Program Overview

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BA (Hons) International Relations

Overview

Our International Relations degree investigates the dynamics of a constantly changing world and develops your knowledge and skills to address the global challenges of the 21st century.

Why Study BA International Relations at Goldsmiths

• A degree in international relations will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the processes and outcomes of world politics, including the relations between states, security and conflict, and global cooperation and governance.
• At Goldsmiths you will study these themes in a way that reflects the College’s reputation as an institution at the forefront of critical thinking in the arts, humanities and cultural studies.
• Our programme provides you with a contemporary perspective on international relations, one that prioritises Non-Western and Global South actors, institutions and ideas that challenge the post-Cold War liberal international order.
• Not only will you study the ‘high politics’ of international relations – war, multilateral cooperation and international trade and finance – but international politics 'from below', focused on climate change, migration, human rights, human security and indigenous demands for global justice.
• In line with the interdisciplinary approach to politics of the department, you will encounter ‘the international’ in diverse sites of cultural practices, including the politics of vision, non-Western political thought and music.
• Studying international relations at Goldsmiths you will acquire a wide range of transferable academic and research skills suitable for the workplace or postgraduate study.
• You can put your knowledge into practice with our work placement module. Work with organisations in the international relations sector, such as policy think-tanks, development agencies and NGOs and get real experience before you graduate.
• Studying an international relations degree in London means that Westminster, global business, and diverse diasporas are all in easy reach.
• When you join Goldsmiths you will become part of a global academic family, with students from more than 130 countries and alumni around the globe.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: BBB
• BTEC: DDM
• IB: 33 points overall with three HL subjects at 655
• Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
• Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
• European Baccalaureate: 75%
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

Alternative Qualifications

We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.

International Qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

English Language Requirements

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme.

Fees and Funding

Annual Tuition Fees

• Home - full-time: £9535
• International - full-time: £20650

Funding Opportunities

We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our careers service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying.

Careers

This degree will equip you for a range of careers in international relations, such as:

• Government, for example in the Foreign Office or Department of International Development
• International institutions such as the UN
• Foreign aid development agencies
• International NGOs, for example Oxfam, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International
• International policy think-tanks and consultancies
• Private sector organisations and companies who trade and invest internationally

As a graduate from the BA International Relations you will also be well placed to continue to higher level study, such as masters-level study or postgraduate research in areas relating to international relations.

Skills

Throughout your degree you’ll gain a broad knowledge of the international system, foreign affairs and relations between state and non-state actors. This will be complemented by specialist in-depth knowledge of political conflicts and cultures in different parts of the world.

Your hands-on experience working for an NGO or organisation involved in international activities and policy development will foster your professional skills and knowledge.

You'll also develop a wide range of key skills throughout your degree, including:

• Communication (including public speaking, developing and presenting an argument, note taking, report writing)
• Analytical thinking
• Awareness of social, political and cultural processes
• Awareness of social and cultural difference
• Ability to take creative approaches
• Attention to detail
• Team work
• The ability to undertake detailed research

Programme Structure

Year 1

• World Politics (30 credits)
• Colonialism, Power, Resistance (30 credits)
• Everything is a Text (15 credits)
• Researching our Lives and Worlds (15 credits)
• Political Theory and Ideologies (30 credits)

Year 2

• Researching Politics (15 credits)
• Global Governance and World Order (15 credits)
• Rough Politics (15 credits)
• The Goldsmiths Elective (15 credits)
• Optional modules (60 credits)

Year 3

• Dissertation (30 credits)
• Security Studies (15 credits)
• Optional modules (75 credits)

Optional Modules

• Colonialism and Non-Western Political Thought (15 credits)
• Migration, Technology, and Humanitarianism (15 credits)
• The Politics of Memory (15 credits)
• Ethics and Economics of Environmental Protection (15 credits)
• Fascisms, Old and New (15 credits)
• The Politics of Popular Music (15 credits)
• Work Placement (Politics) (15 credits)

Work Placement Module

This optional module gives students experience of working in a range of organisations in the NGO sector such as charities, think-tanks and pressure groups, bodies connected with international organisations, appropriate businesses, and political parties.

Teaching Style

This programme is mainly taught through scheduled learning - a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work and projects.