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Course type: Degree

Degree

Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.

Internationally respected, universally understood.

An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.

Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.

Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits: 360

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

BA (Honours) International Relations

: Course code: R83

By exploring current questions and issues of global importance, you'll develop an in-depth understanding of the development of the international system and interactions between states and other actors. You'll discover the sources of order and disorder within the international system and learn about the key issues in international relations, such as security, justice, conflict and co-operation. You'll also add to your knowledge of international relations by specialising in either Development, Environment, History or Politics. This qualification will extend and deepen your ability to demonstrate critical thinking and evaluative skills, as well as transferable skills and attributes that are crucial to enhancing your career development, including time management, collaboration and independent working.

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Key features

Course details

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How you'll study

Careers

How long it takes

Gain an understanding of contemporary global politics and international systems.
Examine order and disorder within the international system.
Study security, justice, conflict and co-operation.
Specialise in Development, Environment, History or Politics.

We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in International Relations (W95) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree.

Course type

Degree

Credits

360

How long it takes

Full-time study – 3 years

Part-time study – 6 years

Time limit – 16 years

See How long it takes

Study method

Distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This international relations degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

Stage 1 starts with a choice between an introduction to the social sciences and an introductory environment module. You'll complete this stage with an interdisciplinary social science module.
Next, in Stage 2, you'll start with an International Relations module and select from the Development, Environment, History or Politics routes.
In Stage 3, you'll continue studying International Relations and the route chosen at Stage 2.

Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll begin by choosing between an interdisciplinary study of key environmental issues and a core social science module covering geography, economics, sociology, psychology, politics and international studies. To complete the stage, you'll explore critical global challenges such as the climate crisis, legacies of colonialism and enslavement, and digital technology.

Stage 1 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll choose one from the following:
Introducing the social sciences (DD102)	60
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60
You'll also study the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You’ll develop a core grounding in international relations with a historical and contemporary knowledge of the key issues and debates, as well as the core and critical theoretical approaches to international relations.

You'll complete this stage with a module relevant to whichever route you want to specialise in. Choose from politics, global development, history or the environment.

Stage 2 modules
Modules	Credits
Politics route
You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)	60
Understanding politics: ideas and institutions in the modern world (DD211)	60
Development route
You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)	60
Introducing global development: poverty, inequality, sustainability (D229)	60
Environment route
You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)	60
Environment and society (DD213)	60
History route
You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)	60
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)	60

Stage 3 (120 credits)

In Stage 3, you'll deepen your understanding of international relations and study a further module according to your choice of route at Stage 2.

Stage 3 modules
Modules	Credits
Politics route
You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322) – planned for October 2026	60
Modern political ideas (DD316)	60
Development route
You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322) – planned for October 2026	60
Investigating global development: crisis, complexity, change (D329) – planned for October 2026	60
Environment route
You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322) – planned for October 2026	60
Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)	60
History route
You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322) – planned for October 2026	60
Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)	60

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. You’ll need to start your degree in October and can choose to study two 60-credit modules at the same time or start one in October and the other in February.

Don't worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.

Modules	Credits
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll choose one from the following:
Introducing the social sciences (DD102)	60
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60
You'll also study the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60
Stage 2 \| Year 2
Politics route – You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)	60
Understanding politics: ideas and institutions in the modern world (DD211)	60
Development route – You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)	60
Introducing global development: poverty, inequality, sustainability (D229)	60
Environment route – You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)	60
Environment and society (DD213)	60
History route – You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)	60
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)	60
Stage 3 \| Year 3
Politics route – You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322) – planned for October 2026	60
Modern political ideas (DD316)	60
Development route – You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322) – planned for October 2026	60
Investigating global development: crisis, complexity, change (D329) – planned for October 2026	60
Environment route – You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322) – planned for October 2026	60
Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)	60
History route – You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322) – planned for October 2026	60
Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)	60

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s one 60-credit module each year.

Modules	Credits
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You’ll choose one of the following:
Introducing the social sciences (DD102)	60
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60
Stage 2 \| Year 3
All routes – You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)	60
Stage 2 \| Year 4
Politics route – You'll study the following:
Understanding politics: ideas and institutions in the modern world (DD211)	60
Development route – You'll study the following:
Introducing global development: poverty, inequality, sustainability (D229)	60
Environment route – You'll study the following:
Environment and society (DD213)	60
History route – You'll study the following:
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)	60
Stage 3 \| Year 5
All routes – You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322) – planned for October 2026	60
Stage 3 \| Year 6
Politics route – You'll study the following:
Modern political ideas (DD316)	60
Development route – You'll study the following:
Investigating global development: crisis, complexity, change (D329) – planned for October 2026	60
Environment route – You'll study the following:
Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)	60
History route – You'll study the following:
Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)	60

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BA (Honours) International Relations uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
Finding external/third-party material online
Group-work

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions. Visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills.
Practical and professional skills.
Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you’ve already completed some university-level study somewhere else, you may be able to count it towards this qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BA (Honours) International Relations.

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

BA (Honours) International Relations

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University; you'll get to cover a wide range of subject areas, including psychology, childhood and youth studies, health and social care, wellbeing, sport, education and social sciences.

View full details of Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

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Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£28,605	£23,352	£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£19,070	£15,568	£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,535	£7,784	£1,751 (18%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £28,605

Total cost at The Open University** £23,352

Saving with The Open University £5,253 (18%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £19,070

Total cost at The Open University** £15,568

Saving with The Open University £3,502 (18%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,535

Total cost at The Open University** £7,784

Saving with The Open University £1,751 (18%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 25/26 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

Employers value the diversity of transferable skills that this degree course develops. You’ll be able to analyse problems relating to a range of international issues including: co-operation and conflict; cultural difference; development and international economic change. Key transferable skills include the abilities to:

use a range of communication technologies to independently research, select and present information
analyse and critically evaluate information and data
write and communicate concisely and clearly
assemble reasoned arguments for particular audiences
use a range of formats: essays, presentations, reports, collaborative working, online forums
use strategies to update your knowledge
value critical feedback to reflect on your progress and improve your work.

Career relevance

An International Relations degree is applicable to a wide range of professions in the private and public sectors, including international agencies and government bodies (national and European), businesses and non-governmental organisations.

Other careers

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers will require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

government social research officer
diplomat
charity officer
politician's assistant
public relations account executive

social researcher
diplomatic services operational officer
market researcher
newspaper journalist
civil service administrator

risk analyst
investment banker
international trade researcher
TEFL teacher
terrorism analyst.

You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.

3-year degree

You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.

You'll study 120 credits a year.
You'll need 32–36 study hours per week.

For a year-by-year breakdown of modules, take a look at our 3-year degree pathway in the Course details section.

6-year degree

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.

You'll study 60 credits a year.
You'll need 16–18 study hours per week.

For a year-by-year breakdown of modules, take a look at our 6-year degree pathway in the Course details section.

Register for this course

Start dates

Oct 2025 - Registration closes 11/09/2025
Feb 2026 - Registration closes 08/01/2026

Credit transfer: apply by 14/08/2025

Credit transfer: apply by 04/12/2025

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