International Relations
International relations examines the forces and structures that shape political life beyond national borders. It investigates why states go to war and negotiate peace, how international institutions are built and why they succeed or fail, what drives the global distribution of power and wealth, and how non-state actors from multinational corporations to terrorist networks influence world affairs. The field draws on history, political theory, economics, and sociology to build frameworks capable of making sense of an international system that is simultaneously ordered and anarchic.
At Westminster this three-year full-time degree gives you a comprehensive understanding of how the international system has evolved and how it functions today. You will focus on the shifting global balance of power, the dynamics of international security, and the challenges of state-building in fragile or post-conflict societies. The curriculum engages seriously with the questions that define contemporary world politics, examining both the theoretical traditions that have shaped the field and the empirical realities of international behaviour across different regions and historical moments.
Westminster's location in central London is a genuine asset. The city is home to international organisations, diplomatic missions, leading think tanks, and news organisations that cover world affairs, providing a professional environment that enriches what you study. The degree encourages you to find innovative approaches to complex global problems, connecting academic analysis with the practical challenges of governing an interdependent world.
Graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, the civil service, international organisations, NGOs, journalism, consultancy, policy research, and international business. The analytical and communication skills that international relations develops are highly transferable across sectors. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in international relations, security studies, global governance, or law.