International Relations BA (Hons)*
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UCAS Code: Combined Honours only – see combinations tab|Duration: 3 years|Full Time|Hope Park
UCAS Campus Code: L46
Work placement opportunities|International students can apply|Study Abroad opportunities
About the course
Study an International Relations degree that puts global politics into practice. At Liverpool Hope University, you'll explore how countries cooperate and compete, why conflicts happen, and how international organisations work to create peace and security.
This course combines insights from politics, history, sociology, law, economics and media to help you understand the biggest issues shaping our world, including migration, climate change, global security and international conflict. You'll learn through simulations, policy briefs and assessments that reflect real-world careers in diplomacy and international affairs.
Small class sizes mean your voice matters. You'll debate ideas, challenge perspectives and receive personalised support from expert academics whose research spans UK, US, EU and Latin American politics, foreign policy and conflict resolution.
Beyond the classroom, you'll have opportunities to study abroad, hear from political leaders and industry professionals, and represent Liverpool Hope in national activities such as model UN Conference of Parties (COP), and Northern Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) negotiations hosted by the British International Studies Association (BISA). It's an International Relations degree designed to help you think globally, build professional skills and prepare for an international future.
Hear a warm welcome from Associate Professor Catalina Montoya Londono.
Course structure
Teaching on this degree is delivered through lectures, seminars, and tutorials, with tutorial groups typically limited to no more than 10 students in the first year. You will also have the opportunity for a weekly one-to-one meeting with your tutor.
For the International Relations part of your combined honours degree, there are around 6 teaching hours per week in the first year, reducing to about 5 hours in the second and third years. In addition to taught sessions, you are expected to study independently, take part in group work, and prepare for assessments. On average, students devote around 40 hours per week to their studies, including both teaching and independent learning.
Assessment and feedback
Assessment on this degree is varied and tailored to each stage of study. In the first year, you will complete continuous assessments such as essays, briefing papers, presentations, and take-home tests. Formal exams are not part of first-year study.
In the second and third years, assessment includes essays, written policy reports, and formal exams where appropriate. In the final year, you will complete either a 5,000-word International Relations research project or a 10,000-word integrated dissertation that combines International Relations with your other subject.
Assessment is designed to support learning, with timely, constructive written feedback highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Feedback is also provided on exam scripts, followed by discussion in the autumn term. Group feedback sessions emphasise points of general relevance, while individual written feedback and tutor office hours ensure personalised academic support.
Year One
Foundational Concepts (30 credits)
This module introduces the key terms, concepts, and theories used by International Relations scholars in the study of world politics. You will explore the origins of power and diplomacy, the concepts of the State and Nation, the differences between power and influence, and the dimensions of security
Global Issues Institutions and Actors (30 credits)
This module focuses on the global institutional order, diplomatic practice, and the actors shaping today’s international system. You will examine pressing global challenges such as environmental change, food security, poverty, migration, conflict, intervention, terrorism, and transnational organised crime. The module combines theoretical and contextual perspectives, exploring both the debates that shape these issues and the institutional and diplomatic responses to them.
Year Two
Theories and Analysis of International Relations (30 credits)
This module builds on the theoretical foundations introduced in the first year, examining key approaches to International Relations. You will study mainstream perspectives such as Liberalism and Realism, middle-ground approaches including Constructivism and the English School, and critical perspectives such as Marxism, Dependency Theory, Post-Structuralism, Post-Colonialism, Critical Theory, Feminism, Green Theory, and Post-Developmentalism. Each perspective is explored from both theoretical and practical standpoints, evaluating their strengths and limitations in understanding contemporary international relations and modern diplomatic practice.
British Foreign Policy (15 credits)
This module examines the UK’s international identity and foreign policy in relation to key global regions and countries. Analyse directions and challenges including security, trade, development, and environmental policy, amongst others.
EU Foreign Policy (15 credits)
This module explores the origins and development of EU foreign policy, assessing strengths and challenges across security, trade, environmental, normative, and integration dimensions.
US Foreign Policy (15 credits)
This module explores the foundations and evolutions of US foreign policy. This module considers the theoretical underpinnings of US foreign policy, the reasons for national expansion and some of the challenges that face the United States in its global ambitions.
Year Three
In the final year, students build on the theoretical foundations of the first and second years, developing a nuanced and critical understanding of real-world dynamics. By the end of the course, you will have a complex grasp of global politics, demonstrate the ability to apply theory to contemporary international affairs, and confidently articulate informed opinions, even when faced with opposing perspectives.
Core topics include:
- Bottom-Up International Politics – Examine the role of non-state actors and civil society in shaping international politics.
- Dynamics of Conflict and Peace – Study the theories and practices of conflict, peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding.
- U.S.-Led Order and Post-Hegemony – Analyse the historical role of the United States in shaping the global order and consider post-hegemonic developments and challenges.
- Research Element – Develop research skills and knowledge to support your final-year project, with guidance and academic support throughout.
For the research component, you will complete either a 10,000-word dissertation (in conjunction with your other subject) or a 5,000-word special study. You will receive individual guidance from an assigned tutor but are expected to work independently to produce original, high-quality research.
Entry requirements
| A-Levels | BBC |
|---|---|
| UCAS Tariff Points | 112 UCAS Tariff points must come from a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent). Additional points can be made up from a range of alternative qualifications.
Find out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth, by using the Tariff calculator. |
| BTEC | DMM |
| Access to HE | 112 Tariff Points |
| IB | 26 points |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | 112 Tariff Points from Higher Level qualifications only |
| Welsh Baccalaureate | This qualification can only be accepted in conjunction with other relevant qualifications |
| T-Levels | Merit |
| Subject Requirements | No specific subject requirements |
International entry requirements
| Specific Country Requirements | Select your country |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 overall (with reading and writing at 6.0) and no individual score lower than 5.5. We also accept a wide range of International Qualifications. For more information, please visit our English Language Requirements page. |
Careers
An International Relations degree from Liverpool Hope University can open doors to exciting careers in the UK and around the world. Graduates develop valuable skills in analysis, communication, diplomacy and problem-solving that are highly sought after across many sectors.
Career paths include diplomacy and the Civil Service, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, news and media, public relations, local and national politics, education and research, and roles within global businesses such as banking and the energy sector.
The course's practical focus, including simulations, policy briefs, guest speakers and national negotiation events, helps you build professional experience and industry connections while you study.
If you want to continue your academic journey, Liverpool Hope offers an MA in Politics and International Relations, alongside postgraduate research opportunities. Graduates have also progressed to Master's degrees in a variety of specialist fields and continued to PhD study.
Whether your ambition is to influence public policy, work in international affairs or pursue advanced research, this degree provides the knowledge and experience to achieve it.
Enhancement opportunities
SALA
The Service and Leadership Award (SALA) is offered as an extra-curricular programme involving service-based experiences, development of leadership potential and equipping you for a career in a rapidly changing world. It enhances your degree, it is something which is complimentary but different and which has a distinct ‘value-added’ component. Find out more on our Service and Leadership Award page.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can choose to spend either a semester or a full year of study at one of our partner universities as part of our Study Abroad programme. Find out more on our Study Abroad page.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are £9,790 for full-time undergraduate courses.*
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,790.
The tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year will be £10,050 for full-time undergraduate courses.*
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £10,050
The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
Home students (UK)
*Tuition fees are subject to inflation-linked increases in line with government policy. Updated fees will be confirmed in line with the maximum fee cap set by the Government or the Office for Students (OfS) for each academic year. This means your fee may increase for each academic year of study, but only up to the maximum amount permitted for that year.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Additional costs
On top of tuition fees, you also need to consider the cost of core textbooks at approximately £100. There are optional national and international fieldtrips and the cost of these vary, but these costs will be set out clearly with plenty of notice.
You will also need to consider the cost of your accommodation each year whilst you study at university. Visit our accommodation pages for further details about our Halls of Residence.
Scholarships
We have a range of scholarships to help with the cost of your studies. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.
International tuition fees
The International Tuition fees for 2026/27 are £15,225.
The International Tuition fees for 2027/28 are £16,000
Visit our International fees page for more information.
Course combinations
This course is only available as a Combined Honours degree with the following subjects:
| Degree Title |
|---|
| International Relations and Acting |
| International Relations and Business Management |
| International Relations and History |
| International Relations and Human Geography |
Course Enquiry
Got a question about the course? Complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.