International Relations and Development

International relations and development is a degree that addresses two of the most urgent questions confronting the world: how states and other actors manage their relationships across borders, and how the persistent inequalities of wealth, health, and opportunity between the world's nations can be understood and addressed. International relations examines conflict and cooperation between states, the architecture of international governance, human rights, security, and the role of multilateral institutions. Development studies brings a critical lens to bear on questions of poverty, inequality, economic growth, aid, and the political conditions under which societies improve the welfare of their people.

Together they provide a framework for engaging seriously with global challenges.

At the University of Sussex, this programme is offered with a foundation year and includes a sandwich year with placement and a year abroad, making it one of the most richly structured programmes in the field. Sussex has a world-class reputation in both international relations and development studies, and the department is one of the largest dedicated international relations departments in the world. You will study the theory and practice of international relations alongside development economics, political economy of development, and the critical analysis of aid and global governance, developing the analytical tools to engage with these questions at a sophisticated level.

Graduates are well placed for careers in international organisations, NGOs, development agencies, the civil service, diplomatic services, journalism, policy research, and the private sector in roles concerned with international affairs and corporate responsibility. Sussex graduates in this field have gone on to work in organisations ranging from the United Nations and World Bank to national governments and international charities. Postgraduate study in international relations, development studies, or related fields is a natural progression for those who wish to build specialist expertise or pursue research careers.