VIRTUAL OPEN WEEK

Monday 8 – Thursday 18 February 2021

We are offering a programme of virtual live sessions so you can explore studying at Richmond including a talk on the degree of your choice.

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  • Tuition Fee

    £9,250 (UK/EU)
    £14,750 (INT)
    $38,000 (US)

  • Duration

    3 Years (Full-time)
    4 Years (Full-time)

  • Location

    Richmond Hill Campus

Programme Overview

International Relations are 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.

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 ‘International Human Rights’, ‘Conflict and Peace Studies’, ‘Foreign Policy Analysis’, ‘Diplomatic Studies’, ‘US Grand Strategy’, ‘Global Energy Politics’, and ‘Critical Globalization Studies’.

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.

Programme Video

Learn more about BA International Relations from a member of the academic team and a student on the programme.

Top 5 reasons to study this programme:

  • Acquire an analytical grasp of contemporary social, political and economic issues as well as conflicts at international and regional level
  • Broaden your perspective by understanding the main actors and institutions in the international system and their impact on society
  • • Gain vital work experience with an international internship, enhancing your career opportunities, while building experience with writing in a range of professional formats from project evaluations, policy briefs and policy-maker profiles to NGO campaign analyses and project grant applications.
  • Take part in field trips to the European Parliament, Council and Commission and NATO in Brussels and the International Court of Justice in the Hague
  • Learn from faculty academics leading research in specialist areas from ‘US Grand Strategy’ to ‘International Human Rights’

  • After you graduate

    Career Paths
    Our graduates go on to work in a range of fields including government (for instance, the Diplomatic Service and Ministry of Defence in the UK), charities, journalism, banking, research and policy think tanks, humanitarian organisations and international organisations.

    Their workplaces have included the Embassy of Dominican Republic, the European Commission, Moody’s Investors Service, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the US Department of Homeland Security.

    In the workplace
    INSEAD, King’s College London, University of Sydney, London School of Economics and Political Science, SOAS, University of London

    Further Education
    INSEAD, King’s College London, University of Sydney, London School of Economics and Political Science, SOAS, University of London

  • Career Support

    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. 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.

Modules breakdown

3 Years pathway

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

Fall Semester

Fall Semester

Fall Semester

Foundations of Politics

Evolution of International Systems

Senior Seminar I

The Global Cold War

Major Political Thinkers

The Politics of International Law

Comparative Political Systems

Intro to Macroeconomics

IR Theory

Research & Writing I

Elective

Elective

Creative Expression

Elective

Elective

Spring Semester

Spring Semester

Spring Semester

Rich World Poor World

Global Governance

Senior Seminar II

Introduction to IR

Global Dev Politics

International Political Economy

Probability and Statistics I

Research Methods and Practices

Elective

Research & Writing II

Security Studies

Elective

Scientific Reasoning

Elective

Elective

4 Years pathway

CORE SUBJECTS

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

YEAR 4

Foundations of Politics

Rich World/Poor World

Global Development Politics

International Relations Theory

Comparative Political Systems

Introduction to Macroeconomics

Global Governance

International Political Economy

The Global Cold War

Introduction to International Relations

Security Studies

The Politics of International Law

Transitions I

Evolution of International Systems

Research Methods and Practices – Social Sciences

Senior Seminar in International Relations 1

Transitions II

Probability and Statistics I

 

Senior Seminar in International Relations 2

Scientific Reasoning

Major Political Thinkers

  

Creative Expression

Research and Writing II

  

Research and Writing I

Plus 3 FHEQ Level 4 Electives (can be Gen Ed Hum SS requirement)

  

2 QCF Level 3 Electives

   

ELECTIVE MODULES

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

YEAR 4
  

Plus 2 of the following:

Plus 5 of the following OR Internship and 3 of the following
  

Power in the Americas

The American Presidency
  

Political Communications

Sustainable Development
  

Rise Of The Right: History of Fascisms

Postcolonial Theory and Development
  

Nationalism And Conflict

Culture, Power and Empire
  

War of the Worlds? Empire and Civilization

Migrations and Diasporas
  

Critical Globalization Studies

Country Risk Analysis
  

US Grand Strategy

Conflict And Peace Studies
  

Miracle To Meltdown: East & Southeast Asia

International Human Rights
  

Game Theory and Decision Methods

Diplomatic Studies
  

Politics Of The Middle East

Foreign Policy Analysis
  

Political Economy: Capitalism and its Critics

Global Energy Politics
  

British Politics

World Internship International Relations (6 CREDITS)
  

Politics in the USA

Internship In International Relations (6 CREDITS)
  

Politics goes to Hollywood

Global News Analysis
  

The European Union in the New International System

Liberty, Justice, Equality: Contemporary Political Theory
  

Islam and The West

Policy-Making in a Globalized World
  

Politics Of Sub-Saharan Africa

Political Sociology: Power, State and Society
  

Russian Politics and History

Citizenship: National and Global
  

Modern China

Politics Of Environmentalism
  

Plus 4 FHEQ Level 5 Electives

Ethnicity and Identity
   

Gender, Politics and International Relations
   

Religion, Identity And Power
   

Democracy and Democratization

3 Year Pathway Entry Requirements

A Level: 3 C’s or equivalent*

*All other equivalent eligible transfer credits will be determined by Admissions.

4 Year Pathway Entry Requirements

A Level: 96 UCAS points

US High School Diploma (or equivalent): 2.5 GPA minimum (on 4.0 scale)

International Baccalaureate: 24 IB points (year 1) BTEC National Diploma: MMM.

Completion of Year 12-13 International equivalent secondary school qualification with a minimum grade average of grade of C including mathematics and English

English Language Requirements (Non Native English Speakers)

Qualification

Undergraduate

Validity Period

IELTS (Academic)

5.5 with 5.5 in Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing

2 Years

TOEFL IBT

72 with 17 Listening, 18 in Reading, 17 Writing, 20 Speaking

2 Years

Pearson Test of English

51 with 51 in each component

2 Years

First, Advanced, Proficiency – taken after January 2015

162 overall (no less than 162 in each component)

No Expiry

Cambridge First: Advantage, Proficiency – taken before January 2015

Cambridge First: Grade B overall (No less than B in any component)

No Expiry
 

Cambridge Advanced: Grade C (no less than C in any component) less than C in any component)

No Expiry
 

Cambridge Proficiency: Level C1 certificate

No Expiry

How to apply

How to Apply

You apply directly using the Common Application ($50.00) or the Richmond online Application. In order to submit your application you will need the following information

  • Details of your education history, including the dates of all exams/assessments
  • The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic copy of your academic reference
  • A personal statement – this can either be emailed as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online
  • An electronic copy of your in process or completed high school (secondary school) transcript and graduation certificate

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

Application process

Admission is by interview unless you live outside the UK when we may interview you via Skype or by telephone. We may also determine your suitability on the basis of their application and qualifications alone. Find out more about applying.

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UCAS Course Code

3 year pathway

RU08

4 year pathway

L240
  • The programme is recognised in the US via our MSCHE accreditation.
  • The programme is currently validated in the UK by The Open University.
  • Major
  • Minor
  • US Federal Aid is available
  • SFE loans currently awaiting designation.

Full Time 3-4 Years

Including one year at QCF Level 3
(subject to credit transfer)

Contact our admissions team for more details:
admissions@richmond.ac.uk

Please note: Non US students are eligible

Useful Links

Programme Specification
How to apply
Scholarships
Careers & Internships

Undergraduate Prospectus

What our students say

I chose to study at Richmond because I wanted in-depth exposure to the international community. Meeting new people, embracing new cultures and learning about various parts of the world is truly the spice of life. Richmond prepared me for my career path by broadening my worldview which has been essential to my professional and personal development. I was offered a unique foundation from which to analyse opportunities on a global scale.

After graduating in May 2014, I immediately went to work in Silicon Valley as an advisor to a UK tech start-up. During this time, I was offered a job at one of Rocket Internet’s companies, a dream that came true. My experience has taught me that everyone faces rejection and hardship. However, the true success stories stem from people who face these challenges and keep on going, headstrong into the wind. My advice is that in start-ups and tech, the experience is the key. Ideas are cheap and everyone has one. You need to demonstrate and prove its value and have a strong work ethic.

After I graduated from Richmond with a BA (Hons) International Relations in 2002, I completed a MSc in European Politics and Governance from the London School of Economics (LSE). Currently, I work at the European Commission, Directorate General Maritime Affairs and Fisheries as an International Relations Officer.

When I signed up for Richmond little did I realize what an exceptional experience this would be; a multi-cultural bubble with fantastic faculty and inspiring students all in the heart of London. The three years I spent at Richmond were invaluable and laid a strong foundation for both my personal development and professional career. From an academic standpoint, the quality of teaching and range of courses as well as the diverse inputs from its international students, all contribute to making Richmond superior to many of the top European universities.

Hello! My name is Sky Harsch and I am a second year International Relations major. I am originally from Michigan, but I moved to Richmond two years ago in the hopes of getting a more diverse political education than I could have in the states. Studying here at Richmond has definitely given me that international environment I was looking for and has been truly and 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.

Where to find us

Richmond Hill Campus

Queen’s Road
Richmond-upon-Thames
TW10 6JP
England

+44 (0) 208 332 8200 (Main Switchboard)