International Relations and Security

Interested in studying International Relations and Security in Birmingham? This course, open to graduates from any subject, is the ideal preparation for careers in settings including domestic and international NGOs, third sector organisations, the civil or diplomatic service, educational institutions, and media and political institutions.

Our International Relations and Security course explores issues of governance, international intelligence, security, decision-making, conflict, and cooperation across the globe. You will develop knowledge and high-level skills to equip you for a successful career in sectors such as policing, counterterrorism, the intelligence services and the diplomatic corps. You will gain knowledge and critical understanding of communities and states facing challenges such as migration, terrorism, state violence, climate change and social inequalities through exploring security, power relations, globalisation and the ways states interact, whether through cooperation or through conflict.

The course is designed with employability at its core, through both teaching and authentic assessments. These authentic assessments include projects, crisis games, live debates or presentations, designed to directly link learning to meaningful contexts. You will actively engage with the material, seeing its relevance to future careers, which will foster intrinsic motivation and deeper understanding. Through authentic tasks you will apply your knowledge, analyse, synthesise, and collaborate with classmates. These skills are sought by employers and are vital for lifelong learning.

Assessments also provide opportunities for ongoing feedback and self-reflection. You will receive plenty of opportunities to prepare for employment through placements, work experience or volunteering with external organisations, as well as work-like learning and research experiences embedded into the course via simulations, role-play and practical problem solving activities.

The optional Professional Placement is designed to improve your employability skills and allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.

IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information.