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International Relations

BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons)

Key facts
Overview
How to apply
Tuition fees
Learning and assessment
Study Abroad
After you graduate
Student profiles
Our Staff
Free language courses

Key facts

Start dates

September 2019 / September 2020

Location

Headington

Course length

Full time: 3 years

Part time: up to 6 years

Department

Department of Social Sciences

UCAS Tariff Points

112

Order a Prospectus

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Overview

Our International Relations degree looks at world power relations in their various forms. You will analyse a wide range of sources and gain powerful insight into the world. 

Our course examines some of the critical issues of our modern times including:

  • international cooperation and conflict
  • the new character of warfare
  • the impact of globalisation upon states and societies.

You will also study persistent world problems such as:

  • poverty
  • development
  • environment
  • human rights issues.

Our teaching team are active researchers and their research directly informs your learning. 

Oxfordshire has one of the highest numbers of non-governmental organisations. This gives you a diverse range of career opportunities. We also offer Work-Based Modules with MPs and local councillors to prepare you for today's employment market.

How to apply

Typical offers

UCAS Tariff Points: 112

A Level: BBC

IB Points: 30

BTEC: DMM

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. This combination of A-level grades would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

If you accept a Conditional offer to this course as your Firm choice through UCAS, and the offer does not include a requirement to pass an English language test or improve your English language, we may be able to make the offer Unconditional. Please check your offer carefully where this will be confirmed for each applicant.

For combined honours, normally the offer will lie between the offers quoted for each subject.

Applications are also welcomed for consideration from applicants with European qualifications, international qualifications or recognised foundation courses. For advice on eligibility please contact Admissions: admissions@brookes.ac.uk

Entry requirements

Specific entry requirements

Please also see the University's general entry requirements.

English language requirements

Please see the University's standard English language requirements.

International qualifications and equivalences

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English requirements for visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.

Pathways courses for international and EU students

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.

If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

Credit transfer

Many of our courses consider applications for entry with credit for prior learning. Each application is individually assessed by our credit entry tutors. 

If you would like more information about whether or not you may be eligible for the award of credit, for example from an HND, partly-completed degree or foundation degree, please contact our Admissions team.

We operate the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.

Application process

Full time Home / EU applicants

Apply through UCAS

Part time Home / EU applicants

Apply direct to the University

International applicants

Apply direct to the University

Full time applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home/EU full time
£9,250
Home/EU part time
£750 per single module
International full time
£13,410
Home/EU full time
£9,250 (subject to agreement by Office for Students)
Home/EU part time
£1,155 per single module
International full time
£13,900

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2019/20
Home/EU full time
£9,250
Home/EU part time
£750 per single module
International full time
£13,410
2020/21
Home/EU full time
£9,250 (subject to agreement by Office for Students)
Home/EU part time
£1,155 per single module
International full time
£13,900

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Please note tuition fees for Home/EU students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.

Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning home and EU students at the maximum permitted level.

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.

Financial support and scholarships

For general sources of financial support, see our Fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

We do not expect students to purchase any compulsory course books, as they are all available in the library. If students wish to purchase additional books to supplement their reading, this is at their own discretion.

Students organise placements themselves, and are responsible for their own travel and associated costs - it is advised that they organise placements bearing this in mind. Oxfordshire based placements are accessible via public transport - often via the University’s subsidised BROOKESbus service, which is free to bus pass holders. Placements in London will incur higher travel costs; for example, a day return ticket on the Oxford Tube costs £14 (subject to change, for the latest fares see the Oxford Tube website). It is encouraged that students explore opportunities for their placement provider to cover travel costs if they opt for a placement which is not local.

Learning and assessment

In Year 1 you will take three introductory modules:

  • Introduction to International Relations I: Perspectives
  • Introduction to International Relations II: Themes and Issues
  • Academic Literacy in Politics and International Relations.

In Years 2 and 3 you can choose from a range of advanced modules.These focus on different aspects of international relations. 

In Year 3 you will choose six honours-level modules. These will reflect our staff’s research expertise.

You can also write a dissertation as part of the honours component of our course. This allows you to specialise in one of your fields or combine them both in one project.

International Relations is a combined honours degree which means you study it alongside another subject.

Students studying

Study modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Introduction to International Relations I: Perspectives

This module provides an introduction to the theory and history of international relations. The module will give a broad overview of the discipline of international relations, engaging with the scope of study, key theories and concepts, and ground these in an historical overview of the international system since 1945.

Introduction to International Relations II: Themes and Issues

This module provides an introduction to the field of international relations by examining some of the key issues in contemporary world politics. After introducing core concepts and themes – for example, the idea and history of the international system of states and international society, transnational and global society, along with the concepts of conflict and co-operation among states and non-state actors – the module examines a number of immediate and chronic issues in world politics.

Academic Literacy in Politics and International Relations

This module develops and enhances the academic literacy of Politics and International Relations students through an exploration of the art, craft and science of these two disciplines. The aims of the module are to provide students with the opportunity to develop key academic skills through a consideration of the concerns and practice of these two disciplines. Through practical and analytical activities and content students are invited to explore what the nature and scope of these two disciplines are, what critical issues they explore, what questions they seek to answer and what the academic, educational and social value of these disciplines are. The module well help students develop their key academic skills to equip them for their undergraduate studies while challenging them to consider the reasons they are studying these subjects. In short, the module asks what do students of Politics and International Relations do, how do they do it, why do they do it and why is it important.

Optional modules

Introduction to Politics

An investigation of the nature of political study and of politics through examination of political behaviour (processes of political socialisation, the nature of political culture and the ways in which individuals participate in a democratic society) and the role of ideas and ideologies in informing individual and collective behaviour.

Politics in Comparative Perspective

This module examines and compares the nature of democratic politics, including governmental institutions and political processes, in a number of systems including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the USA and the European Union.

Year 2

Optional modules

Researching Politics and International Relations I: Analytical Modes

The aim of this module is to locate political science and international relations with reference to debates about the nature of social science, so that students may begin to make informed choices about their own modes of inquiry. Students will be introduced to debates about the nature of ‘the political’ (ontology), what we can know about it (epistemology) and how different modes of inquiry are derived from these debates.

Researching Politics and International Relations II: Methods (Alternative Compulsory)

Introduces students to the ideas underpinning the design and conduct of research in politics and international relations, starting with the big questions of ‘what exists?’ and ‘how can we know about what exists?’ before moving to consider the practice and implications of different research methods.

Contemporary Security Studies (Alternative Compulsory)

The topic of ‘security’ – what it is, how to achieve it, who should provide it, and even who and/or what should ‘be secured’ – is hotly contested by policy makers, the academic community, and members of civil society. This module examines some of the different ways that security and its objects of protection (whether these are the nation-state, the environment, the economy, a ‘way of life’, and/or the individual) have been conceptualised and the implications for peace and global conflict as well as for everyday forms of violence and exclusion.

The Global Political Economy (Alternative Compulsory)

Examines the global economic order and the interaction of economics and politics in shaping world affairs. The module is divided into two parts. Part one offers a historical overview, and a range of theoretical tools through which to understand recent changes in the world economy. Part two looks at a number of substantive debates by discussing how politics and economics are entwined in the areas of production, finance, and trade.

Global Governance and Civil Society (Alternative Compulsory)

The module examines the web of governance structures in a world no longer dominated by state actors. It explores the changing ‘architectures’ of statist governance and the variety of inter- and trans-societal, as well as global structures and processes.

International Trade and Migration (Alternative Compulsory)

This module combines the study of international migration with a specific aspect of global governance - trade agreements and organisations. Developing a historical sociology approach, it traces key events and social processes defining the imbrication of international migration and trade governance since the mid-19th Century. These two phenomena are becoming more prominent in contemporary elite and everyday politics as crises and/or opportunities for resistance. Through them, the module provides an alternative history of international relations, while showing that their imbrication is not as recent as popular ideas may assume.

Russia and East Europe after Lenin

Explores the attempt to build a radical alternative political, social and economic model in Europe during the 20th century. The module will be substantively concerned with questions of state-building, governance, security and legitimacy in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Taking a comparative approach to the region, students will consider the appropriateness of Western concepts for understanding the political system, particularly socialism, totalitarianism, pluralism and democracy.

Current Issues in Politics and International Relations

The content is to be decided on each occasion this module runs by International Relations and Politics staff in conjunction with the Subject meeting and External Examiners.

Nationalism, Identity and Ethnicity

This module examines the competing and contrasting theoretical approaches to understanding nationalism and ethnicity. Using a range of case studies from pre-modern Europe to the global present the module assesses the different ways in which nationalism can influence state (and sub-state) development, economic relations, democratic practice and institutional arrangements. The module also explores the intersection between nationalism, ethnicity and other key categories in political science such as: political mobilisation, conflict, culture, gender, religion and globalisation. The last two themes in particular look at challenges to nationalist ideologies, movements and the nation-state.

Work Based Learning

This module offers students the opportunity to build on the skills and knowledge gained in the Politics and/or International Relations level 4 modules in order to undertake a with organisations that are engaged in areas relevant to the study of Politics and/or International Relations. Students will be able to evaluate and reflect critically upon this experience in a module that links theory and practice of Politics and International Relations in a professional context. The content of the module is negotiated between the student and the work placement provider and must be approved by the module leader in advance of the commencement of the placement.

Year 3

Optional modules

Dissertation in International Relations (Double Honours Component)

This module provides the opportunity for independent research under supervision. Students choose a dissertation topic under advice from International Relations staff, then design and conduct a piece of small scale research over two semesters, which is finally written up as a dissertation of 8-10,000 words.

Interdisciplinary Dissertation in International Relations (Double Honours Component)

This module provides the opportunity for independent research under supervision. The interdisciplinary dissertation combines both subjects of study. As such, students choose a dissertation topic under advice from staff on the IR subject and their other subject. No proposal will be accepted without the student having taken module U23130/U23180 Researching Politics and International Relations. Students taking this module must also register for the interdisciplinary module in their other field.

Violence, resistance and Identity Politics (Honours Component)

This module probes the links between localized, everyday practices of identity and globalized forms of domination, exclusion and violence. Its concern is with the twin themes of sovereign violence (enacted in exceptional practices of war and everyday ways at the borders and in the policing of protest) and resistance to sovereign violence (also enacted in exceptional ways through mass movements and in everyday daily attitudes and practices). It explores a wide range of foundational and contemporary literature from International Relations, feminist, postcolonial and postcultural theory to ask questions about the ways in which particular bodies are raced, classed, gendered and sexualised and the local/global politics of this. Key concepts include: gender, race, sexuality, the body, neoimperialism, neocolonialism, militarization, agency and resistance.

International Development (Honours Component)

Since the end of the Cold War one of the key dynamics in world politics, namely the gap between rich and poor, has come into sharper focus. This module examines both the theory and practice of the international politics of development. The first half of the module looks at key theoretical debates and how these have related to practice. Various contemporary issues in development are then explored to illustrate the theoretical debates. These will include the Third World Debt Crisis, fair trade, development assistance, sustainable development and the resource curse thesis.

International Law and Institutions (Honours Component)

This module focuses on the law and legal framework governing the international community. Examined in depth are the underpinnings of international law including the nature, origins and basis of international law and the sources of international law, including treaties and customary norms. A special focus is given to the nexus between international and municipal law, subjects of international law and the concept of territory/jurisdiction. The core principles governing the use of force and the conduct of armed conflict are also explored. Finally, the law of state responsibility and individual accountability are taught in the context of violations of international rules.

The European Union: Integration and Disintegration (Honours Component)

By adopting a sociological lens to the study of the EU, this module will overview different perspectives that are topical for understanding the process of European integration. It seeks to develop students' understanding of the social, political and cultural dimensions of the European project and the debates associated with these. More specifically, it explores the impact of Europeanization by looking at both top-down and bottom-up perspectives. It uncovers the complexities of social, political and cultural dynamics that determine the boundaries of the European project.

Independent Study in International Relations (Honours Component)

This module offers students the opportunity to undertake independent study and research under supervision. Students can submit a proposal for independent study, and provided that supervision is available, an agreed programme of work and assessment schedule is constructed for the following semester.

Conflict and Peacebuilding (Honours Component)

This module addresses the major issues at the heart of conflict and post-war reconstruction: What is peace? What are the common causes of violent intra-state conflicts? What are the dynamics and challenges of peace processes? Why are peace accords often likely to break down? What role do local and international actors play in reconstruction efforts? Why do reconstruction efforts often fail? Students will evaluate the dynamics of violent conflict, peace and post-war reconstruction through the examination of case studies; a conflict simulation exercise and a critical engagement with the literature.

Global Environmental Politics (Honours Component)

This module is concerned with global environmental issues in a broad, interdisciplinary framework. Beginning with an investigation of the legal and institutional settings and the role and efficacy of international regimes for solving environmental issues, it goes on to consider the wider socio-cultural and ideological context of modernity as the backdrop for conceptualising the global ecological crisis. It further analyses the global political economy of environmental governance and sustainable development and examines the dynamics of global environmental governance and resistance.

Law, Empires and Revolutions (Honours Component)

What are the main legal events and processes of contemporary capitalism? And what can the history of modernity and imperialism teach us about them? This module is structured to provide students with an alternative history of international relations and of the legal aspects of the modern sovereign states system. It also provides students with alternative methodological skills from historical sociology to study the imbrication of history, international relations, and law. Each week takes a crucial event of today's world producing particular legal tensions and debates and revisits its significance through a historical counterpoint. This counterpoint, situated pre-1945, also represents a key moment of legal tension and debate in the history of international relations.

Counter Terrorism in Comparative Perspective (Honours Component)

The module aims to compare and contrast the shifting and different ways in which states respond to terrorism. The module would aim to critically engage with the idea of counter terrorism; what it is, and its relation to conceptions of the state, security and political violence. It would then examine particular moments of counter terrorism practice, including UK policy with regard to Northern Ireland, Spanish policy with regard to the Basque movement and ETA and non western cases such as Sri Lanka and Colombia. Then the module will consider the so called 'new' terrorism (critically engaging with this distinction between 'new' and 'old' terrorism) before going on to consider the similarities and differences in various countries responses to this 'new' terrorism. The module will conclude by considering how these various responses impact upon both human rights regimes and norms and citizenship rights, behaviours and practices.

The Ethics of Migration and Immigration (Honours Component)

This module will introduce students to the major debates surrounding the ethics of migration and immigration, giving them the tools to analyse the ethical implications of policies directed to both constrain and enable migration in the Global North and South. The module will begin with a discussion of why people move in the first place and how this has helped divide migrants into various ethically problematic political categories - genuine and bogus asylum seekers, refugees, economic migrants, etc. It will then move on to three conceptual weeks which focus on the major approaches to the ethics of migration - communitarian, cosmopolitan and critical feminist and poststructural approaches. These will then be employed to discuss the contemporary ethical issues which arise in the global migration regime.

Postcolonial Perspectives on Western Culture and Politics (Honours Component)

This module sheds light on how Western culture and politics rely on the construction of particular narratives about people in the postcolonial world. It discusses how notions such as 'Islamic fanaticism', the 'oppressed Muslim woman' or the 'developing/Third world' are used to elevate Western societies to a status of cultural and political superiority, similar to the way that colonised people were described as 'inferior savages' by their oppressors in colonial times. The module aims to provide space for an in-depth reading of some central texts of postcolonial theory, but even more so for exploring their relation to a variety of practical political and cultural sites, touching on questions of the legitimacy of 'violent' Islamic terrorism, on whether practices such as Female Genital Mutilation should be condemned as human rights violations, and whether to endorse or oppose 'development' policies.

Militarism and Society (Honours Component)

This module seeks to examine the multiple ways in which military logics and goals come to be prioritized within political, social, cultural and economic realms (with a focus on the U.K., U.S. and Canada) and, by extension, the processes by which the 'social' and 'cultural' become militarized - i.e., the processes by which military values and ideas extend into and shape 'the socio-cultural' and 'the everyday'. It will examine concepts and practices associated with militarism and militarisation through various lenses and theoretical perspectives and across several diverse sites - such as film, news media, sport, fashion/branding and peacekeeping. It will also examine practices of resistance. Throughout there will be a focus on the ways in which militarism, militarisation and resistance are shaped by and, in turn, shape identities across the intersecting markers of nationality, race, gender, sexuality and class.

Central Asia in Global Politics: Beyond Oil and Islam (Honours Component)

The five Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan emerged from the ashes of the Soviet Union as a region of significant geostrategic interest. The region's abundance of oil and gas, its proximity to Afghanistan, the perceived prominence of radical Islamic terrorist groups, and transnational organised crime networks meant that the Central Asian state attracted attention from major powers such as Russia, the USA, China and the European Union. This module explores the region's domestic post-Soviet development within the context of this international interest. It will explore the Soviet legacy, nation-building, identity, clan politics, conflict and revolution, political Islam, the political economy of oil, organised crime and 'great' power play in the region.

Work placements

Optional modules

Work placements

Our work placement module offers students the opportunity to build on the skills and knowledge gained in the level 4 modules by undertaking a placement with organisations that are engaged in areas relevant to the study of International Relations. You will be able to evaluate and reflect critically upon this experience in a module that links theory and practice of International Relations in a professional context.

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Learning and teaching

We offer you a stimulating learning atmosphere within our Department of Social Sciences. You will develop a wide range of disciplinary and professional skills.

Our teaching methods include:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • group work
  • individual and group presentations.

You can attend our weekly research seminars which include guest speakers who give presentations on their research interests. Our “Politics at Work” seminar series is perfect if you’re interested in international development or humanitarian aid.

We also encourage you to take part in our department’s online newsletter.

Assessment

Assessment methods used on this course

We will assess you with coursework and examination. Coursework includes:

  • essays
  • group projects
  • individual seminar presentations
  • research projects.

Some modules include examinations at the end of the semester while other modules are assessed during the semester.

Study Abroad

You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.

Learn more about studying abroad

After you graduate

Career prospects

In addition to building a resource of discipline-based skills, International Relations and Politics encourages the development of abilities that will prove valuable in future careers. Some of our graduates go on to postgraduate study, while others go directly into the workplace. Our graduates from this course enter a variety of careers, for example:

  • the diplomatic service
  • management
  • teaching
  • lecturing
  • publishing
  • journalism
  • advertising
  • local government
  • law
  • trades unions
  • non-governmental organisations and international organisations.

Further study

A number of our graduates have progressed to postgraduate study, and we are keen to encourage our undergraduates to undertake their own research as part of their studies.

As well as offering supervision in a range of areas for research degrees, the department also runs two MA programmes: MA in International Relations or an MA in International Security master's programme, which places an emphasis on gaining critical perspectives on contemporary theory and practice.

Student profiles

Gary Neal

"Coming to an open day sealed Brookes as my first choice. The enthusiasm from the academic staff was particularly uplifting and encouraging"

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Alice Namtvedt

"As an international student I would definitely recommend that others coming to Brookes from overseas try to expand their horizons and look outside of their comfort zone! Approach people that you might not see back home, and try to speak as little of your native language as possible"

Read more about Alice

Janie Armitage

"It is fascinating to study how the political and economic world interacts, and all the factors that influence it. I also think that the lecturers are fantastic. They are all engaged with their subjects and the teaching is first class"

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Matthew Pullen

"The Communication, Media and Culture degree has inspired me to pursue journalism and particular modules have enabled me to consider citizen journalism"

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Laura Natara Malave

"I love Oxford because despite being a small city it makes such a big impact in the world. As a student here you will have access to opportunities that students from other parts of England can only dream of having"

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Dimce Bukreski

"I was impressed by the outstanding quality of the teaching staff who applied modern teaching method"

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Our Staff

Dr Lucy Ford

Lucy helped set up the Green think tank Green House and is on their advisory board. She is also a research fellow at Schumacher Institute, an interdisciplinary systems think tank on environmental, social and economic issues.

Read more about Lucy

Dr Lucy Ford

Lucy helped set up the Green think tank Green House and is on their advisory board. She is also a research fellow at Schumacher Institute, an interdisciplinary systems think tank on environmental, social and economic issues.

Read more about Lucy

Free language courses

Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

More about free language courses
Related course
International Relations and Politics

Programme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.

For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.