English and International Relations

English and international relations is a combination that brings together the study of literary language and the analysis of global politics, two disciplines that share more than is immediately obvious. Both require close and critical attention to texts and arguments, both examine how meaning is made and contested, and both engage with questions of power, identity and the ways in which human beings make sense of their world across cultures and historical periods. The combination gives you the tools to engage with international affairs with both analytical rigour and genuine cultural depth.

At the University of Aberdeen you will study across four years full-time, including a year abroad that brings direct international experience to complement your academic studies. Aberdeen combines one of the UK's most highly regarded environments for English literature, language and creative writing with in-depth study of international politics, history and society. You will develop skills in literary analysis, critical argument and creative writing alongside the theoretical frameworks of international relations, including the study of states, international organisations, conflict, security, human rights and global governance.

The combination provides both the political understanding and the cultural literacy needed to engage with the complexity of the contemporary world.

Graduates from this programme are well placed for careers that require both analytical sophistication and communication ability, including journalism, publishing, the foreign office and diplomatic service, think tanks, international NGOs, cultural organisations, the civil service and higher education. The combination of skills is also valued by commercial organisations that operate internationally and need employees who understand both the political context and the cultural dimensions of their work. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in international relations, literature, journalism, law or related fields, building on the dual foundation the undergraduate degree provides.