BA International Relations and Politics at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

This joint honours programme provides an interdisciplinary understanding of contemporary politics, international affairs and conflict situations in their political, historical, cultural, economic and legal dimensions. Dedicated modules introduce core concepts in International Relations, the study of conflict and European integration, and develop cross-national comparison.

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 modules: Perspectives on Politics, Comparative Politics, Contemporary Europe, World Politics and Introduction to Politics (20 credits each). Students can opt for a semester abroad in mainland Europe in third year, and in the final year can undertake a part-time placement or semester-long internship in a local organisation.

Career pathways

Graduates work in the public, government and voluntary/community sectors, and in the private sector in industries from management consultancy to law and journalism. Past students have gained placements with organisations including the BBC, Mencap, the Northern Ireland Electoral Commission and the North/South Ministerial Council.

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. 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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