Study International Relations in the UK: Study Guide
In today’s globally connected world, understanding how nations interact, cooperate, and compete is more vital than ever. International Relations (IR) is an interdisciplinary field that explores global politics, diplomacy, economics, and international law.
For Indian students, pursuing International Relations in the UK opens doors to a world-class education system, global exposure, and career opportunities that extend beyond borders. The UK’s universities are known for their research excellence, policy influence, and strong ties with global institutions like the UN, WTO, and IMF.
Moreover, studying in the UK provides a unique multicultural environment, allowing Indian students to engage with peers from all over the world. The UK’s political heritage, including its parliamentary democracy and foreign policy leadership, offers an ideal setting to study international affairs.
Graduates from UK institutions are highly valued for their analytical, negotiation, and communication skills. With a wide range of scholarships, post-study work options, and global recognition of UK degrees, the UK stands as a preferred destination for aspiring diplomats, policy analysts, and researchers.
Why Study International Relations in the UK?
The UK has long been a global hub for political thought, international diplomacy, and social research. Studying International Relations here allows students to learn from experts who have contributed to major global policies and academic developments.
British universities provide access to think tanks, embassies, and governmental institutions for real-world learning. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, comparative politics, and international law, preparing students for dynamic careers.
Additionally, Indian students benefit from the UK’s flexible education system and exposure to global perspectives.
Key Benefits of Studying International Relations in the UK
- Globally Respected Universities
The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities, such as the London School of Economics (LSE), University of Oxford, and King’s College London, all known for excellence in Political Science and International Relations.
- Strong Research and Academic Excellence
Students have access to cutting-edge research resources, policy centres, and academic mentors who are actively engaged in international policymaking and global forums.
- Strategic Global Exposure
The UK’s global influence and international ties make it an ideal place to study real-world international relations through internships, seminars, and exchange programs.
- Multicultural Learning Environment
With students from across the globe, UK classrooms encourage diverse debates and foster intercultural understanding, essential skills for IR professionals.
- Practical Learning Opportunities
Many universities collaborate with global organisations, think tanks, and NGOs, offering students hands-on experience in policymaking, research, and diplomacy.
- Career Advancement and Employability
Graduates are highly employable across sectors like government, diplomacy, media, and international development due to the analytical and communication skills gained.
- Scholarship Support and Funding Options
UK universities and government programs offer generous scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT Scholarships, reducing financial barriers for Indian students.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities
The Graduate Visa allows students to stay and work in the UK for two years after completing their degree, offering valuable global work experience.
Types of International Relations Degrees in the UK
UK universities offer a wide range of International Relations degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These programmes are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of global politics, international diplomacy, conflict resolution, and policy-making in an increasingly interconnected world.
Undergraduate International Relations Courses in the UK
An undergraduate degree in International Relations typically spans three to four years. In the early stages, students explore foundational subjects such as political theory, world history, and global governance.
As the course progresses, students can specialise in areas like security studies, international law, global development, or diplomacy. Students gain a broad understanding of global issues and analytical tools to interpret world affairs.
Core Subjects in Undergraduate International Relations Degrees:
Introduction to International Relations: A foundational overview of key theories and global political systems.
Global Politics and Governance: Examines international institutions such as the United Nations, WTO, and the European Union.
International Security Studies: Focuses on global conflicts, peacekeeping, and the causes of war and terrorism.
Foreign Policy Analysis: Understanding how states formulate and implement their foreign policies.
International Law and Human Rights: Explores the legal frameworks governing global relations and humanitarian protection.
Political Economy and Development: Studies the relationship between politics, economics, and global inequality.
Many UK universities offer an optional placement or study abroad year, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in government departments, NGOs, or international organisations, enhancing both academic and professional growth.
Popular International Relations Undergraduate Degrees
BA International Relations
BA Politics and International Relations
BSc International Relations and Global Development
BA International Relations and Security Studies
Postgraduate International Relations Courses
Postgraduate programmes in International Relations allow students to deepen their understanding of global systems and develop advanced analytical and research skills.
Typically, a master’s degree lasts one year full-time or two years part-time. Students can choose from a range of specialisations tailored to their career aspirations in diplomacy, policy-making, journalism, or international organisations.
Postgraduate Specialisations in International Relations:
MA International Relations: Offers comprehensive insights into global politics, diplomacy, and policy formulation.
MSc Global Governance and Diplomacy: Focuses on international cooperation, leadership, and negotiation in global institutions.
MA Conflict, Security, and Development: Analyses the interplay between security issues, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
MSc International Political Economy: Examines how economic forces influence international relations and global policy decisions.
MA International Law and Human Rights: Explores global justice, humanitarian law, and human rights protection mechanisms.
Popular International Relations Postgraduate Degrees:
MA International Relations
MSc Global Politics
MA Diplomacy and International Governance
MPhil International Relations
PhD in International Relations
A PhD in International Relations is ideal for students aiming to pursue academic, research, or policy-oriented careers.
This advanced research degree, typically lasting three to four years, involves conducting original research on specialised topics such as international security, global environmental politics, migration studies, or diplomacy in the digital age.
PhD candidates contribute to global scholarship by analysing critical international issues and influencing policy development at the highest levels.
International Relations Course Duration in the UK
The duration of International Relations degrees in the UK varies depending on the level of study and the specific structure of the chosen programme.
Undergraduate International Relations Course (BA/BSc):
Typically, lasts three years for full-time students. Many universities also offer a four-year option that includes a placement year or a study abroad opportunity, allowing students to gain valuable international exposure and practical experience.
Postgraduate International Relations Courses (MA/MSc):
A master’s degree in International Relations is usually completed in one year full-time or two years part-time. These programmes are designed for students seeking to deepen their knowledge of global politics, policy analysis, and international diplomacy while building strong research and analytical skills.
PhD in International Relations:
A PhD generally takes three to four years to complete and involves extensive research leading to a thesis on a specialised area such as international security, global governance, human rights, or foreign policy. This path is ideal for those aspiring to academic, research, or high-level policy careers.
Tuition Fees for International Relations Courses in the UK
Tuition fees for International Relations degrees in the UK vary based on the university, level of study, and location. Below is an approximate range of tuition fees for international students:
Undergraduate International Relations Courses: £16,000 to £34,000 per year.
Postgraduate International Relations Courses (MA/MSc): £18,000 to £35,000 per year.
Top-ranked universities such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the London School of Economics (LSE) often have higher tuition fees due to their global reputation, cutting-edge research facilities, and distinguished faculty.
Students should also factor in living expenses, including accommodation, transport, and daily costs, especially if studying in major cities like London, Edinburgh, or Manchester, where living costs tend to be higher.
Sample Tuition Fees at Top UK Universities (2026)
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University
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Programme
|
International Fees
|
|
London School of Economics
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BSc International Relations
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£30,700 per year
|
|
King’s College London
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International Relations BA
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£33,850 per year
|
|
University College London
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Politics and International Relations BSc
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£35,400 per year
|
|
University of Southampton
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International Relations (BSc)
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£26,000 per year
|
|
Loughborough University
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International Relations BA (Hons)
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£24,700 per year
|
Scholarships for International Relations Students in the UK
Several UK universities offer a wide range of scholarships to support international students pursuing degrees in International Relations. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, financial need, or research achievements.
Popular Scholarships for International Relations Students:
Chevening Scholarships: Prestigious UK government-funded awards that enable outstanding students from across the world to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. Chevening focuses on developing future global leaders and diplomats.
Commonwealth Scholarships: Offered to students from Commonwealth countries, these scholarships fund postgraduate studies in the UK and aim to promote sustainable development and international cooperation.
GREAT Scholarships: Jointly funded by the UK Government and participating universities, the GREAT Scholarship supports talented students from select countries who wish to study in the UK. It is an excellent opportunity for International Relations students aspiring to contribute to global diplomacy and policy-making.
University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities offer their own scholarships for international students, such as the LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme, Oxford Clarendon Scholarship, or King’s College London Global Award for International Relations students.
University of Bristol- Think Big about International Relations Postgraduate Scholarship- An award of £13,000
Cardiff India scholarships- Worth £5,000 for Postgraduate programs
Newcastle University- Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships (Undergraduate)- £7,000 tuition fee awards
Loughborough University- Excellence Scholarships- Worth £6000 for Postgraduate programs
Kingston University- International Scholarships- Worth £5,000 towards first year tuition fees
NTU International Scholarships- from £2,000 up to 50% off tuition fees
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early, as scholarship opportunities are highly competitive and often require additional essays, references, or interviews as part of the selection process.
Career Opportunities After Studying International Relations in the UK
Graduates with a degree in International Relations have diverse career options in both public and private sectors. They can work with international organisations, embassies, NGOs, or research institutes.
The UK’s strong global network provides access to diplomatic and policy-making positions. Many students also pursue journalism, academia, or corporate roles, involving global strategy. Employers highly value the analytical, negotiation, and communication skills developed during IR studies.
Popular Career Paths in International Relations
Civil Services
Diplomatic Service Officer
Foreign Service Officer
Government Social Research Officer
Intelligence Analyst
International Development Specialist
Policy Officer
Political Risk Analyst
Public Affairs Consultant
Armed Forces Operational Officer
Border Force Officer
Broadcast Journalist
External Auditor
Global Business Consultant
Higher Education Lecturer
Ngo Or Human Rights Advocate
Researcher
Risk Manager
Solicitor
Average Salary for International Relations Graduates
The average salary for International Relations graduates in the UK is £37865 per year.
Salaries for graduates of International Relations degrees in the UK depend heavily on factors such as sector, location, experience, and employer type. Here is a general breakdown:
Entry-Level Roles: Graduates entering roles such as policy assistant, research officer, diplomatic support or NGO programme coordinator can expect starting salaries in the range of £28,000 to £35,000 per year.
Mid-Level Professionals: Professionals with a few years of experience (3-7 years) may earn between £35,000 and £60,000+ annually, especially if they have specialised in high-demand areas such as international development, diplomacy, security studies or work in London.
Senior-Level Roles: Senior positions such as policy director, senior diplomat, strategic lead in international organisations or global consultancy can command salaries of £60,000 and above, often depending on leadership responsibilities, London location and international scope.
Senior professionals in diplomacy, policy analysis, or consulting can earn over £70,000 annually.
Graduates working in London or in internationally-facing organisations generally command higher salaries. Careers in government foreign affairs, think-tanks, major NGOs, international organisations or consultancy tend to pay more than many entry-level roles in smaller NGOs or charities. Experience & specialisation, leadership, and niche expertise will enhance earning potential.
Graduate Employability for International Relations Graduates in the UK
UK universities maintain high employability rates for IR graduates, with many securing roles within six months of graduation. The combination of research training, analytical skills, and exposure to global institutions makes UK-educated students highly desirable in international job markets.
According to the Guardian University Guide 2026, the following universities have the highest graduate employability rates for International Relations degrees:
University Graduate Employability Rate
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University
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Graduate Employability Rate
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London School of Economics
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89%
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Loughborough University
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89%
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Lancaster University
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87%
|
|
University of St Andrews
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85%
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University of Birmingham
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85%
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Entry Requirements for International Relations Courses in the UK
Undergraduate International Relations Courses
A-Level Requirements: Typically range from ABB to AAA, depending on the university. Subjects such as Politics, History, Sociology, or English are often preferred.
International Baccalaureate (IB): A minimum of 34–38 points, with strong performance in relevant humanities or social science subjects.
IELTS: An overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual component below 6.0. Some top universities may ask for higher scores.
Postgraduate International Relations Courses
Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants are usually required to hold an undergraduate degree in International Relations, Political Science, History, Law, or a related field, with a minimum of 2:1 or 2:2 classification (or equivalent international qualification).
Work Experience: While not always mandatory, prior experience in policy analysis, research, international organisations, or NGOs can strengthen an application.
IELTS: A minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5-7.0, with no component lower than 6.0-6.5, is typically required by most UK universities.
Top Universities for International Relations in the UK
The UK is home to several globally renowned universities that are renowned for studying International Relations. According to the Guardian University Guide 2026, these are the top-ranking institutions for International Relations:
University of St Andrews
London School of Economics
Keele University
King's College London
University of Glasgow
Loughborough University
Liverpool John Moores University
Durham University
University of Essex
University College London
Conclusion: Why Study International Relations in the UK?
Studying International Relations in the UK equips students with global perspectives, analytical abilities, and diplomatic skills needed to navigate today’s complex world.
With access to world-class universities, diverse peer networks, and powerful career pathways, Indian students can build impactful careers shaping global policies and partnerships.
The UK’s academic reputation, research depth, and international exposure make it one of the best places in the world to study International Relations and become a true global citizen.