International Relations

International relations is the study of how states, international organisations, and non-state actors interact in a world that lacks a central authority. It asks why wars start and how they end, how international institutions promote cooperation despite the absence of global government, how economic interdependence shapes political relations between countries, and how concepts such as sovereignty, legitimacy, and justice play out across different cultural and political contexts. The discipline is genuinely interdisciplinary, drawing on history, political theory, economics, law, and sociology to build a multi-dimensional understanding of global affairs.

At Queen's University Belfast, this three-year, full-time programme offers an in-depth engagement with contemporary politics and international affairs, with particular attention to conflict in its many dimensions. You will study core concepts and debates in international relations theory alongside case studies drawn from different regions and political contexts, examining not only armed conflict and insurgency but also the dynamics of globalisation, the rise of major emerging economies, environmental politics, and the institutions through which states attempt to manage their shared challenges. The programme's Northern Irish context adds a distinctive perspective, because Belfast has its own experience of division, peace processes, and post-conflict governance that enriches the study of international relations in a way few other locations can offer.

A typical entry tariff of 136 points reflects the academic level expected.

Graduates from international relations programmes go on to careers in the civil service and foreign office, international organisations, diplomatic services, think tanks, journalism, non-governmental organisations, law, and policy research. The analytical and communicative skills developed through the programme are valued across a wide range of public and private sector employers. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in international relations, security studies, conflict resolution, or area studies, developing specialist expertise before moving into professional roles.