Students of IR and Law explore the origins and present-day contexts of international conflicts over power and resources and the processes driving states and organisations in the international system. The law component involves learning the general principles underlying different areas of law, and learning how to apply them to specific situations and the facts of different cases. IR is part of a vibrant research-led community consisting of c.30 full-time academic staff and over 400 undergraduate students. Our major programme aims include equipping students with substantive knowledge of a range of approaches to international politics; enabling students to develop and apply their knowledge and skills to the understanding of the drivers of international conflict and co-operation; enabling students to develop key skills in critical thinking, conceptual analysis, research, oral and written articulation of information and argument. We ensure that our programmes equip students with transferable skills to enable them to succeed in the job market. Our graduates go on to have careers in the Civil Service, law, foreign affairs or political and parliamentary research; finance and consultancy, the voluntary sector, journalism or teaching. Some undertake postgraduate degrees with a view to pursuing an academic career. Edinburgh IR is a truly international community – we have students from all over the world. We have a vibrant student society– the IR Society. There is always plenty going on, and always someone for students to talk to about academic studies, leisure interests or life in Edinburgh.

In recent years, graduates have entered the Civil Service, foreign affairs or political and parliamentary research. The degree programmes also equip you for careers in finance and consultancy, the voluntary sector, journalism or teaching. Some graduates choose to go on to further training in accountancy or law or take postgraduate degrees with a view to pursuing an academic career.