International Relations
International Relations is the academic study of how states, international organisations, non-governmental bodies and other actors interact at the global level. It examines the causes of war and the conditions for peace, the functioning of international law and institutions, the dynamics of global trade and finance, the politics of migration and human rights, and the effects of power and inequality on how the world is governed. It is a discipline with direct relevance to some of the most pressing questions of our time, from climate change and refugee crises to geopolitical competition and the future of multilateralism.
At the London School of Economics this three-year full-time degree draws on the School's exceptional concentration of expertise in international affairs to offer a programme of real intellectual depth. You will analyse the functioning, history and theory of the international system and the evolving relationships between nations, examining the character of different states and the implications of uneven distributions of power, money, welfare and knowledge for foreign policies and international order. The degree includes a year abroad option, giving you the opportunity to study at an international institution and broaden your perspective on the global system you are studying.
LSE's location in London and its strong connections with international organisations and policymakers enrich the intellectual and professional environment.
Graduates from International Relations programmes at LSE go on to careers in diplomacy, foreign affairs and international organisations, the civil service, journalism, international development, finance, law and the charitable sector. The analytical rigour, geopolitical understanding and communication skills the degree develops are valued across all contexts where engagement with the international system matters. For those wishing to continue their studies, the degree provides excellent preparation for postgraduate work in international relations, international law, global history, international political economy or related fields.