relations undergraduate degree, you'll learn both the theory and practice of global politics.

You'll develop analytical, critical thinking and research skills. This course can lead to careers in national and global politics, think tanks, and more. With our International Relations course you'll learn about the foreign and security policies of the major players in world politics.

You'll study principal institutions such as the United Nations and World Trade Organization (WTO). You'll develop your critical thinking, and enhance your analytical and research skills, which are highly valued by employers. You can also choose from a range of topics with a range of optional modules.

For example, you can focus on the politics of the UK, the EU or the US, or study modules in criminology, economics or ethics. As part of your degree you can: study global issues, like ar

Key highlights

  • Learn both the theory and practice of global politics
  • Study foreign and security policies of major world powers
  • Examine institutions such as the United Nations and WTO
  • Optional modules on UK, EU or US politics
  • Option to study criminology, economics or ethics modules
  • Develop analytical, critical thinking and research skills

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB — ABB Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
  • A-level: BBC — Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is BBC from 3 A levels.
  • A-level: AB — combined with BTEC
  • BTEC: DD — BTEC National Diploma; combined with A levels; BTEC Diploma; combined with A levels
  • BTEC: DDM — BTEC National Extended Diploma; combined with A levels; BTEC Extended Diploma; combined with A levels

Scholarships

  • Biological Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Business School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Economic, Social and Political Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Education School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Engineering Global Talent Scholarship

    Up to 5 scholarships of £2,000 are available to international students for the first 3 years of study on an undergraduate degree within the School of Engineering.

    Up to £2,000

  • Geography and Environmental Science Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Health Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Law School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Ocean and Earth Science Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Psychology Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • School of Mathematical Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

    Successful applicants will get £10,000 towards their tuition fees.

    Up to £10,000

  • Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship

    If you are awarded this scholarship, you'll get £5,000 towards your tuition fees in your first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

  • Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Global Scholarship

    There are 12 scholarships for £5000 each.

    Up to £5,000

  • Southampton Physics and Astronomy Achievement Scholarship

    The scholarships are renewable for subsequent years of study (subject to continuing academic performance) for up to £20,000 total. There are 10 stipend scholarships of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Policy analyst
  • Think tank researcher
  • Civil servant
  • Diplomatic service officer
  • Political researcher
  • International development officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,535 per year | International: £26,000 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 University of Southampton, 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 2025 place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide