BA (Hons)
UCAS CODES: 4 YEARS – L240
NEW: 4 YEARS WITH FOUNDATION – RF16
The topic of International Relations is never far from the news headlines as the world grows more interconnected through trade and migration, the internet and social media.
Blend the fields of politics, economics, history and law with our BA in International Relations as you explore our ever-changing political landscape.
We talk to Dr. Mike Keating and student Aleksander on the benefits of studying International Relations BA (Hons) at Richmond, The American International University in London.
About the programme
With such a varied range of topics, it’s no wonder our graduates go on to such diverse and successful careers. This degree will prepare you for a career in international organisations, business, finance, government institutions, agencies, and the media.
It will provide you with specific knowledge in three core areas: International Relations theory and concepts, global institutions, and contemporary issues in international affairs.
You’ll be able to choose topics from a variety of electives including ‘Terrorism and Counter Terrorism’, ‘Peace and Justice’, Politics of Environmentalism’, ‘The American Presidency’, and ‘The European Union.’
Our programme is designed to offer you a specialisation as you progress with your degree, according to your main area of interest. You can also take courses which allow you to specialise in the International Relations of different regions, including the USA, Latin America, the EU, Asia, Russia, Africa and the Middle East.
We’ll introduce you to the main concepts and approaches to the study of international relations and encourage you to analyse, interpret and evaluate world political events and issues.
It’s a broad remit as you’ll investigate security, nationalism and warfare while also addressing politics within international law and institutions, the global economy, and issues related to development and developing states.
What you will study
Richmond is the only university in the UK where the degree programmes are based on the US educational approach which is a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will first enter our Liberal Arts programme before specialising in their Major.
The entry requirements for all undergraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen Major.
Find out more about the Core Curriculum >>
YEAR 1Courses
Plus one of the following:
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YEAR 2Courses
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YEAR 3Courses
Plus one of the following:
Plus one of the following:
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YEAR 4Courses
Plus one of the following:
Integrated Internship
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In addition to the courses outlined above, there are open electives in each year. Course content and delivery can be subject to change. For more detailed information on the programme specification, please find more details here.
A normal course load per academic year is 30 US credits, equivalent to 120 UK credits. Students complete 120 UK credits at Level 6 in their chosen major.
International Relations (BA) with Foundation
There are many reasons why taking this programme with a Foundation option could be the ideal choice; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have tried other options such as apprenticeship and want to change direction or have been living abroad.
Whatever your starting point, studying this programme with a Foundation option offers you a great opportunity to gain both a UK and US degree and start the adventure of a lifetime, studying with us in the world’s top student city.
This is what our Foundation option can offer you:
Entry requirements
At Richmond our undergraduate degree programmes, which are based on the US educational approach, are offered on a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will first enter our Liberal Arts programme before specialising in their Major.
The entry requirements for all undergraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen Major.
Below is information on our entry requirements for both 4 years and 4 years with foundation programmes.
4 YEARS
Other international equivalent qualifications are accepted – please email admissions@richmond.ac.uk for further details.
4 YEARS W/ FOUNDATION
We understand that not every student is in the same situation, if you have any questions about your qualifications, please get in touch with us admissions@richmond.ac.uk.
For more information on English Language Requirements for your country visit our How to Apply webpage.
Fees & funding
Undergraduate tuition fees for students starting their programme this academic year can be found in the table below.
UK |
EU / INT |
US |
|
| Fall 2023 | Fall 2023 | Fall 2023 | |
| Undergraduate Programmes
(per year) |
£9,250 | £14,900 | £14,900 |
*This includes a scholarship award upon successful application
(Hint: Scroll left & right to view the full table)
For more information visit our Tuition Fees & Funding webpage.
Employability
The University offers personal development seminars, leadership opportunities and access to work experience, volunteering and internships. There is also a dedicated, personalised service for assistance with CV writing, interview preparation tips and much more.
Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to build links with industry experts and Richmond alumni, connecting you to a vast and influential worldwide network.
Internships
We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Whether you are interested in gaining work experience in London or internationally, we will be here to help you find the best possible opportunities.
Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment.
Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.
Graduate Destinations
Below is a list of where some of the graduates of this programme have gone on to work.
Study abroad
All students at Richmond University have the opportunity to study abroad. You can either study at one of our campuses for a semester to a year or study overseas at any of our partner locations across the world giving you an unique experience.
How to apply
You can apply one of three ways, either apply directly through us, apply through UCAS and for our US students, via the Common Application ($50.00).
In order to submit your application you will need the following information
Visit our How to Apply webpage for more information regarding Entry Requirements, admissions processes and to start your application.
When to apply
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you are completing your undergraduate programme of study. In this case you will be offered a place that is conditional on successfully completing a specified qualification and English language qualification if applicable.
If you would like your application to be considered for a Richmond bursary, an early application is strongly recommended.
What our students say
Register for an Undergraduate open event at Richmond >>
Sign up and find out about our programmes, generous scholarships and what life is like at Richmond.
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“We’re delighted to offer this new BA programme from September 2020, which provides students with the skills they need to succeed in the dynamic world of digital communication and social media. This flexible, versatile, and rigorous programme seeks to future-proof graduates for the intellectual and professional opportunities offered by new technology.”
– Dr. Sam Brooker, Programme Leader
“I had the best academic and personal experience at Richmond University. The liberal arts degree, close relations with professors and the international environment provided a rigorous academic training and development opportunities.
Studying International Relations (BA) in my undergraduate at Richmond sparked my curiosity in the field and ultimately laid the foundations for specialising in a Master’s in Political Economy of Europe at the London School of Economics.
The Richmond experience equipped me with superior critical thinking abilities that still provide a competitive edge to this day.”
“My time at Richmond has been incredibly enriching both from an academic and personal perspective. I had the opportunity to grow and learn from an inspiring international community of faculty and students while living in the heart of London.
My BA in International Relations introduced me to a variety of fascinating subjects and generated in me a passion for international development and public policy that defined my career path.
Thus, I pursued a MSc in Migration, mobility and development from SOAS university and worked for international organisations in Asia and Europe.
The classes I followed at Richmond were unique thanks to the engaging and practical attitude of the professors. Along with theoretical concepts and practical knowledge, they instilled in us the thirst for critical thinking, which fundamentally shaped me as a person and allowed me to stand out in my career.”
“Studying in the heart of London was exceptional, especially for my career in International Relations – there is such a diversity regarding organizations where you can do an internship and also the other students were from all over the world, which provided different perspectives on several topics.
The professors were supportive and motivating – Richmond really confirmed that I am on the right path, connected me to inspirational people and opened up the horizon for my future career.”
“Studying here at Richmond has definitely given me that international environment I was looking for and has been truly an amazing experience!”
“International Relations classes here are so enriching and engaging, not only because I love what I’m studying but also because of the structure in which classes are taught. The students and teachers here are so diverse in background that when discussing international topics, you’re able to learn first-hand about different countries, their governments, and how they live. The classes are interactive and never overwhelming in size, and I am amazed how much I have enjoyed learning and growing in these past two years.”
“The diversity within Richmond also helps to create and very unique peer environment. The close-knit students here push each other at all times to be more kind, courageous, caring, accepting, and curious, all while striving for academic excellence. It’s the perfect school for a student who wants to learn and live globally and have a lot of fun along the way.”
“Richmond imbued in me a commitment to help make the world a better place. As a senior civil servant at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) I lead a team that helps American communities become more resilient to disasters. I recall my time at Richmond fondly and hope that current and future students get as much out of their years in London as I did.”
“Nearly a decade after graduating from Richmond with a BA in International Relations, I am still using the skills and knowledge I acquired during my time in London. Academically, Richmond prepared me for my work at multiple US federal agencies and my graduate program at Brown University, where I received a Masters in Public Affairs.
My professors at Richmond brought a level of expertise and insight that continues to bring value to my work today as a Strategic Communications Director at Finsbury Glover Hering, a leading global strategic communications and public affairs communications consultancy based in Washington, US.
Making the choice to attend Richmond also brought the life experience of moving to a different country, living in a dynamic city, and being immersed in a diverse, multicultural community. All these unique facets of going to Richmond ensured my time at university helped me grow personally and professionally.”
“After earning my BA in Political Science and International Relations from Richmond, I went on to earn my MSc from the London School of Economics and JD from Rutgers School of Law. I am currently a Deputy Attorney General for New Jersey in the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. I joined my current office after practicing at a large international law firm for more than five years.
There is a through line from my time at Richmond to my current practice. Practicing law requires, among other things, the ability to quickly digest facts, see an issue from all sides, and draw key distinctions among competing arguments. At Richmond, the quality of instruction, class size, and diverse community of students helped make me uniquely prepared for my career. “
