International Relations and American Studies

International relations and American studies is a combined degree that explores the world through two powerful lenses: the frameworks of global politics and the deep cultural and political influence of the United States. The combination offers you the chance to explore how nations interact, why power matters, and how US culture and policy have shaped and continue to shape the international stage. International relations develops your analytical tools for understanding the causes of conflict, the dynamics of cooperation, the role of international institutions, and the forces of globalisation and interdependence.

American studies brings together history, politics, literature, film, and cultural studies to examine the United States as a society and a global power from a genuinely interdisciplinary perspective.

At Swansea University, this three-year full-time programme develops your understanding of both fields, from diplomacy and security to literature, film, and identity. You will gain critical insights into today's most pressing global challenges while developing the analytical and communication skills that employers value. Swansea's location and strong connections with the international community provide a good context for the outward-looking perspectives that international relations and American studies both require.

With a typical entry tariff of 104 UCAS points, this programme is accessible to students with genuine intellectual curiosity about the world and America's place in it. Graduates pursue careers in international organisations, the civil service and diplomatic service, journalism, broadcasting, think tanks, NGOs, politics, international business, education, and the many roles in public and private life where an understanding of global affairs and American culture and power is professionally useful. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in international relations, American studies, security studies, or area studies.