BSc International Relations

Why do states go to war? Why do nations sometimes co-operate and obey international law? What is the role of institutions like the UN and the EU?

International relations are becoming ever more complex due to geopolitics, migration, war and other diverse factors. This programme analyses the functioning, history and theory behind the international system and the changing relationships between nations. You’ll look at the character of different states, examining the implications of the uneven distribution of power, money, welfare and knowledge on foreign policies and international order.

At LSE, you’ll be studying in an international university, located in an international city – close to the UK House of Commons and Parliament. You’ll learn with students from many nationalities, bringing a range of perspectives. When you graduate, you’ll have all the skills needed to embark on a career in politics, finance or the third sector.

There’s an opportunity to add a language specialism to your degree certificate and transcript – see the programme structure and courses section for details.

If you wish to gain further insight into the subject we suggest that you look at one or more of the following books:

• C Alden and A Aron Foreign Policy Analysis: new approaches (Routledge, 2011)
• J Baylis, S Smith and P Owens (eds) The Globalization of World Politics: an introduction to international relations (7th edition, Oxford University Press, 2016)
• C Brown, with K Ainley Understanding International Relations (Macmillan, 2009)
• B Buzan and G Lawson The Global Transformation (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015)
• B Buzan and R Little International Systems in World History: remaking the study of international relations (Oxford University Press, 2000)
• R Shilliam International Relations and Non-Western Thought: imperialism, colonialism and investigations of global modernity (Routledge, 2010)
• J Steans Gender & International Relations (Polity Press, 2013)
• T G Weiss and R Wilkinson (eds) International Organization and Global Governance (Routledge, 2014)

The Department of International Relations is one of the largest of its kind in the world, home to 500 students, from 30 countries.

Founded in 1927, our department is a leading centre for teaching and research in international relations – ranked second in the UK and fourth globally in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

Many leading thinkers in the field – including Martin Wight, Hedley Bull and John Vincent – have taught in the department and pioneered new developments and thinking in the field. The department also helped found the student-run Millennium: Journal of International Studies – one of the most prestigious international relations journals.

We have around 225 undergraduates, 220 postgraduates and 50 postgraduate research students on our programmes. Our aim is to provide a wide range of study options, covering diverse themes such as major theoretical perspectives on international relations, the study of conflict and conflict management, the work of international institutions and the major regions of the world, from Europe to the Middle East.

We’re proud of the broad international profile of our department – with students and staff from Europe, North America and further afield. As a department we’ve played a pivotal role in training diplomats and academics and we’re proud of their success in various fields.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of International Relations

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

• academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• subjects and subject combinations (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• your personal statement
• your teacher’s reference
• educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although this is not needed at the application stage. See our English language requirements page.

We’re looking for students who can demonstrate:

• a genuine interest in international society, its institutions, governance, rules and relationships
• views and opinions on current and public affairs
• a willingness to read extensively
• intellectual curiosity
• an ability to evaluate and challenge conventional views
• great communication skills
• creativity and flexibility
• initiative and the capacity to work independently
• attention to detail
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard.

Formative coursework

All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps prepare you for summative assessment. We use a range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams.

Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and give feedback within two weeks – provided it’s submitted on time.

Summative assessment

This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.

In the first two years, most courses have assessments at the end of the year. In the third year, courses are assessed using a variety of methods, including end-of-year assessments, coursework or a combination of the two.

You’ll receive feedback on summative coursework as part of the assessment for individual courses (except on final submitted dissertations). Feedback is normally provided before the examination period.

Assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. Read about the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course in the relevant course guide.

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods.

The degree programme does not prepare you for a specific career. It develops a range of intellectual and practical skills that are relevant across a wide range of career opportunities. Our graduates have found work with a wide range of employers including multilateral and intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), banking and accounting services, local and national governments, educational establishments, and media and publishing companies. Others have opted to continue studying international relations, or have transferred the skills they developed at LSE to other disciplines, such as law.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.