Department of International Relations

Why International Relations at Sussex?

By studying in the Department of International Relations at Sussex, you develop the skills and knowledge to make a positive contribution to the world.

Choose from a range of courses to suit your interests

At Sussex, you tailor your courses to focus on what truly matters to you. You can take International Relations on its own at undergraduate level, or combine with a range of other subjects, or take electives. 

As well as developing a solid grounding in international theories and practices, you choose from optional modules in topics as diverse as the arms trade to religion in international relations.

We believe in student led teaching and that students learn in different ways. Your progress will be assessed through a diverse range of assessment modes including presentations, learning diaries, book reports, essays, multiple choice tests and concept notes. None of our modules are assessed by exams.We also use a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, workshops and interactive lectures.

For our Masters courses, you can choose from a range of courses involving international relations, security and global governance, and at PhD level, our interdisciplinary approach means you can focus your research on your areas of interest.

And as we're part of the School of Global Studies, you study alongside students taking courses in International Development, Geography and Anthropology, giving you a broad understanding of International Relations as a subject.

Learn from world-leading experts

As one of the largest International Relations departments in Europe, you learn from experts making a difference across the world in areas including international theory, global political economy, and war, violence and international security.

Gain real world exposure to International Relations

To help you gain insights into global issues, you can attend a range of guest lectures and talks with renowned speakers, as well as events through our International Relations society.

And you benefit from international work placement and study abroad opportunities across the world, helping you to make global connections.

Get career development support

The range of skills you develop as a International Relations student at Sussex prepare you for a wide variety of careers, with many of our graduates going onto careers in leading international organisations, governmental bodies and the global media.

And to help you explore your career options, you can attend a range of events through our Careers and Employability Centre including talks on how to find work globally, and presentations on applying for jobs in the Government, the Civil Service Fast Stream scheme, NGOs and the not-for-profit sector.