The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
International Relations
BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons)
Key facts
Start dates
September 2021 / September 2022
Location
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Part time: up to 6 years
Department
UCAS Tariff Points
104
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.
Combine this course
You can study this course as part of a combined honours degree. This course can be combined with:
How to apply
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
For more information about how we are supporting applicants impacted by Covid-19, please see our information for applicants page.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 104
A Level: BCC
IB Points: 29
BTEC: DMM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 88
A Level: CCD
IB Points: 27
BTEC: MMM
Further offer details
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 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 UCASPart time Home / EU applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityInternational applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityFull time applicants can also apply through UCAS
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Please note tuition fees for Home 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 students at the maximum permitted level.
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
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.
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.

Study modules
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.
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
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 LucyFree 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.
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.