Law with International Relations with a Foundation Year

Law with international relations is a combination that reflects the interconnected world we live in, pairing the rigorous study of legal systems and principles with an understanding of the political, diplomatic, and institutional structures through which states and other actors manage their relationships. International law, human rights, trade law, and the governance of global institutions are areas where the two disciplines converge directly, and the combination gives you a dual perspective on the rules and power dynamics that shape international order.

This four-year full-time programme at Swansea University includes a foundation year, which provides a structured entry route into the degree for students who have the potential to succeed but may not have the results needed to enter the three-year programme directly. You will study the core areas of English and Welsh law, including contract, tort, criminal law, public law, and equity, while also developing your understanding of international relations theory, foreign policy, international institutions, and global governance. The combination encourages you to think about legal rules not as abstract principles but as instruments shaped by political context and power.

Graduates from law with international relations go on to careers in legal practice, the diplomatic service, international organisations, NGOs, policy analysis, human rights work, journalism, and corporate roles requiring regulatory or international expertise. The LLB element of the degree provides eligibility to pursue the Solicitors Qualifying Examination or barrister training, while the international relations strand opens doors in areas where legal expertise intersects with political and diplomatic knowledge. Postgraduate study in international law, international relations, or human rights is also a common route.