University of Westminster

International Relations and Development BA Honours

Our International Relations and Development BA focuses on international development and the challenges associated with a political and economic change in the international system.

The course considers the relationships between the Global North and South, examining how colonialism and capitalism have shaped our contemporary world. You'll explore global poverty and inequality and the impact of globalisation on different parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, China, India, Central Asia and Latin America.

The course provides a theoretical framework for understanding the international distribution of power at the global, regional and national levels, and we aim to enthuse and inspire you by building close links to government bodies and the policy world. A degree in International Relations and Development will prepare you for professional life in a range of sectors, including the Civil Service, media, public policy, NGOs, teaching and further research.

In this course, you'll have the opportunity to spend one optional year abroad, where you can complete a work or volunteering placement, undertake a year of study at one of our partner universities, or a combination of the two. The year abroad provides a valuable opportunity to boost employability, enhance language skills and build international experience, something which is highly valued by employers. It also encourages intercultural awareness and capability, qualities of self-reliance and other skills which will further enable you to become mobile and transnational citizen.

The course is based in the School of Social Sciences, which brings together Criminology, Politics and International Relations, Psychology and Sociology. What binds us together is our shared commitment to making education a transformative experience for our students, to conducting research that makes a difference in the social world, and enhancing the diversity of ideas and identities within and beyond the University.

We are in the centre of one of the world’s greatest cities, and we use this vibrant, multicultural setting to ensure that our students discover innovative solutions to the problems facing our world. We are ranked top 20 in the world for the percentage of international students, Times Higher Education World University rankings 2021.

As a School, we also host the world-renowned Centre for the Study of Democracy. The Centre undertakes research across a range of critical challenges to the theory and practice of politics, international relations, sociology and criminology. We have an innovative initiative called the Democratic Education Network, which facilitates dialogue and the sharing of knowledge between our students, international universities and diasporic communities in London.

Top reasons to study with us

• A global environment – we are one of the most diverse universities in the country, and London is a vibrant, global city.
• Supportive staff and student satisfaction – our student satisfaction rate is over 90%, and we do everything we can to ensure our students get the most from studying with us. (Source: Discover Uni – site accessed in December 2020).
• International experience – the course includes a year of studying, working or volunteering abroad.
• Development theories and practice in a real-world environment – overseas field trips give students real experience of global development.

Why study this course?

• Innovative research inspires our teaching
  The research undertaken by our world-renowned Centre for the Study of Democracy means the department is at the forefront of global political understanding.
• Central London location
  Our location in a global political hub provides a perfect platform for exploring the rest of the world and we regularly invite leading intellectuals, policy-makers, officials and political activists to speak to our students.
• Student satisfaction
  Our supportive environment and expert teaching staff keep our student satisfaction at a high level – 92% of students agreed that they're satisfied with the quality of the course.
  Source: Discover Uni (Accessed December 2020)