International Relations and Diplomacy (Hague Exchange) BA (Hons)

This course could be your passport to a career where you can contribute to peace-building initiatives worldwide.

Course description

• This degree gives you a head start in securing a rewarding career within international organisations, diplomatic communities, governments, the civil service, national and transnational institutions
• You’ll learn how to interpret, explain and forecast political, social and economic developments affecting different countries
• You can broaden your horizons in the legal capital of the world – by choosing a year-long study exchange at The Hague University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands
• We offer work-based learning opportunities, such as study visits to the United Nations Office in Geneva, the British Foreign Office and other international institutions
• We equip you with vital skills in arbitration, conflict resolution and diplomatic practice alongside a deep knowledge of current international affairs
• Our degree is truly interdisciplinary, and our emphasis on diplomacy is unique; you’ll engage with a broad spectrum of subjects throughout your study.

Stimulating, topical and challenging, the BA (Hons) International Relations and Diplomacy offers fascinating perspectives on how to promote good relations between people, communities and countries, equipping you for careers where you can play your part in international peace-building initiatives.

The degree reflects the growing need to resolve intra-national and international conflicts through diplomacy rather than the use of military force. You will therefore learn about the role of international political institutions in promoting democracy, world peace, political stability and development. You will also deepen your understanding of the varied diplomatic exchanges that take place between governments and inter-government institutions.

Throughout, you will develop your intellectual flexibility, confidence and critical skills by exploring key themes such as advocacy, democracy, human rights, social policy and international security in the context of global conflict, peace and international law.

The BA (Hons) International Relations and Diplomacy introduces you to the very latest global debates surrounding power, justice, order, conflict, legitimacy, accountability, obligation, sovereignty, mediation, security, governance and other themes relating to inter-governmental relations and decision-making processes.

You will also learn about concepts such as anarchy, statism, security-dilemma, self-help, nationalism, institutionalism, regimes, realism, neo-realism, liberalism, globalisation, peace-building, conflict resolution and arbitration. Each of these concepts will help you understand, analyse and interpret political developments on the world stage.