International Relations

International relations is the study of how states, international organisations, non-governmental actors, and other entities interact across borders, and of the forces, norms, and structures that shape those interactions. It draws on political science, history, economics, and law to explain patterns of cooperation and conflict, the causes of war and the conditions for peace, the dynamics of global trade and development, and the challenges of governing issues that no single country can address alone, from climate change to nuclear proliferation.

At Loughborough University, this three-year full-time programme gives you the analytical frameworks to understand how the international system has developed since the mid-twentieth century, and how states and other actors have responded to the major political, economic, and social challenges of that era. You will engage with the main theoretical traditions of international relations, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and critical approaches, while also studying specific regions, conflicts, and international institutions in depth. The programme develops your ability to analyse complex situations, evaluate competing interpretations, and construct clear, well-evidenced arguments about some of the most difficult questions in world politics.

Graduates from international relations programmes pursue careers in the foreign service, government departments, international organisations, think tanks, journalism, non-governmental organisations, and international business. The ability to think clearly about power, institutions, and global dynamics is valued in any role that involves working across national or cultural boundaries. Many graduates also proceed to postgraduate study in international relations, international law, security studies, development studies, and diplomacy, and some pursue professional qualifications in law or public policy alongside their academic work.