International Relations BA (Hons)
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
Course overview
The need for global co-operation has never been greater. As we face challenges like conflict, competition for resources and climate change, the future depends on international collaboration. This degree is designed to prepare you for that future.
- Global perspective: gain a truly global perspective that goes far beyond traditional Western viewpoints. Study regions such as the United States, Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Latin America.
- Project-based learning: work on complex problems, create tangible solutions, and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Assessments are designed to replicate the type of work and tasks carried out by international relations course graduates. By the end of the course, you should have a portfolio of experience to showcase your expertise and real-world readiness.
- Simulations and dynamic learning: take part in immersive crisis simulations like war games and Model United Nations. Learn how to design your own crisis simulations and deploy them in real-world corporate, government and non-governmental organisation settings.
Why you should study this course
- Industry-focused skills: the skills and knowledge you learn on this course should appeal to a variety of employers, from media outlets to multinationals, the civil service to the European Parliament, NGOs to think tanks.
- Beyond the written word: build a broad portfolio throughout your studies, from writing op-eds and policy papers to producing short documentary films and other industry-relevant material.
- Academic community: work closely with our teaching staff, who will provide a welcoming learning community.
- Employability: in a globalised world where companies increasingly do business across national boundaries, benefit from your in-depth understanding of the international political, commercial, social and cultural landscape.
What you will study
This course has a common first year.
The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.
If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).
This module explores power and order in the modern and historical eras, examining how order is maintained, shaped and contested. You will examine order and power in a comparative manner, helping you understand how different societies have thought about, conceived and executed these concepts.
This module introduces you to a wide range of chaos-focused case studies, examining how and why these events occurred, alongside their long-term- and short–term consequences. You will consider the principal actors behind the chaos that affects, and is inflicted upon, society, from civil wars and genocides to environmental change, corruption and geopolitical conflict.
Identity is central to how individuals and societies understand themselves. In this module, you will examine how identity has been shaped across different spaces and times, drawing connections between themes, such as bigotry, xenophobia and gender politics.
Motion is key to understanding how different communities have evolved or collapsed in the past. It is also key to understand how societies and states in the modern era interact and shape policy. In this module, you will investigate the impact of movement, both voluntary and involuntary, on the global community.
This module examines the shifting global power dynamics as emerging states like China, India, Brazil and South Africa challenge the traditional dominance of the UK and Europe. It also explores the causes of power transitions, the implications for global order, and the domestic challenges and foreign policies of emerging states and their international alignments.
Explore how the often-conflicting needs of state security and human security interact in the international arena, gaining insights into key security issues facing the world. This module aims to expose you to the international human rights framework, asking you to examine how communities and democratic institutions can be at the centre of effective solutions to global security threats.
This practice-oriented module immerses you in the role of foreign policymakers, requiring you to navigate complex policy challenges and environments that arise from state involvement in international relations. You will be presented with real-world policy issues in each session. The module places a particular emphasis on Europe.
You should learn to:
- evaluate the challenges and complexities of foreign policy within the international system
- understand how foreign policy connects domestic and global politics
- analyse foreign policy decision-making processes and their implications
- develop critical thinking and decision-making skills by engaging with real-world policy issues.
This module explores the interconnected world of transnational crime and terrorism, examining how criminal organisations, terrorist networks and corrupt state actors shape global security and governance. Through case studies from Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, you will critically examine the global reach of criminal and terrorist networks and assess the effectiveness of national and international responses to these challenges.
You should learn to:
- analyse how organised crime groups, terrorist organisations and illicit financial networks operate, adapt and collaborate across borders
- examine how financial crimes, including money laundering and illicit funding, sustain organised crime and terrorism while undermining global financial stability
- evaluate the effectiveness of national and international strategies in disrupting dark networks, tackling corruption and countering organised crime and terrorism.
How does American society manifest itself in foreign policy? The module will consider debates about race, economy, government, media and security. These will be discussed through historical case studies and contemporary policy debates. Does America want to be great again or simply left alone? This module aims to foster critical perspectives on the US’ role in the contemporary world.
Through a comparative perspective, this module examines the processes of decolonisation and the challenges of post-colonial nation-building in both regions. It looks at the emergence of religious nationalism and extremism and analyses major regional conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, the India-Pakistan rivalry and the Kashmir conflict, as well as the involvement of external powers such as the US.
Working independently is a key skill for scholars studying the interconnected fields of history, international relations, politics and security. Being able to explore your own specialist topic in-depth provides an opportunity for you to hone the skills and experiences you gained in years one and two. This module provides you with an opportunity to complete an independent project of your choosing.
Choose one from the following two:
The Politics of the Global South – 30 credits
This module explores the historical and contemporary political dynamics of the Global South. Through comparative case studies, the module highlights the varied political trajectories of states across Latin America, Africa and Asia, exploring how historical legacies, economic structures and international pressures shape political outcomes.
The Spy Game: Intelligence and Surveillance – 30 credits
This module critically examines the global and historical impact of intelligence and surveillance, exploring their evolution and contemporary significance. Engage with the ethical dilemmas of intelligence work, examining issues of privacy, governmental transparency, covert manipulation and extrajudicial operations. This module offers a critical perspective on how intelligence practices shape global security, democracy and state power.
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
How You'll Learn
Teaching on this course looks at global issues, helping you build an international perspective and understand the changing world around us. You'll learn through hands-on activities and real-world examples, using the same approaches professionals use in the field. It’s about creating experiences that allow you to apply knowledge, gain confidence and feel prepared for your future career.
Teaching methods may include:
- crisis simulations such as Model United Nations and historic emulations, allowing you to apply knowledge to simulated real-world settings
- interactive lectures that help to make learning relatable, relevant and engaging
- immersive workshops and seminars which help to develop key skills that will empower you to pursue a wide range of careers
- regular ‘course hours’ that will allow you to meet your lecturers and course director and build a sense of community within your subject area.
Teaching contact hours
As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.
Teaching hours
Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.
Guided and independent study
Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.
Online learning
As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.
Assessment
This course incorporates new and innovative assessment methods aligned with current industry standards, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to advance your professional readiness and career prospects.
Assessment methods may include:
- writing exercises such as essays, reports, policy reviews and briefings
- live simulations and reflective journals
- individual and group presentations
- curation and public communication
- podcasts, academic posters and other media projects.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Careers and opportunities
Throughout the course, you should develop a broad range of highly valued skills to reflect the changing and dynamic needs of industry, including exceptional communication, project planning, critical thinking and analysis, crisis management, problem-solving, and powerful presentation and listening skills.
On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world. You could find yourself working in the following areas:
- International organisations, like the EU and UN.
- Police and intelligence services
- Human resources
- Local authorities
- Banking and finance
- NGO, international security and charities.
Where our graduates work
Some of our previous graduates are now employed in the private sector, ranging from marketing, human resources, banking, and finance to media, and across the public sector in education, the civil service, police forces, local authorities, charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and international organisations.
Our students work for organisations including: Control Risks; Geneva Peace Building Platform; Capita; KPMG; Local City Council.
Exploring your options or have questions? We are here to help you make the right choice!