International Relations and Politics

International Relations and Politics together form one of the most coherent joint honours pairings in the social sciences. International Relations is concerned with the behaviour of states, international organisations and non-state actors in the global arena, examining conflict, cooperation, trade, diplomacy and the rules and norms that shape how the world is governed. Politics provides the broader conceptual framework, exploring how power is organised and contested within and between societies, how institutions function and how ideologies compete.

Studied together, they give you both the macro perspective of the global system and the analytical tools to understand how domestic political processes connect to international outcomes.

At Queen's University Belfast this three-year full-time degree provides an in-depth, interdisciplinary understanding of contemporary politics and international affairs. You will be introduced to core concepts and debates in both disciplines, examining conflict situations, European integration and the experiences of different national polities and societies. The programme develops your capacity for cross-national comparison and equips you to engage with complex issues such as globalisation, the rise of emerging powers and the changing nature of international order.

Belfast's location and the university's particular expertise in conflict, post-conflict societies and political transitions gives the programme a distinctive perspective that enriches your understanding.

Graduates from International Relations and Politics degrees go on to careers in government, the civil service, diplomacy, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, journalism, policy research, the military, law and business. The analytical skills, geopolitical knowledge and ability to evaluate evidence developed during the degree are widely valued across these fields. For those wishing to continue academically, the programme provides strong preparation for postgraduate study in international relations, political science, security studies, law or public policy.