BA (Honours) International Relations at The Open University

Programme overview

A BA (Honours) degree of 360 credits in three stages of 120 credits, studied by distance learning. It examines the development of the international system, relations between states and other actors, and the sources of order and disorder, including conflict and co-operation. Students specialise in Development, Environment, History or Politics.

Duration: As little as 3 years at a pace equivalent to full-time (120 credits a year); 6 years part-time (60 credits a year) | Intake: February and October (Stage 1 modules); later modules mostly October | Study mode: part-time distance learning | Location: Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Stage 1 begins with a social sciences or environment module (D112 or U116) and Global challenges (D113). Stage 2 studies Exploring international relations (D228) plus a route module in Politics, Development, Environment or History. Stage 3 studies International relations: people, power and change (D322) plus a route module.

Career pathways

Builds critical thinking, evaluative skills, time management, collaboration and independent working.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. An optional Access module (Psychology, social science and wellbeing) is recommended for those returning to study. Previous university-level or professional/vocational study (such as HNCs and HNDs) may be transferred as credit; apply at least four weeks before registration closes.

Domestic applicants: GBP 24,528 for the whole programme (2026/27). Total for the 360-credit honours degree at the England-resident rate (maximum chargeable fee, 2026/27), based on studying 60 credits a year for 6 years (£4,088 a year). Source

Intake: February and October (Stage 1 modules); later modules mostly October

Duration: As little as 3 years at a pace equivalent to full-time (120 credits a year); 6 years part-time (60 c

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