What can I do with a International Relations degree from the UK?

Graduates with a UK International Relations degree commonly pursue careers such as Diplomat, Policy Analyst, NGO Manager, Intelligence Analyst. Typical UK starting salaries range from £26,000–£42,000.

What UCAS points do I need for International Relations?

Most UK universities require 120–152 UCAS points for International Relations. International students with AP or IB qualifications can convert their grades using our UCAS Points Converter.

How long is a International Relations degree in the UK?

A typical International Relations degree in the UK takes 3 years (UG). Some programmes include an optional placement or study-abroad year.

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International Relations

Study global politics, diplomacy, and international organisations at UK universities with strong connections to Westminster and international bodies.

Notable International Relations Programmes

A curated selection of top-ranked, distinctive and interesting international relations programmes across UK universities.

London School of Economics

BSc

International Relations

The world's leading IR department — minutes from Westminster and international institutions

LSE's IR department is consistently ranked #1 globally. The programme combines international relations theory with contemporary issues in security, political economy and global governance. The LSE campus is walking distance from Parliament, the Foreign Office and numerous think tanks, and the student body is among the most internationally diverse anywhere. Alumni include heads of state and UN officials.

3 years~£25,400/yr

#1 globallyWestminsterThink tanks

King's College London

War Studies

The only dedicated War Studies department in the world — unique and highly regarded

KCL's Department of War Studies is one-of-a-kind, covering conflict, security, intelligence and strategy from historical and contemporary perspectives. Students study terrorism, cyber warfare, nuclear proliferation and military history. The department's connections to the UK Ministry of Defence, intelligence services and NATO are unparalleled. Graduates enter careers in defence, diplomacy, intelligence analysis and journalism.

3 years~£25,500/yr

UniqueWar StudiesDefence connections

University of St Andrews

MA (Hons)

International Relations

Top-ranked IR programme in a small-town setting — intense academic community

St Andrews' IR programme regularly tops UK league tables. The four-year Scottish MA allows first-year subject exploration before specialising. The school has research strengths in Middle Eastern politics, European security and terrorism studies. Despite its small-town location, St Andrews attracts an exceptionally international student body, creating a global academic community in an intimate setting.

4 years~£30,160/yr

Top-rankedScottish MAGlobal community

University of Edinburgh

MA (Hons)

Politics and International Relations

Scottish Parliament on the doorstep — strong comparative politics focus

Edinburgh's programme combines UK and international politics with a distinctive Scottish dimension — the Scottish Parliament is a 10-minute walk from the department. Students study comparative politics, global governance and political theory. The programme benefits from Edinburgh's status as a capital city, hosting political events and institutions that provide real-world engagement.

4 years~£28,950/yr

Scottish ParliamentCapital cityComparative politics

25 universities offer this subject

University of Oxford

Oxford · England · UK Rank #2

£28,950–£42,620/yrHistoric / City CentreRussell Group

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University of Manchester

Manchester · England · UK Rank #7

£22,000–£32,000/yrUrban / City CampusRussell Group

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London School of Economics

London · England · UK Rank #9

£23,496–£26,304/yrUrban / Central LondonRussell Group

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University of Warwick

Coventry · England · UK Rank #10

£22,500–£32,000/yrCampusRussell Group

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University of Birmingham

Birmingham · England · UK Rank #11

£22,680–£27,360/yrCampusRussell Group

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University of Glasgow

Glasgow · Scotland · UK Rank #12

£20,300–£26,750/yrCity campusRussell Group

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University of Leeds

Leeds · England · UK Rank #13

£21,000–£28,450/yrCampusRussell Group

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University of Southampton

Southampton · England · UK Rank #14

£21,500–£28,500/yrCampusRussell Group

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University of Sheffield

Sheffield · England · UK Rank #15

£21,000–£27,500/yrCity campusRussell Group

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Durham University

Durham · England · UK Rank #16

£22,250–£35,450/yrHistoric / Cathedral CityRussell Group

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University of Nottingham

Nottingham · England · UK Rank #17

£21,500–£28,000/yrCampusRussell Group

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Queen Mary University of London

London · England · UK Rank #18

£22,000–£35,000/yrCity campusRussell Group

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University of St Andrews

St Andrews · Scotland · UK Rank #19

£22,800–£29,500/yrTown campusAncient

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University of Bath

Bath · England · UK Rank #20

£22,000–£29,000/yrCampusOther

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Newcastle University

Newcastle upon Tyne · England · UK Rank #21

£20,500–£27,250/yrCity centreRussell Group

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University of Liverpool

Liverpool · England · UK Rank #22

£20,800–£27,500/yrCity campusRussell Group

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University of Exeter

Exeter · England · UK Rank #23

£22,100–£26,500/yrParkland / University CampusRussell Group

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University of York

York · England · UK Rank #25

£20,500–£27,000/yrCampusRussell Group

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Cardiff University

Cardiff · Wales · UK Rank #26

£20,900–£27,450/yrCity centreRussell Group

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Queen's University Belfast

Belfast · Northern Ireland · UK Rank #28

£20,000–£26,500/yrCity campusRussell Group

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University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen · Scotland · UK Rank #31

£19,500–£25,500/yrCity campusAncient

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University of Leicester

Leicester · England · UK Rank #37

£19,500–£25,000/yrCity campusOther

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University of East Anglia

Norwich · England · UK Rank #39

£19,500–£25,000/yrCampusOther

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University of Essex

Colchester · England · UK Rank #43

£15,400–£19,800/yrCampusOther

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Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth · Wales · UK Rank #63

£15,500–£19,500/yrTown campusOther

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Career Pathways

Where a UK International Relations degree can take you — typical graduate starting salaries: £26,000–£42,000

DiplomatPolicy AnalystNGO ManagerIntelligence AnalystJournalistCivil Service Fast Stream

Subject Overview

Typical Duration3 years (UG)

Study LevelUndergraduate & Postgraduate

Entry RequirementA-levels / IB / AP

UCAS Points120–152

Graduate Salary£26,000–£42,000

Featured

Kings College London

BA International Relations

Located minutes from Westminster and the Foreign Office. Ranked top 10 globally for Politics.

View on UK Uni Finder →Visit University Website ↗

Check Your Eligibility

Convert your GPA or AP scores to see if you qualify.

UCAS Points Converter →

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Add universities to your comparison list and see them side-by-side.

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Programs at Top UK Universities

50 programs across 42 universities

50 results

University of OxfordUK #2

2 programs

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£28,100/yrA-levels: AAA (138 UCAS points). Specific subject requirements may apply.

Our Politics programme provides a rigorous foundation with opportunities for independent research and professional development.

BA Philosophy, Politics and EconomicsBA

⏱ 3 years£33,050/yrUCAS: 160 points typical

The iconic PPE programme. Combines philosophical reasoning, political analysis, and economic thinking.

University of CambridgeUK #3

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£26,400/yrUCAS: 152 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

King's College LondonUK #5

2 programs

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£22,080/yrUCAS: 136 points typical

Covers global politics, conflict studies, and diplomacy. Strong War Studies department influence.

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£26,000/yrUCAS: 148 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

University of BristolUK #8

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£22,300/yrUCAS: 136 points typical

Covers global politics, security studies, and development. Bristol is a hub for international NGOs.

London School of EconomicsUK #9

2 programs

BSc Politics and International RelationsBSc

⏱ 3 years£23,496/yrUCAS: 184 points typical

LSE's Politics & IR programme is globally renowned, with an unmatched alumni network across diplomacy, government, NGOs, and international organisations.

BSc International RelationsBSc

⏱ 3 years£25,344/yrUCAS: 148 points typical

Covers global governance, conflict, and diplomacy. Faculty include leading IR theorists.

University of WarwickUK #10

1 program

BA Politics and International StudiesBA

⏱ 3 years£22,280/yrUCAS: 136 points typical

Top-ranked UK politics department. Covers comparative politics, IR, and political theory.

University of LeedsUK #13

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£21,950/yrUCAS: 140 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

University of SheffieldUK #15

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£22,900/yrUCAS: 136 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

Durham UniversityUK #16

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£22,250/yrUCAS: 152 points typical

Durham Politics covers comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.

University of St AndrewsUK #19

1 program

MA International RelationsMA

⏱ 4 years£26,350/yrUCAS: 168 points typical

World-renowned school of international relations. Four-year Scottish MA with honours specialisation. Small-group tutorial teaching.

University of BathUK #20

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£19,950/yrA-levels: ABB (129 UCAS points). Specific subject requirements may apply.

Gain in-depth knowledge of International Relations through our comprehensive programme, featuring expert teaching and modern facilities.

Lancaster UniversityUK #24

2 programs

BA Philosophy, Politics and EconomicsBA

⏱ 3 years£22,750/yrA-levels: ABB (123 UCAS points). Specific subject requirements may apply.

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme at Lancaster University offers an engaging curriculum designed to prepare graduates for diverse career paths.

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£26,900/yrA-levels: AAB (141 UCAS points). Specific subject requirements may apply.

Explore International Relations at Lancaster University, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience and industry connections.

University of YorkUK #25

2 programs

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£20,500/yrUCAS: 128 points typical

Covers comparative politics, political theory, and international relations.

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£23,100/yrUCAS: 140 points typical

Covers global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

University of ReadingUK #27

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£22,650/yrUCAS: 112 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

Queen's University BelfastUK #28

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£23,200/yrUCAS: 120 points typical

Covers global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

University of SurreyUK #32

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£22,650/yrUCAS: 128 points typical

Covers global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

University of SussexUK #33

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£19,500/yrUCAS: 136 points typical

Sussex is a top UK department for international development and global politics. Strong focus on the Global South.

Heriot-Watt UniversityUK #34

1 program

MA International RelationsMA

⏱ 4 years£18,800/yrUCAS: 132 points typical

Covers global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

Swansea UniversityUK #35

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£21,400/yrUCAS: 120 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

Royal Veterinary CollegeUK #35

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£38,600/yrUCAS: 80 points typical

Covers global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

University of East AngliaUK #39

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£21,400/yrUCAS: 132 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

Aston UniversityUK #42

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£21,350/yrUCAS: 104 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

Royal Holloway, University of LondonUK #46

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£19,800/yrUCAS: 104 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

University of BradfordUK #48

1 program

BA Peace StudiesBA

⏱ 3 years£16,000/yrUCAS: 104 points typical

Bradford is the world leading centre for peace studies and conflict resolution. Unique interdisciplinary programme.

Northumbria UniversityUK #48

1 program

BA Philosophy, Politics and EconomicsBA

⏱ 3 years£18,250/yrA-levels: BBC (111 UCAS points). GCSE Maths and English at grade 4+.

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme at Northumbria University offers an engaging curriculum designed to prepare graduates for diverse career paths.

University of HuddersfieldUK #50

2 programs

BA Philosophy, Politics and EconomicsBA

⏱ 3 years£17,550/yrA-levels: BCC (96 UCAS points). GCSE Maths and English at grade 4+.

Study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at University of Huddersfield and develop expertise through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical work.

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£18,800/yrA-levels: BCC (99 UCAS points). GCSE Maths and English at grade 4+.

Our International Relations programme provides a rigorous foundation with opportunities for independent research and professional development.

Nottingham Trent UniversityUK #53

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£16,400/yrUCAS: 96 points typical

Covers global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

University of PortsmouthUK #58

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£19,600/yrA-levels: BBC (110 UCAS points). GCSE Maths and English at grade 4+.

The International Relations programme at University of Portsmouth offers an engaging curriculum designed to prepare graduates for diverse career paths.

University of the Arts LondonUK #60

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£22,700/yrUCAS: 104 points typical

Covers global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

Goldsmiths, University of LondonUK #61

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£21,000/yrUCAS: 80 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

Sheffield Hallam UniversityUK #62

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£15,100/yrUCAS: 88 points typical

Covers global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

Aberystwyth UniversityUK #63

1 program

BA International PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£15,500/yrUCAS: 112 points typical

Aberystwyth founded the first department of international politics in the world. Strong peace and conflict specialism.

Keele UniversityUK #66

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£18,850/yrUCAS: 96 points typical

Covers global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

Manchester Metropolitan UniversityUK #67

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£15,500/yrUCAS: 104 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

Bournemouth UniversityUK #70

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£20,700/yrA-levels: BCC (107 UCAS points). GCSE Maths and English at grade 4+.

Join our Politics programme and benefit from Bournemouth University's research-led teaching and supportive learning environment.

University of SalfordUK #76

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£16,950/yrUCAS: 96 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

De Montfort UniversityUK #82

2 programs

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£14,400/yrUCAS: 104 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£14,900/yrUCAS: 80 points typical

Covers global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

University of Central LancashireUK #86

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£13,800/yrUCAS: 88 points typical

Covers global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

University of GreenwichUK #94

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£19,550/yrA-levels: CCC (111 UCAS points). GCSE Maths and English at grade 4+.

The International Relations programme at University of Greenwich offers an engaging curriculum designed to prepare graduates for diverse career paths.

University of WinchesterUK #97

1 program

BA International RelationsBA

⏱ 3 years£23,800/yrA-levels: ABB (116 UCAS points). Specific subject requirements may apply.

Our International Relations programme provides a rigorous foundation with opportunities for independent research and professional development.

University of BedfordshireUK #118

1 program

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£13,700/yrUCAS: 80 points typical

Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

University of SuffolkUK #120

2 programs

BA PoliticsBA

⏱ 3 years£20,200/yrA-levels: CCC (107 UCAS points). GCSE Maths and English at grade 4+.

Gain in-depth knowledge of Politics through our comprehensive programme, featuring expert teaching and modern facilities.

BA Philosophy, Politics and EconomicsBA

⏱ 3 years£22,650/yrA-levels: BCC (106 UCAS points). GCSE Maths and English at grade 4+.

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme at University of Suffolk offers an engaging curriculum designed to prepare graduates for diverse career paths.

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