BA International Relations

About this course

International relations examines how states, international organisations, non-governmental actors, and transnational forces interact in a world without a single overarching authority. It is concerned with the causes of war and the conditions for peace, with trade, diplomacy, human rights, international law, global governance, and the way in which power operates between and across nations. The discipline draws on political science, history, economics, and sociology to produce graduates who can analyse global events with intellectual rigour and communicate clearly about complex, consequential issues. Goldsmiths offers this programme on a part-time basis, making it accessible to students who are balancing study with employment or other commitments. You will engage with the theories that scholars use to understand international politics, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and critical approaches, alongside substantive topics such as conflict and security, global political economy, human rights, development, environmental politics, and the role of international institutions. Goldsmiths' critical tradition shapes the programme's engagement with these questions, encouraging you to examine the assumptions behind mainstream approaches and to consider whose interests are served by existing international arrangements. You will develop strong skills in analytical reading, argumentation, and written communication. International relations graduates go on to work in diplomacy and foreign affairs, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, journalism, policy, trade, development, and the civil service. The degree provides a foundation for postgraduate study in international relations, security studies, international law, or development, and the skills in global analysis and communication it develops are valued wherever an understanding of the international environment is needed. Part-time study means graduates often combine their qualification with ongoing professional experience in relevant fields.

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