International Relations BA (Hons)
Course Code
UCAS Code: L250
International Code: AHU029
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years full-time with study abroad / professional placement
Flexible part-time
Start date
September 2022
Course overview
Study level: Undergraduate
This exciting course examines contemporary world politics across three main study themes: International Relations, Globalisation and Politics.
You will:
- Study questions of power, political decision-making, conflict, peace, foreign policy, democracy, human rights, and social movements.
- Consider how foreign policy decision-makers and international organisations respond in the face of war, social movements, terrorism, political struggles, democratic advances, and setbacks.
- Engage with a rich programme, using innovative digital learning tools.
- Reflect on how these issues have impacted regions around the world, such as the Middle East, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe as well as China.
- Examine controversial decisions around peacekeeping and peace enforcement in the wake of conflict, state collapse political or natural crises and large-scale human rights abuse. Examples include drawing on case studies of interventions in the Congo, Somalia, the Balkans and Iraq.

Global Ready
An international outlook, with global opportunities
Teaching excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
Employability
Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeedWhy you should study this course
You should get a deeper understanding of the rationale for and value of cooperative relationships between nations, and of the foreign policy challenges.
The world is becoming ever more interdependent with the resulting global socio-political changes. This includes the rising cost of foreign aid and the impact of non-English speaking immigrants within the education system – increasingly affecting people at a local level.
You will examine major themes of post-war international politics, including:
- the dominant relationship between the superpowers
- the consequences of decolonisation
- the emergence of the 'Third World'
- the spread of revolutionary wars
- the development of European integration and
- the spread and final collapse of communism and its effect on world politics at the end of the Cold War.
Find out more about our range of history, politics and international relations courses.
More than just a degree
You can talk to lecturers at any time both in and out of office hours. The best thing about being at Coventry is the student community; there is always something going on and the perks such as CGE and Add+vantage modules.

What you'll study
Drawing on case studies of intervention in the Congo, Somalia, the Balkans and Iraq, for example, you will examine sometimes controversial decisions around peacekeeping and peace enforcement in the wake of conflict, state collapse political or natural crises and large-scale human rights abuse.
You will cover the evolution and interaction of different states and societies around the globe, exploring the history of world politics since World War II. We consider how foreign policy decision-makers and international organisations respond in the face of war, social movements, terrorism, political struggles, democratic advances and setbacks.
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
Your main study themes are:
International relations: You will have the opportunity to understand the world from perspectives and positions you may not agree with and raise your socio-political and cultural awareness, along with your empathy for difference. We examine three major themes that underpin the development of international relations in the 21st century: globalisation, power and order.
Globalisation: We introduce you to the ways that the emergence of the Atlantic World, and later globalisation, altered the cultural, social, and economic realities of all involved. We consider historical change from the 15th century to the present, with an emphasis on the history of the Atlantic World (Europe, Africa, and the Americas).
Politics: You will have the opportunity to study political institutions and behaviour post-World War II, examining the theories associated with political systems and institutions that form the framework for political life. The major focus is on how groups and individuals behave within the political framework of the Nation State.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations and coursework.
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. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
Job ready
On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:
- origins and character of the contemporary international system key issues,
- institutions and processes that determine international relations methods and
- approaches employed in the study of international relations.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- identify accurately the issue(s) which need researching and retrieve up-to-date discipline-based information using paper and electronic sources
- find a range of relevant information sources and gather and research relevant evidence successfully
- review evidence critically and debate evidence you have researched
- construct fair, coherent and convincing arguments using relevant key concepts and approaches
- analyse problems, take decisions, be creative and show initiative
- work independently with increasing self-confidence and to reflect upon the process of learning
- work within a group, to negotiate, to learn from others and to lead an activity
- manage time effectively, to set objectives and to evaluate the performance of oneself and others
- develop and debate ideas and to sustain arguments effectively both orally and in written form.
International experience opportunities
This course has an inherently international perspective. However, to further enhance your opportunity to gain an international experience, we will provide support for you to spend a year studying abroad or on placement and organise an annual overseas study trip*. For example, previous students spent a week in Sicily examining how the anti-mafia organisation Libera has been working to combat organised crime.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
2022/23 Tuition fees
Student | Full time | Part time |
---|---|---|
UK | £9,250 per year | Not available |
International | £15,300 per year | Not available |
For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.
Facilities
We are currently in the process of a major redevelopment of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities buildings, due to open later in 2022. The building will be open to the public as well as students, and will feature an expansive gallery space. It will also provide world-class teaching spaces, including highly flexible and immersive media facilities.

Library
The library offers a team of dedicated academic liaison librarians who provide specialist help and support. You’ll also have access to subject specific databases of journal articles related to criminology and forensics.

Academic support
No matter which degree you’re studying, you’ll find a lot of support on campus, including the Centre of Academic Writing and sigma, which offers mathematics and statistics support.
Careers and opportunities
In a globalised world where companies increasingly do business across national boundaries, you can benefit from your in-depth understanding of the international political, commercial, social and cultural landscape. Your insight should appeal to many employers – from media outlets to multinationals, the civil service to the European Parliament, NGOs or think tanks.
This course allows you to debate issues at the forefront of the international relations discipline. When you successfully graduate, you should have developed a range of transferrable skills, including excellent communications, critical thinking and analysis, strong presentation and listening skills. These are highly valued by employers.
Our Talent Team is on hand to offer you tailored career and enterprise support to gain employment or take advantage of professional practice opportunities within course-specific industries. You’ll have access to a designated employability officer who can advise you on career opportunities and give support to help you develop tailor-made job applications.
Where our graduates work
Some of our recent 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.
They work for a range of organisations, including the Houses of Parliament, BUPA Healthcare, BMI Healthcare, Barclays, HSBC, Amazon, National Crime Agency, BBC, West Midlands Police/Transport Police, European Union, Atlas Copco, GlaxoSmithKline, Grant Thornton, IPSOS Mori, European Parliament, NHS, Commonwealth, Amnesty International and Greenpeace.
In addition, some of our students set up in business for themselves, which range from youth mentoring, learning and development, workshop delivery, logistics and creative industries.
What our alumni say
I chose this course because I am really keen to pursue a diplomatic career and better understand global politics. Coventry University seemed to be one of the best choices, taking into account the teaching quality, student satisfaction and the living expenses.

How to apply
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UK Students
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS. Part-time students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form.
-
International Students
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team.
Complete our contact form.
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Disclaimer
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
Tuition fees
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
Facilities
Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Placements and study abroad opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Additional costs
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).