Global Politics & Int. Relations with Found. Year

Global politics and international relations examines the forces that shape international life, asking how states, international organisations, non-governmental actors and social movements interact across borders, how power is distributed and exercised at a global level, and what the prospects are for cooperation, justice and stability in an increasingly complex world. The discipline draws on political theory, history, economics and sociology to understand contemporary global challenges including climate change, conflict, migration, development, trade and the shifting dynamics of great power competition.

At Birkbeck College this programme is studied part-time and includes a foundation year, making it accessible to a wide range of students including those returning to education or those who need additional academic preparation before the main degree. You will develop a strong foundation in international politics and an in-depth understanding of pressing global challenges, exploring contending theoretical approaches to international relations alongside evolving regional and global political dynamics. You will also develop essential verbal and analytical skills through the research-led, seminar-based teaching that characterises Birkbeck's approach.

Graduates in global politics and international relations work in government, the foreign office, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, journalism, policy research, the civil service, development agencies, the private sector and the growing range of professional roles that require sophisticated understanding of international affairs. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in international relations, global studies, security studies, development studies or international law, building on the analytical foundation the undergraduate degree provides to develop specialist expertise in their chosen area of the field.