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Queen's University Belfast BA International Relations and Politics

Queen's University Belfast

BA International Relations and Politics

Belfast, United Kingdom

BA

3 years

English

Full time

30 Jun 2025

Sep 2025

GBP 20,800 / per year *

On-Campus

* international fee

Key Summary

    About : The BA International Relations and Politics program offers a comprehensive understanding of global affairs, political theories, and the impact of government policies. This course is designed to help you develop critical thinking and analytical skills while exploring the complexities of international relations. Engaging with leading experts in the field, you'll gain insights into contemporary political issues and trends.
    Career Outcomes : Graduates can pursue various career paths, including roles in diplomacy, international organizations, government agencies, non-profit sectors, and academic institutions. Opportunities in political consultancy and journalism are also viable options for those looking to impact global policies and practices.

Introduction

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 to the particular European experience of regional integration. You will acquire familiarity with the experiences of differing national polities and societies, facilitating the development of culturally sensitive cross-national comparisons.

International Relations at Queen’s is about more than just armed conflict and insurgency. It also examines such trends as globalisation and considers the challenge from the rise of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the process of European integration, 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, co-operation, 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, co-operation and its origins, dynamics and trajectories, at theories of society, at the value and ethical basis of political ideas and action, and at politics in different national and historical contexts.

International Relations And Politics Degree Highlights

Queen’s is ranked in the top 75 universities in Europe for Teaching Excellent (Times Higher Education, 2019)

Global Opportunities

  • All students within this degree programme will have the possibility of opting to study for a semester abroad in their third year at an English-speaking 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

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

World-Class Facilities

  • The School also boasts the following:
  • 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)
    • 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)
  • Research-led Teaching:
    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 on policymaking.
  • Professor Beverley Milton Edwards has advised various governments in her role as an expert on the Middle East and is currently a Visiting Fellow at the Brooking Institution.
  • 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.

Student Experience

  • Our uniquely supportive pastoral care/personal tutor system is equalled only by the academic guidance available.
  • Our vibrant Politics Society (Polysoc) provides a welcome 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.
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