International Relations and Politics

International relations and politics together address the fundamental questions of how power is organised and exercised in the world, from the dynamics of state behaviour and international institutions to the forces of nationalism, globalisation, conflict, and cooperation. These are disciplines with genuine urgency, relevant to the most pressing challenges of our time, from climate diplomacy and nuclear proliferation to migration and democratic backsliding.

At the University of Dundee this four-year full-time programme combines political theory with the empirical study of international affairs, giving you frameworks both for analysing how the world works and for thinking critically about how it ought to work. You will study the major theoretical traditions in international relations, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and critical approaches, alongside substantive topics such as foreign policy, international security, global governance, and comparative politics. A year abroad is built into the degree, placing you in a different academic and cultural environment and giving you direct experience of viewing global affairs from a different national perspective.

This is an asset both intellectually and professionally.

The programme develops strong skills in research, critical reading, analytical writing, and oral argument. The year abroad adds linguistic exposure, adaptability, and the kind of cross-cultural experience that is increasingly valued in graduate recruitment across international organisations and professional services.

Graduates of international relations and politics go into careers in diplomacy, the civil service, international organisations, journalism, think tanks, political consultancy, development work, and the legal profession. Many continue to postgraduate study in international relations, security studies, law, or public policy, building on the analytical foundations and international experience the degree provides.