Aberystwyth University
International Relations (with integrated foundation year)
Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom · UCAS F42L
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Main Site (Aberystwyth)
Intl. Tuition
£19,190 (Fee 2026-27 · 2027-28 not yet published)
Intake
September 2027
UCAS code
F42L
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Course Overview
International Relations (with integrated foundation year) at Aberystwyth University in Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
International relations graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations such as the UN and EU, think-tanks, government foreign ministries, NGOs and global journalism. Postgraduate study is common for roles in international policy.
Student life (indicative)
Aberystwyth offers a solid and affordable UK student lifestyle — a good mix of pubs, cafés, local culture and student events. A welcoming community with everything a student needs close to campus.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
8,970
Staff Ratio
16.0:1
International
12.0%
Career Prospects
Avg Starting Salary
£26,860
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
City & Location
Rural (<50k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of International Relations (with integrated foundation year)
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate International Relations (with integrated foundation year) topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced International Relations (with integrated foundation year)
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
Subjects
- International studies
- Politics
- International security
- International relations
- Government
- International law
- International history
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
8,970
Total students
Staff Ratio
16:1
Students per staff
International Students
12%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Rural (<50k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Cool maritime
Safety Index (indicative)
8.5/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle
Student Life & City (indicative)
Aberystwyth offers a solid and affordable UK student lifestyle — a good mix of pubs, cafés, local culture and student events. A welcoming community with everything a student needs close to campus.
- Aberystwyth offers a solid and affordable UK student lifestyle — a good mix of pubs, cafés, local culture and student events.
- A welcoming community with everything a student needs close to campus.
What Students Love
- Thriving student social scene
- Active pub & club scene
- Great café culture
- Parks & green spaces
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Avg Starting Salary
£26,860
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
International relations graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations such as the UN and EU, think-tanks, government foreign ministries, NGOs and global journalism. Postgraduate study is common for roles in international policy.
- International relations graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations such as the UN and EU, think-tanks, government foreign ministries, NGOs and global journalism.
- Postgraduate study is common for roles in international policy.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Agriculture
- Law
- Computer Science
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
MEDIUM
This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
One of the UK's more affordable student cities — a $1,180/month budget (housing $670, food $270, transport $70) covers everything comfortably. A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.
- One of the UK's more affordable student cities — a $1,180/month budget (housing $670, food $270, transport $70) covers everything comfortably.
- A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.
Contains HESA data (Discover Uni), licensed under CC BY 4.0.