Queen's University Belfast - Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

BA in International Relations and Politics

The Joint Honours Programme in International Relations and Politics will provide you with an in-depth, interdisciplinary understanding of contemporary politics, international affairs and conflict situations in their political, historical, cultural, economic and legal dimensions. Dedicated modules will introduce you to core concepts and debates in International Relations and the study of conflict, as well as European integration. You will acquire familiarity with the experiences of differing national polities and societies, facilitating the development of cross-national comparisons.

You will have the opportunity to learn about trends such as globalisation and the rise of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, humanitarian issues such as poverty, development and refugees, and the role of the media in conflict.

The academic study of politics is concerned with the sources of conflict, cooperation, power and decision-making within and between societies, how differences are expressed through ideology and organisation, and how, if at all, disagreements and problems are resolved. We look at conflict, cooperation and its origins, dynamics and trajectories, theories of society, the value and ethical basis of political ideas and action, and politics in different national and historical contexts.

International Relations and Politics highlights

Global Opportunities

All students within this degree programme will have the possibility of opting to study (in English) for a semester abroad in their third year at a university in mainland Europe. There is also a possibility for some to spend an additional year in the United States under the Study USA programme.

Industry Links

Unique to the BA Politics programme is the opportunity in the final year to undertake a part-time placement within a local organisation to gain direct experience in policy-making and political decision-making.

Past students have gained work placements with organisations such as the following:

• BBC
• Mencap
• Northern Ireland Electoral Commission
• Northern Ireland Local Government Association
• Northern Ireland political parties
• Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments
• Police Ombudsman‘s Office
• The North/South Ministerial Council
• Stratagem
• Women's Aid

Student Experience

Students in their final year have the opportunity to secure a semester-long internship, giving them hands-on experience in political issues and policy-making.

Internationally Renowned Experts

The School also boasts the following:

• Democracy Unit
• Centre for Gender in Politics
• Centre for Public History
• The Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice
• Institute of Cognition and Culture
• Institute of Irish Studies
• Two International Summer Schools (the Irish Studies Summer School; and the Conflict Transformation and Social Justice Summer School)

Student Experience

Cutting-edge research drives our externally commended teaching, most recently evidenced in the latest student satisfaction survey.

Internationally Renowned Experts

Professor John Garry is an internationally recognised expert in the areas of citizens’ political attitudes and voting behaviour. His research has informed governments both in Belfast and Dublin on offering ordinary citizens the chance to have greater input in policymaking.

Professor David Phinnemore is an expert on EU Treaty reform and EU enlargement, which led to his secondment as an advisor to the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Further Study Opportunities

Graduates with this degree at Queen‘s are well-regarded by local, national and international employers and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including International Studies and Politics. Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in the public, government and voluntary/community sectors, significant numbers develop careers in the private sector, working in industries from management consultancy to law and journalism.

Student Experience

Our vibrant Politics Society (Polysoc) provides a welcoming and stimulating environment for new students. Diversity of Students: we have students from around the UK, Ireland, Europe and the wider world, ensuring a rich mix of students with different experiences and backgrounds.

Career Development

Queen’s is ranked in the top 170 in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2024).