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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 17,600
Per year
Start Date
2026-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
4 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Foundation
Major
International Relations
Area of study
Social Sciences
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 17,600
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2026-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


International Relations and Development with Foundation BA Honours

Overview

Our degree courses with foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster. Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.


The foundation year is designed to give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within your chosen field. Core modules accelerate your academic and professional development, bringing together like-minded students to think about the ‘big ideas’ within your discipline. You will also take modules from areas closely related to your chosen field, giving you the chance to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective on your course.


On successful completion of the foundation year, you will be able to move on to study for the International Relations and Development BA Honours degree over a further three years study.


Our International Relations and Development BA focuses on international development and the challenges associated with political and economic change in the international system.


The course considers the relationships between the Global North and South, examining how colonialism and capitalism have shaped our contemporary world. You'll explore global poverty and inequality and the impact of globalisation on different parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, China, India, Central Asia and Latin America.


The course provides a theoretical framework for understanding the international distribution of power at the global, regional and national levels, and we aim to enthuse and inspire you by building close links to government bodies and the policy world. A degree in International Relations and Development will prepare you for professional life in a range of sectors, including the Civil Service, media, public policy, NGOs, teaching and further research.


On this course, you'll have the opportunity to spend one optional year abroad, where you can complete a work or volunteering placement, undertake a year of study at one of our partner universities, or a combination of the two. The year abroad provides a valuable opportunity to boost employability, enhance language skills and build international experience, something which is highly valued by employers. It also encourages intercultural awareness and capability, qualities of self-reliance and other skills which will further enable you to become a mobile and transnational citizen.


The course is based in the School of Social Sciences, which brings together Criminology, Politics and International Relations, Psychology and Sociology. What binds us together is our shared commitment to making education a transformative experience for our students, to conducting research that makes a difference to the social world, and to enhancing the diversity of ideas and identities within and beyond the University.


We are in the centre of one of the world’s greatest cities and we use this vibrant, multicultural setting to ensure that our students discover innovative solutions to the problems facing our world. We are ranked top 20 in the world for the percentage of international students, Times Higher Education World University rankings 2021.


Course Structure

Teaching and learning includes small group work, problem-based tutorials, review sessions, workshops, symposia, debates, Q&A sessions, document analysis sessions, and structured role-plays.


Assessment methods are wide-ranging on this course and include essays, exams, policy reports, project work, individual and group presentations, blogs, posters, and debates.


Students on this course have the opportunity to spend one optional year abroad.


The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.


  • Foundation
  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Placement year
  • Year 3

Subjects of study include:


  • Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
  • History, Memory and Belonging
  • Imagining Global Society and Politics
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Introduction to Academic Practice
  • Rights and the Law

There are no optional or elective modules offered at Level 3, as the focus is on the development of key academic skills through a broad understanding of social sciences and humanities.


Credit Level 3


Our teaching programme is structured to support your transition to higher education, with our first year designed to immerse you in the key concepts, issues and major themes in international relations and development.


Subjects of study include:


  • British Politics
  • Critical Perspectives on Global Politics
  • Democracy in Crisis
  • Dilemmas of International Development
  • Global Governance and Development
  • Introduction to International Relations
  • Political Ideas in Action
  • The Politics of Migration

Credit Level 4


In the second year, you will be encouraged to think about the operation of the global economic system through an in-depth overview of international political economy. You will explore the contemporary challenges to developing states in the context of the world market, and explore the origins of capitalism through detailed case studies in different regional settings. More significantly, you will be encouraged to think about the impact of global economic forces on individual states, territories and regions in world politics.


Subjects of study include:


  • Democracy and Development in Asia and Africa
  • Geopolitics
  • Global Security
  • Governance in Europe
  • International Political Economy
  • Learning in an International Environment
  • Middle East Politics
  • Political Research and Practice
  • Politics and International Relations Internship
  • Power and the State
  • Rethinking Development
  • The Politics of Killing
  • Theorising Politics and International Relations

Credit Level 5


Students on this course have the opportunity to either spend one optional year abroad or one year gaining professional experience.


If you go abroad, you may complete a work or volunteering placement, both of which provide valuable opportunities to boost your employability and ground your studies in an experiential setting. You may also undertake a study placement at one of our university partners. You can also undertake a combination of both study and work.


Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.


If you choose the professional experience option, you will be able to develop your understanding of the qualities and skills needed in high quality employment and gain a critical awareness of the career pathways for which the degree prepares you.


In your third year, you will examine the regional constellations of development and how different regions of the world have been affected by developmental politics.


Subjects of study include:


  • American Power in a Multipolar World
  • Contested Sovereignty: Territory, Borders and Resistance
  • Digital Politics
  • Dissertation
  • Ethics, Morality and World Order(s)
  • Equality, Justice, Citizenship
  • Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
  • Gender and Politics
  • Humanitarian Intervention and International Relations
  • Learning from NGOs in an International Context
  • Policy and Practice
  • Politics and Development in the Middle East
  • Postcolonial Politics and International Relations
  • Radical Democracy
  • Security and the Surveillance State
  • Special Topic in Politics and International Relations
  • The Politics of Protest: Social and Political Movements Today

Credit Level 6


Careers

Recent graduates of this course have found employment in companies and organisations including the Greater London Authority, the Home Office and the Young European Federalist.


You'll have the opportunity to spend a year abroad working or volunteering, developing key international experience and boosting your employability.


The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.


Graduates in politics and international relations are adaptable and able to respond to new challenges faced within economic, social and global political life.


Students on this course have the option to participate in a year working or volunteering abroad, both of which provide valuable opportunities to boost your employability and ground your studies in an experiential setting.


Graduates with international experience are particularly valued by employers, and a one-year period of residence abroad enhances your language skills and contributes experiences and contacts that can be valuable in your career.


The University of Westminster is part of an ongoing collaboration with the United Nations Migration Agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM).


As part of this, Politics and International Relations students in their second or third year of undergraduate study can apply for 3-9 month internship opportunities at IOM offices around the world, including in Geneva, Vienna, Dhakka and London.


The internships, which are open to students completing their second year of studies and beyond, focus on a host of topics from migration governance to mission support, policy and liaison, and information management.


This course prepares students for roles including:


  • Advocacy
  • Network or communication officer
  • Policy researcher
  • Project manager or coordinator
  • Research or policy officer or adviser

Recent graduates of this course have found employment in companies and organisations including:


  • BronzeGate
  • Gender Action for Peace and Security
  • Greater London Authority
  • Home Office
  • The Takshashila Institution
  • Young European Federalist

International Opportunities

Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for – so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.


Opportunities could include:


  • Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
  • Attending an international summer school or field trip
  • Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad

International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.


Course Leaders

Understanding the political economy context within which international development takes place is vital to our ability to contribute to fair, inclusive and sustainable economic development across the globe.


Dr Sahar Taghdisi Rad

Senior Lecturer

Sahar Taghdisi Rad is a development economist focusing on the political economy of international development, with particular interest in the Middle East and North Africa. She holds a PhD in development economics from SOAS. Sahar’s areas of research and work include the political economy of conflict, international development assistance, labour markets and employment policies, social protection and inequality. She has previously taught political economy and international development at SOAS and King's College London, and has also worked as a senior economist at the United Nations, the International Labour Organisation, and the African Development Bank.


Dr Frands Pedersen

Senior Lecturer in International Relations

Dr Frands Pedersen is Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for the Foundation Courses in Humanities, Law and Social Sciences and the Diplomacy and Global Politics MA. He has Master's degrees in Political Science (Aarhus, Denmark) and Diplomacy (Lancaster). He received his PhD for his thesis on Para-diplomacy, which is an ongoing research interest alongside Public Diplomacy and Digital, Data and AI Diplomacy. He convenes the Teaching Excellence Learning Community at Westminster and the Political Studies Association’s Nordic Politics Specialist Group. He is also co-founder of the Serious Games@Westminster group.


Dr Pedersen has led Diplomacy, International Relations and European Union related modules at the Universities of Surrey, Central Lancashire and Westminster since 1999. In 2016, he was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in recognition of his contribution to innovation in learning and teaching. He is passionate about active and immersive learning and has conducted extensive research on simulations and games, run projects and created shared resources to facilitate active learning. Dr Pedersen's current research focuses on Nordic responses to the Covid19 crisis, aspects of digital diplomacy and city diplomacy, and pedagogical research on compassion in higher education.


Why Study This Course?

Innovative research inspires our teaching


The research undertaken by our world-renowned Centre for the Study of Democracy means the department is at the forefront of global political understanding.


Central London location


Our location in a global political hub provides a perfect platform for exploring the rest of the world and we regularly invite leading intellectuals, policy-makers, officials and political activists to speak to our students.


92%


Student satisfaction


Our supportive environment and expert teaching staff keep our student satisfaction at a high level – 92% of students agreed that they're satisfied with the quality of the course.


Source: Discover Uni (Accessed December 2020)


Entry Requirements

  • A Levels – DEE (56 UCAS Tariff points)
  • T levels – 56 UCAS Tariff points
  • International Baccalaureate – 56 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • BTEC Extended Diploma – MPP
  • BTEC Diploma – MM
  • Access – 56 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course

In addition to one of the above, you should have:


  • GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.


We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.


Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price for Foundation year only)


The course fee applies to the Foundation year of your degree programme. When you progress from the Foundation year (level 3) to the degree (level 4), the fees will increase to match our standard degree-level fees for level 4 onwards.


Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.


Fees are subject to UK Government Parliamentary procedure.


Find out how we set our tuition fees.


International tuition fee: £17,600 (Price for Foundation year only)


When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase International tuition fees.


Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.


Find out how we set our tuition fees.


EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme


If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.


International student funding


Find out about funding for international students.


Additional costs


See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.


Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.


How you'll be taught


Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:


  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

Year


Year


F


24% Scheduled hours 76% Independent study 0% Placement


Year


1


27% Scheduled hours 73% Independent study 0% Placement


Year


2


26% Scheduled hours 73% Independent study 1% Placement


Year


P


1% Scheduled hours 0% Independent study 99% Placement


Year


3


27% Scheduled hours 73% Independent study 0% Placement


Scheduled hours Independent study Placement


How you'll be assessed


Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.


Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:


  • Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
  • Written exams: end of semester exams
  • Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

Year


Year


F


0% Practical 8% Written exams 92% Coursework


Year


1


61% Practical 25% Written exams 14% Coursework


Year


2


1% Practical 3% Written exams 96% Coursework


Year


P


0% Practical 60% Written exams 40% Coursework


Year


3


2% Practical 10% Written exams 88% Coursework


Practical Written exams Coursework


Data from the academic year 2024/25


Supporting You

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.


  • Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub


Course Location

Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.


Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.


For more details, visit our locations page.


Related Courses

  • French and International Relations BA Honours
  • Spanish and International Relations BA Honours
  • Politics and International Relations with Foundation BA Honours
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University of Westminster


Overview:

University of Westminster is a public university located in London, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its focus on practical learning and its strong connections to the industry.


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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university has four campuses across London, providing students with a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students have access to various facilities, including a cinema, gallery spaces, and sports facilities. The university also offers a range of student support services, including career guidance, academic support, and mental health services.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    Location:

    The university's location in London provides students with access to a wealth of cultural and professional opportunities.

    Practical Learning:

    The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating work placements and industry projects.

    Industry Connections:

    The university has strong connections to industry, providing students with opportunities for networking and career development.

    Diverse Student Body:

    The university has a diverse student body, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

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    Undergraduate courses:

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Other:

The university has a strong commitment to research and innovation, with a focus on areas such as sustainability, social justice, and digital technologies. It also has a dedicated alumni network, providing support and opportunities for graduates.

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