Online BSc International RelationsOnline BSc International RelationsOnline BSc International Relations

Awarded by the University of London
Academic Direction from the London School of Economics and Political ScienceAwarded by the University of London
Academic Direction from the London School of Economics and Political ScienceAwarded by the University of London
Academic Direction from the London School of Economics and Political Science

The BSc International Relations programme from the University of London helps you understand how diverse forces, actors and events shape our global community. This online programme is designed by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), ranked #6 in the world for Social Sciences and Management1.

Unpack the changing nature of relationships between states, international organisations and non-state actors.

Critically evaluate and distinguish between key theories, knowledge frameworks and methodologies.

Analyse contemporary social and political issues, such as nuclear proliferation and environmental degradation, and form insightful and balanced judgements.

Programme Structure

All courses are designed by LSE academics – globally renowned thought leaders who seek to understand the causes of things for the betterment of society through critical thinking and interdisciplinary education.

The LSE Department of International Relations – one of the largest and most esteemed in the world – continues that tradition. Its leading academics collaborate to solve pressing global issues through world-leading research. They are continually examining the sources of global conflict, analysing the behaviours of state and non-state actors, and asking important questions about ethics and morality on the global stage. 

Establish your framework.
Explore the historical events, theoretical concepts, research methods, institutions and processes that contextualise today’s international system.

Apply theory to real-world issues. Deepen your understanding of political theory, the global political economy, methodological debates and the role of institutions. 

Refine your understanding.
Once you have covered key issues, methodologies and theories, you’ll take advanced courses on a variety of related topics and in areas of interest.

View this programme on the University of London website.
View the Programme Specification.

Admissions Deadlines

The final application deadline for the August 2024 cohort is 10 June, 2024.

Learn about admissions.

Sample Course Sequence

The maximum period of registration is six years, but we suggest you aim to complete your programme within three to four years. To complete the programme in as few as three years, students must take four full courses (or equivalent) each year.

The table below shows the suggested course sequence for a three-year completion timeline. All full courses are 30 credits and take 20 weeks of learning. Half courses are 15 credits and include 10 weeks of learning.

Year One

IR1198 International Relations: Theories, Concepts and Debates

PS1130 Introduction to International Political Thought

PS1172 Introduction to Political Science

IR1200 International History Since 1945

Year Two

IR3026 International Political Economy

IR2083 International Political Theory

IR2085 International Organisations

IR2137 Foreign Policy Analysis

Year Three

IR3140 Security in International Relations

IR3207 Power Shift in International Relations: The Decline of the West and the Future of International Order

EC2199 The World Economy from the Industrial Revolution to the Present

Open Choice*

* Open choice courses: Choose a) one 100-, 200- or 300-level course (or two half courses) from the Programme Specification or b) two LSE summer school courses.

View the Programme Regulations.

Course Spotlight: International Relations: Theories, Concepts and DebatesCourse Spotlight: International Relations: Theories, Concepts and DebatesCourse Spotlight: International Relations: Theories, Concepts and Debates

This new course will help you develop a sound foundation in the field of international relations and introduce you to major theories, debates and approaches.

Along the way, you’ll discuss the emergence of the discipline and the nature of its subject matter; explore the character of the contemporary international order; and analyse contemporary and historical international events from a variety of theoretical viewpoints. We will also ask whether the field represents a particular (Anglo-American/European) viewpoint and explore whether it can – or should – become more global in terms of its histories, concepts and theories.This new course will help you develop a sound foundation in the field of international relations and introduce you to major theories, debates and approaches.

Along the way, you’ll discuss the emergence of the discipline and the nature of its subject matter; explore the character of the contemporary international order; and analyse contemporary and historical international events from a variety of theoretical viewpoints. We will also ask whether the field represents a particular (Anglo-American/European) viewpoint and explore whether it can – or should – become more global in terms of its histories, concepts and theories.This new course will help you develop a sound foundation in the field of international relations and introduce you to major theories, debates and approaches.

Along the way, you’ll discuss the emergence of the discipline and the nature of its subject matter; explore the character of the contemporary international order; and analyse contemporary and historical international events from a variety of theoretical viewpoints. We will also ask whether the field represents a particular (Anglo-American/European) viewpoint and explore whether it can – or should – become more global in terms of its histories, concepts and theories.

Why Earn a BSc International Relations?

State actors aren’t the only employers navigating their roles in a changing world. In PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 2020 global survey of more than 3,500 CEOs, more than a third of respondents identified geopolitical uncertainty, trade conflicts and policy uncertainty as major threats.2

If you study international relations, you will gain a rich understanding of these concepts, as well as highly transferable professional skills. You can help bridge cultural gaps and address complex problems; develop balanced judgements that assimilate diverse information sources; and communicate your ideas with confidence and clarity.

Some graduates pursue careers in areas like diplomacy, government or consulting; others move on to master’s programmes or apply their skills in the private sector. With a BSc International Relations, you can consider careers within a range of industries and sectors. Possible employers include:

  • Multilateral and intergovernmental organisations
  • Non-government organisations (NGOs)
  • Banking and accounting services
  • Local and national governments
  • Educational institutions
  • Media and publishing companies
  • Consulting firms

Global Insight. Dynamic Applications.

Complete our brief form to connect with a dedicated admissions counsellor and learn more about the online BSc International Relations programme.

1QS World University Rankings: Social Sciences and Management. Retrieved August 2024.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2Navigating the rising tide of uncertainty. (2020). PricewaterhouseCoopers. Retrieved 23 September 2020.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference