International Politics

International politics is the study of how states and other actors behave beyond their own borders, and how those interactions produce the world's arrangements of power, conflict, cooperation, and governance. It examines the forces that drive foreign policy decisions, the conditions under which wars start or are avoided, the role of international institutions and international law, and the implications of globalisation for sovereignty, democracy, and human rights. As a discipline, it borrows from political science, history, economics, and philosophy to build analytical frameworks capable of making sense of a genuinely complex and contested international environment.

At Brunel University London, this three-year, full-time degree invites you to look behind the news and examine the structural and historical forces that shape global events. You will explore the nature of democracy and democratisation in different regional contexts, the evolution of American foreign policy, the dynamics of globalisation, and the institutions through which states attempt to coordinate their behaviour. The programme develops your capacity for rigorous analytical thinking alongside your ability to research and write persuasively about complex issues.

A year abroad is available, giving you the opportunity to study in a different political and academic environment. The typical entry tariff of 88 points reflects an accessible approach to admissions.

International politics graduates enter careers in diplomacy, the civil service, international organisations, journalism, non-governmental organisations, think tanks, and the private sector. Many work for government departments with international responsibilities, for bodies such as the United Nations or NATO, or for NGOs engaged in conflict resolution, development, and human rights. Roles in international business, where geopolitical literacy is increasingly valued, are also common destinations.

Postgraduate study in international relations, international law, security studies, or public policy is a natural continuation for those who wish to develop greater depth in a particular area.