Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,895 or £16,095 (with work experience) for the course
Course summary
- Gain a critical understanding of the theory and practice of international relations
- Explore the political, cultural, social and economic crises facing the world today.
- Learn how patterns of power, knowledge and inequality are produced and reproduced globally.
- Develop practical expertise in non-violent communication and conflict resolution.
- Undertake an industry placement to strengthen your skills and understanding of real-life scenarios.
On this timely course, you explore contemporary perspectives, concepts and events that challenge how knowledge about international relations (IR) is produced and how crises can be overcome. Explore the problematic assumptions about race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality and geography which IR can be based upon, and study contemporary topics including the resurgence of populist nationalism, international terrorism, regional and national cohesion and insecurity, war and conflict, and peace-making.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
On this course you analyse the discipline of international relations itself, exploring the relationship between theory and practice. What you learn is informed by the research interests and expertise of our politics team.
You learn through
- lectures
- seminars
- reading groups
- workshops
- personal supervision
- practical activities
- guest lectures
Applied learning
The course provides you the opportunity to apply your learning in a number of different ways. You develop practical expertise such as non-violent communication, mediation and conflict resolution skills. In addition, some module assessments have a specifically applied focus such as producing policy documents, portfolios and conference organisation.
Work placements
An industry placement forms part of the work experience route. You will gain real-world experience to improve your skills and employability. We provide you with support to secure a placement through employability workshops and dedicated support.
Networking opportunities
We have guest lectures and workshops from academics and practitioners in the field of international relations. Together, these approaches will enable you to develop transferable skills and attributes for future career development or further academic study.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- non-governmental organisations
- international organisations
- the voluntary sector
- the civil service
- parliamentary or political research
- international development
- political think tanks
- teaching
- a wide range of graduate schemes across many different professions with an international focus further academic study, such as PhD research
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
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Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEntry requirements
All students
A UK undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above in international relations, politics, or related field (or an equivalent overseas qualification). It is expected that students are proficient in the English language and, where appropriate, have an overall 6.5 in IELTS, with a minimum of 6.0 in writing. In some circumstances, students without traditional undergraduate qualifications will be considered. It is envisaged that these applicants will have relevant work experience.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Communities In Crisis | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
Module: Decolonising And Decentering International Relations | Credits: 30 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
Module: Dissertation | Credits: 45 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: European (Dis)Integration | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Gender And Sexualities In Global Context | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: International Relations In Theory And Practice | Credits: 30 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Parties And Politics In 21St Century Britain: Crisis Or Convergence? | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Peacemaking Communication | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Research Methods | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Seminar Series/Conference Organisation | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Terrorism: Violent Threat And Security Response | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: The Rise (And Fall) Of The Welfare State In International Society | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Western Political Theory In/And Crisis | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
Module | Credits |
---|---|
Module: Postgraduate Placement | Credits: - |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £8,745 for the course without work experience placement or £9,945 with work experience placement.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,895 for the course without work experience placement or £16,095 with work experience placement.

Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Sociology and politics courses (PDF, 217.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.