International Relations

International relations at Durham is studied within one of the UK's most academically distinguished and internationally recognised universities, and the programme reflects that quality in the depth and rigour of its approach to the discipline. International relations examines how states, international organisations, transnational movements, and non-state actors interact in a world without a central authority, exploring the conditions under which cooperation is possible, the causes and dynamics of conflict, the institutions and norms that structure international life, and the profound inequalities that shape the global system.

This three-year, full-time programme at Durham includes a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and work placement experience, providing an unusually rich combination of professional and international development alongside the academic core. You will engage with the major theoretical traditions in international relations, from the realist emphasis on power and national interest to constructivist accounts of how ideas, norms, and identity shape state behaviour, as well as critical and feminist perspectives that challenge mainstream assumptions. Applied areas include security studies, international political economy, international law, human rights, environmental governance, and regional politics across multiple parts of the world.

Durham's research-active faculty and its strong connections to international affairs institutions mean that you will be learning from people who contribute to the debates you are studying. The year abroad and placements extend that engagement into professional and international contexts before you graduate.

Graduates from Durham's international relations programme enter the diplomatic service, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, journalism, finance, consulting, and a wide range of government and public sector roles. Many also pursue postgraduate study in international relations, security studies, international law, or area studies. Durham's reputation makes graduates competitive for the most selective opportunities in all of these areas.