BA Degree in International Relations at University of Richmond

Programme Overview

International Relations are never far from the news headlines as the world grows more interconnected through trade and migration, the internet and social media.
Blend the fields of politics, economics, history and law with our BA in International Relations as you explore our ever-changing political landscape.

With such a varied range of topics, it’s no wonder our graduates go on to such diverse and successful careers. This degree will prepare you for a career in international organisations, business, finance, government institutions, agencies, and the media.

It will provide you with specific knowledge in three core areas: International Relations theory and concepts, global institutions, and contemporary issues in international affairs.

You’ll be able to choose topics from a variety of electives including ‘International Human Rights’, ‘Conflict and Peace Studies’, ‘Foreign Policy Analysis’, ‘Diplomatic Studies’, ‘US Grand Strategy’, ‘Global Energy Politics’, and ‘Critical Globalization Studies’.

Our programme is designed to offer you a specialisation as you progress with your degree, according to your main area of interest. You can also take courses which allow you to specialise in the International Relations of different regions, including the USA, Latin America, the EU, Asia, Russia, Africa and the Middle East.

We’ll introduce you to the main concepts and approaches to the study of international relations and encourage you to analyse, interpret and evaluate world political events and issues.

It’s a broad remit as you’ll investigate security, nationalism and warfare while also addressing politics within international law and institutions, the global economy, and issues related to development and developing states.

Top 5 reasons to study this programme:

• Acquire an analytical grasp of contemporary social, political and economic issues as well as conflicts at international and regional level
• Broaden your perspective by understanding the main actors and institutions in the international system and their impact on society
• • Gain vital work experience with an international internship, enhancing your career opportunities, while building experience with writing in a range of professional formats from project evaluations, policy briefs and policy-maker profiles to NGO campaign analyses and project grant applications.
• Take part in field trips to the European Parliament, Council and Commission and NATO in Brussels and the International Court of Justice in the Hague
• Learn from faculty academics leading research in specialist areas from ‘US Grand Strategy’ to ‘International Human Rights’

After you graduate

Career Paths
Our graduates go on to work in a range of fields including government (for instance, the Diplomatic Service and Ministry of Defence in the UK), charities, journalism, banking, research and policy think tanks, humanitarian organisations and international organisations.

Their workplaces have included the Embassy of Dominican Republic, the European Commission, Moody’s Investors Service, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the US Department of Homeland Security.

In the workplace
INSEAD, King’s College London, University of Sydney, London School of Economics and Political Science, SOAS, University of London

Further Education
INSEAD, King’s College London, University of Sydney, London School of Economics and Political Science, SOAS, University of London

Career Support

We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment. Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.