Degree Subject

Study International Relations Abroad

International Relations degrees study global politics, relations between states, international organisations, conflict, diplomacy, and global governance.Programmes integrate political science, history, economics, and law to understand how the international system works.IR develops critical analysis of global affairs and prepares you for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, journalism, consultancy, and global business.

Entry Requirements

A-Levels: AAA-AAB (requirements vary by university)
International Baccalaureate: 35-38 points
No specific subjects required
History, Politics, Geography, or Languages valuable
Minimum IELTS 6.5-7.0 for international students
Strong interest in global affairs and current events
Excellent analytical and communication skills

Required High School Subjects

No specific A-level subjects required
History, Politics, Geography, or Economics all relevant
Modern Foreign Languages highly valuable
Any subjects demonstrating analytical and essay-writing skills

Personal Statement Tips

Your International Relations personal statement should demonstrate deep engagement with global current affairs and international issues, critical analysis of international events beyond news headlines, awareness of different theoretical perspectives on international relations (realism, liberalism, constructivism), understanding of major global challenges (conflict, development, climate change, migration, global governance), relevant experience (Model UN, international volunteering, cultural exchange, work with international organisations or NGOs), language skills demonstrating international outlook, specific regional or thematic interests within IR (security studies, global political economy, development, human rights), wider reading of IR theory and analysis, and understanding of career pathways in international affairs. Discuss international events or issues that fascinate you with analytical depth.

Interview Preparation

International Relations interviews assess global awareness and analytical thinking. Be prepared to discuss current international events with critical analysis, demonstrate understanding of different theoretical perspectives on global politics, show awareness of major international organisations (UN, NATO, EU, WTO) and their roles, discuss regional politics or conflicts you've studied, explain different countries' foreign policy perspectives, demonstrate cultural awareness and understanding of different worldviews, discuss ethical dilemmas in international affairs, show language skills or international experience, explain why you want to study IR and career aspirations, and analyse complex international issues considering multiple perspectives. Stay current with international news from diverse sources.

Top Universities for International Relations

London School of Economics (LSE)

A*AA

University of Oxford

AAA + TSA + Interview (PPE or History & Politics)

King's College London

AAA-AAB

Georgetown University (Walsh School)

USA

SAT 1450+

Sciences Po

France

A-Levels AAA + Entrance examination + Interview

Tufts University (Fletcher School)

USA

SAT 1450+ (undergraduate)/Masters programme

Career Opportunities

Foreign Service Officer / Diplomat

International Organisation Officer (UN, EU, NATO)

Policy Analyst (International Affairs)

International NGO Programme Manager

International Journalist

Intelligence Analyst

International Development Consultant

Global Risk Analyst

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between International Relations and Political Science?

International Relations focuses specifically on global politics: relations between states, international organisations, diplomacy, international security, global governance, and transnational issues. Political Science is broader, studying politics at all levels including domestic government, political theory, and comparative politics, with IR as one component. IR programmes emphasise understanding the international system, foreign policy, regional politics, and global challenges. Political Science provides broader political understanding. Choose IR if passionate about global affairs, international careers, and world politics. Choose Political Science for comprehensive study of politics including domestic systems. Many universities offer combined Politics and International Relations degrees providing both perspectives.

Do I need to speak foreign languages for International Relations?

Language requirements vary by programme and career path. Most UK IR degrees don't require languages, though some offer language modules or joint honours with languages. However, language skills significantly enhance employability for international careers - diplomacy, international organisations, and global NGOs highly value multilingual candidates. Key languages for IR include: French (UN working language, EU), Spanish (Latin America, international organisations), Mandarin Chinese (global power), Arabic (Middle East politics, international development), Russian (geopolitics). Even if not required, learning languages during your degree is highly recommended. Some programmes integrate languages; others are English-only. Consider your language ability when selecting programmes and commit to learning if targeting international careers.

What work experience helps for International Relations applications and careers?

Valuable IR experience includes: Model United Nations participation (demonstrates interest and skills), international volunteering or exchange programmes (cultural awareness), internships at international NGOs or charities, work experience with international organisations (even local UN association offices), foreign language practice and cultural immersion, research assistant roles on international projects, political journalism covering international affairs, or international development volunteering. Quality matters more than quantity - demonstrate what you learned about international cooperation, cross-cultural communication, or global challenges. International experience (study abroad, living overseas, international schools) provides valuable perspective. Even without formal internships, demonstrating deep engagement with international affairs through reading, language learning, and critical analysis of global events strengthens applications significantly.

What are career prospects for International Relations graduates?

IR graduates pursue diverse international careers. Diplomatic services (UK Foreign Office Fast Stream, US Foreign Service) are highly competitive (£28,000-£35,000 starting). International organisations (UN, EU, World Bank) typically require Masters degrees and relevant experience, offering competitive salaries (£35,000-£60,000+ depending on organisation and level). International NGOs hire programme managers and policy officers (£24,000-£35,000 starting). Think tanks focusing on foreign policy employ researchers (£26,000-£35,000). International journalism, global consultancy, and multinational corporations also recruit IR graduates. Many pursue Masters in International Relations, Development, or Security Studies (essential for senior international roles). Career progression often requires geographic mobility and building regional or thematic expertise. Languages, internships, and postgraduate study significantly enhance prospects.

Need Application Guidance?

Connect with university mentors who've successfully applied to top International Relations programmes

Find a Mentor

Related Subjects

political science history economics

Quick Links

All Subjects Study Abroad Guide For Parents

Ready to Apply for International Relations?

Get expert guidance on your university application journey

Find a Mentor Get in Touch