BA International Relations and Conflict Studies at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The BA in International Relations and Conflict Studies gives an interdisciplinary understanding of contemporary politics, international affairs and conflict situations in their political, historical, cultural, economic and legal dimensions. It covers globalisation, the rise of emerging powers, European integration, humanitarian issues and the role of the media in conflict.

Department: School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics | Duration: 3 years full-time | Intake: September 2027 (Academic Year 2027/28) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core Year 1 modules: Perspectives on Politics, Comparative Politics, Contemporary Europe and World Politics (20 credits each). Students can apply in Year 2 for optional exchanges with institutions in the USA and study in other European universities.

Career pathways

Graduates work in the public and voluntary/community sectors and in the private sector, from management consultancy to law and journalism. Many progress to MA study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate is accepted in the portfolio (Distinction* equated to A, Distinction to B). BTEC Extended Diploma: D*DD. IB Diploma: 33 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3. Access course: average of 70%. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 Honours degree. GCSE English Language grade C/4 required; no specific Level 3 subject requirements. Typically at least 5 GCSEs at C/4 including English Language. No interview normally. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,600 a year (2026/27). International and EU Other rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

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