BA (Hons) International Relations at Manchester Metropolitan University

Programme overview

Ever wondered about global political issues and how the world we live in is shaped by nation-states, international organisations, and non-state actors? BA (Hons) International Relations gives you the tools to understand global power and imagine how we can create a better future. You'll explore the big questions of international politics through critical and emancipatory theories, learning how to analyse global systems and challenge assumptions.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Humanities | Department: School of History, Politics and Philosophy | Duration: 3 years full-time; 4 years full-time with placement/overseas study | Study mode: full-time, part-time, placement year available | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

International relations is about using theories to understand power and contribute to global change and transformation. At Manchester Met, you'll explore this concept through a fresh, critical lens in a city known for radical politics. Year 1 core: Global Transformation: Insecurity and Change in the Contemporary World, Global Chronicles: the Making of the International Order, International Governance - Challenges and Conflict, Changing Nature: Perspectives from History, Philosophy and Politics. Year 2 core: Applied Research Methods for Politics and International Relations, International Relations Theory, Fit for the Future; options: The Power of Protest and Popular Culture, Comparative and Regional Politics, Critical Perspectives on War and Security, Gender, Race and Sexuality, Global Political Thought, Social and Public Policy. Year 3 core: Global Political Order and Disorder, International Relations Independent Project; options: Public and Social Policy Analysis, Information and Security, Transatlantic Foreign Policy, EU In Turmoil, Critical Political Thought, Postcolonial Perspectives: Decolonising Narratives, The Politics of Climate Change and Sustainability.

Career pathways

Graduates of BA (Hons) International Relations possess a number of transferable skills that make them suitable for careers in a wide range of roles and sectors, including: Civil service. Armed Forces Intelligence Corps.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent. Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM. Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points. UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall. OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM. T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer. IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects. Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered. A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement. AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications. Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course. GCSE grade C/4 in English Language or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills English. IB: IB Diploma with minimum 26 points overall or 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects. If you plan to meet the Level 2 course requirements through your IB Diploma you will need to achieve Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 5 in English. IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of course start date.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). Standard UK and Channel Islands full-time fee for 2027/28 as stated on the course page Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time; 4 years full-time with placement/overseas study

Apply through the official page: https://www.ucas.com

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