International Relations

International relations is the academic discipline that examines how states, international organisations, non-state actors, and transnational forces interact across borders. It addresses questions of war and peace, diplomacy, global governance, trade, human rights, the environment, and the political dynamics of a world in which national boundaries are increasingly porous. The field draws on political science, history, economics, law, and sociology to develop frameworks for understanding global events and the institutions through which they are managed or contested.

At the University of Plymouth, the BSc in International Relations is a three-year full-time programme that includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement, providing a remarkable depth of professional and international experience alongside your academic study. You will study international relations theory, global politics, the international political economy, security studies, and the governance of specific world regions. The curriculum develops your ability to analyse democratic systems, examine competing theories of governance, and apply political analysis to real institutions and events at both the national and transnational level.

Plymouth's programme emphasises the connection between theoretical frameworks and the practical realities of international political life.

The combination of academic rigour, international study experience, and professional placement makes Plymouth graduates well prepared for competitive graduate roles. Careers span diplomacy and the foreign service, international organisations, NGOs, policy analysis, journalism, think tanks, the civil service, and development work. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in international relations, global governance, security studies, or international law.