BA (Hons) International Relations
Explore global politics with our BA in International Relations. Study security, world economy, conflict, cooperation and global order.
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Course overview
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The BA in International Relations provides a rigorous, wide-ranging education into the political structure of the world, and of a range of key countries and regions. Our degree focuses on how global order can be achieved even in the absence of world government. You will be taught about security, the world economy, globalisation, and the conflictual and cooperative engagement between states.
Graduates in International Relations are valued for their breadth of knowledge, critical thinking skills, writing and presentation abilities, and their capacity to work with others in groups. Our degree will equip you for high quality, graduate-level employment, as well as postgraduate study at Buckingham and other highly ranked universities. Buckingham itself is home to three important research centres, the Centre for United Nations Studies, the International Institute for the Study of Cuba, and the Buckingham University Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS).
Central to the Buckingham experience is small group teaching and a problem-centred approach. Lectures themselves are interactive, with classes normally no larger than 50 students and tutorials – which the forum for group discussion – typically having eight students. Lectures and tutorials are taken by regular staff, who are experts in their field, and not by graduate teaching assistants. And academics have an open-door policy, so if you have problems or simply want to discuss further what has been presented in class you are welcome to do so.
Politics (which includes International Relations) was ranked Second in the UK in the 2022 National Student Survey. Buckingham is also strongly committed to free speech, as evidenced by its consistent awarding by Spiked magazine of “green” (“has not restricted or regulated speech”).
Flexible start and durations
This course is offered as a two-year degree, with the option to start in September or January. Alternatively, the course can be taken as a three-year degree starting in September.
Entry requirements
The typical A-Level requirements for this course are BBB-BBC, IB:30-32 or equivalent UCAS Tariff points. Applicants must also have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4, or above (or equivalent).
Applications to Buckingham are individually considered by the Admissions Tutor and other factors may be taken into account. Applicants with BTEC qualifications are welcome to apply, including if you have a mix of BTEC and A levels. Equivalent A-level grades are also accepted (for example BBD equivalent to BCC)
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in a slightly lower A-level grade offer.
Flexible entry
All of our undergraduate programmes operate a flexible entry process, and the Admissions Tutor is happy to consider entrants from all backgrounds with slightly lower qualifications if they are able to demonstrate an alternative eligibility for the course. This may be in the form of relevant work experience, keen aptitude and a passion for the subject, or unlocked potential that you feel can be discovered through your studies at Buckingham. If you are uncertain whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact the Admissions Team.
UCAS applications
You may apply either through the national UCAS university admissions system or at any time directly to the University using our own online application form.
Mature students
Because of our two-year degree, we find that the age range of our student body varies between those who have recently completed A-levels (or equivalent) to more mature students. Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English Language Requirements
If your English language level is below the entry requirements you will be expected to complete our pre-sessional English language programme. You do not need to apply separately for this programme, your offer will include the necessary pre-sessional English term(s).
Selection process
Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be contacted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or contact us using the contact form here.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
Teaching and assessment
Quality teaching
We offer high quality, small group teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.
High calibre staff
Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers.
Teaching methods
Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of Buckingham’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.
A range of activities is pursued within the tutorial groups depending upon the module. Some modules emphasise problem solving as a means of reinforcing and cementing the important ideas. Occasionally we use game playing to encourage discussion and understanding. Other modules place greater emphasis on writing short and accurate technical pieces or longer more discursive papers.
Assessment methods
The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.
Preparation for work
All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable and professional skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.
After your course
Graduate employment
Our International Relations degree equips graduates with a range of skills: analysis; report-writing; group working; a deep understanding of power relations, both domestic and international. When combined with politics it is especially useful as a foundation for careers in policy analysis, civil service, diplomacy, country risk analysis, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the charity sector, public affairs consultant, journalism and teaching.
Because developments in artificial intelligence (AI) may threaten many careers, our emphasis is on equipping you with skills that are distinctively human and unlikely to be replaced by robots any time soon: empathy; problem-solving, where solutions cannot be learned in advance; working with others; creativity; fundamental strategic thinking; imagination.
It is also possible to build on your first degree by taking various Master’s (MA) programmes: United Nations and Diplomatic Studies; Security and Intelligence Studies; Security, Intelligence and Diplomacy. By taking our two-year undergraduate degree plus an MA, you can get two degrees in the time in takes students to take just one at other universities. Generous fee reductions are available for high performing undergraduates as well.
Course fees
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | 1st Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 | |
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.
Funded scholarships and bursaries may be awarded across all schools of study, and represent a partial remission from tuition fees. Bursaries are means-tested and are intended for those who need a contribution towards their fees in order to study at Buckingham.
Students applying for this course may be eligible for the following:
View all scholarships and bursaries.
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