A degree in international relations gives you the tools to understand global cultures, how nations connect across borders and why the world is a diverse and interdependent place. You learn to analyse political systems, governance, law and security.
You can also choose to focus on a particular area, such as international development or cyber security. This could be an ideal way to specialise and boost your career prospects. Many graduates decide to take a postgraduate course, such as a Masters, in the field.
The subject of international relations is broad and draws on a range of subjects, including economics, history, geography, law, politics, sociology, philosophy and political theory. It is also informed by a number of schools of thought, notably realism, liberalism and constructivism.
There are many sub-disciplines within international relations, including foreign policy analysis, intercultural studies, national and ethnic identities, conflict management, diplomacy, global governance, development and terrorism. You can also opt to specialise in a specific region of the world or look at particular countries, such as China, Iran or the Middle East.
Polarity is an important concept in international relations, and refers to the arrangement of power in the international system. It can be bipolar, as in the Cold War, or multipolar where there is more of a balance of power. Another concept is the idea of ‘soft power’, which focuses on non-coercive methods of influence and is used by organisations like Amnesty International and Greenpeace.
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