International relations is the study of an international system composed of territorial states which acknowledge no superior authority over matters which they consider of vital interest. It deals with the nature of the changing relations between states and with non-state actors. It studies the functioning of the international system - the forces, factors and interests, the customs, rules, institutions and organisations from which the theory and history of its development are formed. Many study the programme for general interest or to lead to graduate study or research rather than in preparation for a career. However, a few students each year enter their country's diplomatic service and many more go into other branches of government and often reach senior positions. Others have taken up careers in international business and banking, in the media, or in international organisations.

Our degrees aim to give you insight into how the international community works. You will study alongside students from a wide range of countries. Questions of central interest to the programme are - why do states go to war and what impact does this have on the international system? Why, on the other hand, do they often cooperate and obey the law? What is meant by international integration and how do we explain regional developments like the European Union, or the re-emergence of the United Nations? We will also investigate the widely different characters and circumstances of states: the highly uneven distribution of money, welfare and knowledge has major implications for the foreign policies of states towards each other, and for the maintenance of international order.