The SOAS BA International Relations degree provides a uniquely global and comparative approach to the study of world affairs. Through a study of world history and global power relations, students gain a better understanding of the sources of conflict and cooperation among states, shifts in the international economy, as well as the roles of culture, identity and ideas in world politics. Students finish the degree equipped with the conceptual tools and theoretical frameworks to understand contemporary world events.

The BA International Relations programme is structured around a combination of disciplinary, regional and specialised modules, with opportunities to take other Politics option modules (e.g. Political Theory, Government and Politics of the Middle East, Islam and Democracy) or a language.

Teaching on the International Relations degree focuses on providing students with individual attention and mentoring. Students can specialise in a particular area of interest in their final year if they wish, by undertaking an independent study project, which pairs them with a member of staff. We also offer advice on careers, internships and further study in international affairs.

Convenors: Dr Alexis Artaud de la Ferrière (term 1) and Dr Rahul Rao (terms 2 and 3)

Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings

Start of programme: October

Mode of Attendance: Full-time

BA International Relations as a three-year degree programme. Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of disciplinary units. In addition, students have the option of taking ‘open’ modules offered by any other SOAS department.

Our modules assume no previous disciplinary or regional knowledge. These are taught through lectures and tutorial seminars. Each module typically involves weekly lectures of one hour each and weekly tutorials of one hour each.

Year 1

Core Modules 

Students will take the following three core modules (90 credits total):

Optional Modules

Students can take ONE of the following 30 credit guided options OR modules to the value of 30 credits from the Language Open Options list.

Year 2

Credits must be taken in the following combination;

• Introduction to Research Methods (153400156) (15 credits) 
• A minimum of 30 credits from Year 2 Disciplinary AND Year 2 Regional modules
• A minimum of 30 credits from Year 2 Regional modules
• Remaining credits to be taken from Second Year Options OR a maximum of 30 credits from the Open Option lists (Languages | Non-languages)

Year 3

Credits must be taken in the following combination;

• A minimum of 45 credits from List A AND
• A minimum of 15 credits from List B
• Remaining credits can be taken from Lists A, B, C OR open options (maximum of 30 credits from the Open Options list Language Open Options | Non-language Open Options).

Disciplinary Modules

Regional Modules

List A

List B

List C

Programme Specification

• BA International Relations Programme Specification 2021/22 (pdf; 779kb)

Important notice

Teaching & Learning

Aims

• To provide a strong background in the concepts, theories and methods in the study of international relations.
• The use of empirical evidence from Asia, Africa and the Middle East will illustrate the applicability and limitations of the aforementioned concepts, theories and methods beyond the North American and European confines from which these are largely derived.
• To develop excellent knowledge of the politics of Asia, Africa and/or the Middle East.
• To prepare students for entry to postgraduate study and professional employment.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this programme, the student should be able to:

Knowledge

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of a wide range of concepts, theories, and methods in the discipline of international relations.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of a variety of contemporary debates in international relations
• Develop detailed knowledge of regional politics and foreign relations in one or more regions in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
• Assess the relevance of mainstream approaches in international relations for the analysis of the international politics of Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.  Challenge commonly held views about major political issues related to Asia, Africa and/or the Middle East, including the student’s own previous assumptions.

Intellectual (thinking) skills

• Analyse academic materials to identify their key arguments and underlying assumptions.
• Evaluate arguments and empirical evidence from a variety of intellectual perspectives in a critical and balanced manner, with due regard to their strengths and limitations.
• Construct arguments drawing upon leading theories, concepts and debates relating to Asia, Africa and/or the Middle East.
• Exercise independence of thought, including a willingness to challenge own previous assumptions about various issues. Engage in debates about current political controversies.

Subject-based practical skills

• Collect and synthesise information from a range of library and internet sources
• Structure and communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing
• Assess the validity of different approaches to a topic
• Make judgments in contexts of conflicting evidence

Transferable skills

• Work independently and manage schedules
• Explain and evaluate complex ideas and situations
• Work effectively under time constraints
• Work productively in and contribute to groups