International Relations with Politics BA (Hons)

**Study global issues such as poverty, debt and famine, and how we can address the challenges faced by humanity from an international relations perspective.**<br/><br/>Gain an international perspective by exploring how nations interact on the global stage.<br/><br/>As part of this course, you’ll:<br/><br/><br/>- Critically explore global issues such as security, poverty, debt and famine<br/><br/><br/>- Understand how we can address the challenges faced by humanity from an international relations perspective<br/><br/><br/>- Examine global inequalities, the rise of the superpower nations and what power looks like at a global level<br/><br/><br/>- Understand how major developments, including the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, globalisation, changing global power relations and the emergence of new terror threats and social movements have shaped the world<br/><br/><br/>- Evaluate theories of international relations and diplomacy and analyse the ideas, ideologies, policies and institutions that form the foundations of global politics<br/><br/><br/>- Analyse what happens during conflict, and the challenges faced by states and world organisations trying to preserve peace and security<br/><br/><br/>- Undertake a volunteering placement giving you work experience in the field<br/><br/><br/>- Blend critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills<br/><br/><br/>- Critically explore politics<br/><br/><br/>- Examine some of the pressing issues facing us today, such as climate change, human rights, migration and the crisis of capitalism<br/><br/><br/>**Find out more**<br/><br/>**International perspective**<br/>You’ll gain experiences and insight that will enhance your world view and help build your network of international contacts. Studying the roles of international organisations such as the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations will give you an understanding of their working processes and limitations. You’ll be encouraged to think critically and develop ideas that might help them to achieve their goals.<br/><br/>**High profile speakers**<br/>Our annual Politics & International Relations Festival and Peace Lecture have previously attracted guest speakers such as Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, former Labour MP David Miliband, and former Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas.<br/><br/>**Research expertise**<br/>Our academic team are research-active and are involved in international activism and global development. They include Professor Rachel Julian, who is currently researching local understandings of conflict in Myanmar through culture and stories.<br/><br/>**Building your future potential**<br/>As a student in the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, you’ll be encouraged to think about your future career right from the start of your learning journey. Information and advice about relevant future career options will be built into the first year of your degree. During your second and third years of study, you’ll be able to choose modules with live brief learning challenges (real life projects designed by employers) and work placement opportunities.<br/><br/>You’ll also carry out a volunteering placement of your choice, enriching your concept of society and citizenship, and developing your skills for employment. <br/><br/>**Why study International Relations at Leeds Beckett University...**<br/>- Pathways available, with the option to change direction after Year 1<br/><br/><br/>- Fantastic placement opportunities<br/><br/><br/>- Guest lectures, including annual festival of Politics and International Relations<br/><br/><br/>- Volunteering opportunities<br/><br/><br/>- 91.7% of BA (Hons) International Relations (with pathways) graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation*<br/><br/><br/>*Percentage of respondents from this course, HESA Graduate Outcomes 21-22

Ranked a top 10 university in the UK for course quality and careers (Uni Compare Rankings, 2026), Leeds Beckett University is committed to giving you the support and guidance you need to succeed in a career. From hands-on opportunities to cutting-edge facilities, LBU's courses are designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.<br/><br/>You'll also have access to a dedicated team of career experts who will offer you advice and opportunities for professional development while studying your course and for up to five years after graduation. Leeds Beckett's aim is to ensure you are career-ready.<br/><br/>And, if you want to live in a budget-friendly city loved by students, with a thriving cultural scene, diverse community and plenty of job opportunities, Leeds is the perfect destination. It's recently been ranked the best place to live in the North (Sunday Times, Best Places to Live 2024)!<br/><br/>Study a course that gives you a future advantage, in a city with something for everyone.