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An image to illustrate the BA (Honours) International Relations
By exploring current questions and issues of global importance, you'll develop an in-depth understanding of the development of the international system and interactions between states and actors. You'll discover the sources of order and disorder within the international system and learn about the key issues in international relations, such as conflict and co-operation. You'll add to your knowledge of international relations by specialising in Development, Environment, History or Politics. This qualification will deepen your ability to demonstrate critical thinking and evaluative skills, as well as transferable skills and attributes to enhance your career, including time management, collaboration and independent working.
We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in International Relations (W95) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree.
This international relations degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.
You'll begin by choosing between an interdisciplinary study of key environmental issues and a core social science module covering geography, economics, sociology, psychology, politics and international studies. To complete the stage, you'll explore critical global challenges such as the climate crisis, legacies of colonialism and enslavement, and digital technology.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll begin Stage 1 with either:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)60Oct | Feb
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)60Oct | Feb
You'll complete Stage 1 with:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)60Oct | Feb

You’ll develop a core grounding in international relations with a historical and contemporary knowledge of the key issues and debates, as well as the core and critical theoretical approaches to international relations.
You'll complete this stage with a module relevant to whichever route you want to specialise in. Choose from politics, global development, history or the environment.
ModulesCreditsStart month
Politics route
You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)60Oct
Understanding politics: ideas and institutions in the modern world (DD211)60Oct
Development route
You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)
60Oct
Introducing global development: poverty, inequality, sustainability (D229)60Oct
Environment route
You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)
60Oct
Environment and society (DD213)60Oct
History route
You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)
60Oct
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)60Oct | Feb

In Stage 3, you'll deepen your understanding of international relations and study a further module according to your choice of route at Stage 2.
ModulesCreditsStart month
Politics route
You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322)60Oct
Modern political ideas (DD316)60Oct
Development route
You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322)60Oct
Investigating global development: crisis, complexity, change (D329)60Oct
Environment route
You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322)60Oct
Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)60Oct
History route
You'll study the following:
Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)60Oct
International relations: people, power and change (D322)60Oct

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. You’ll need to start your degree in October and can choose to study two 60-credit modules at the same time or start one in October and the other in February.
Don't worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll choose one from the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)60Oct | Feb
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)60Oct | Feb
You’ll also study the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)60Oct | Feb
Stage 2 | Year 2
Politics route – You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)60Oct
Understanding politics: ideas and institutions in the modern world (DD211)60Oct
Development route – You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)
60Oct
Introducing global development: poverty, inequality, sustainability (D229)60Oct
Environment route – You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)
60Oct
Environment and society (DD213)60Oct
History route – You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)
60Oct
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)60Oct | Feb
Stage 3 | Year 3
Politics route – You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322)60Oct
Modern political ideas (DD316)60Oct
Development route – You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322)60Oct
Investigating global development: crisis, complexity, change (D329)60Oct
Environment route – You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322)60Oct
Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)60Oct
History route – You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322)60Oct
Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)60Oct

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s one 60-credit module each year.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll choose one from the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)60Oct | Feb
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)60Oct | Feb
Stage 1 | Year 2
You'll study the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)60Oct | Feb
Stage 2 | Year 3
All routes – You'll study the following:
Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 4
Politics route – You'll study the following:
Understanding politics: ideas and institutions in the modern world (DD211)60Oct
Development route – You'll study the following:
Introducing global development: poverty, inequality, sustainability (D229)60Oct
Environment route – You'll study the following:
Environment and society (DD213)60Oct
History route – You'll study the following:
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)60Oct | Feb
Stage 3 | Year 5
All routes – You'll study the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 6
Politics route – You'll study the following:
Modern political ideas (DD316)60Oct
Development route – You'll study the following:
Investigating global development: crisis, complexity, change (D329)60Oct
Environment route – You'll study the following:
Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)60Oct
History route – You'll study the following:
Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)60Oct

By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, rich study materials, interactive resources, online tutorials, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a BA (Honours) International Relations upon successful completion.
Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3. 
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

6 years
£4,088*
A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying one 60-credit module per year for 6 years.
£24,528*
Our qualifications cost less than equivalent-level qualifications offered at campus-based universities.
Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£29,370
£29,370
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£24,528
£24,528
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,580
£19,580
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£16,352
£16,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,790
£9,790
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£8,176
£8,176
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,614
£1,614
Qualification
Qualification
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
£29,370
£29,370
£24,528
£24,528
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,580
£19,580
£16,352
£16,352
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,790
£9,790
£8,176
£8,176
£1,614
£1,614
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 26/27 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's Fee Rules.

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
Employers value the diversity of transferable skills that this degree course develops. You'll be able to analyse problems relating to a range of international issues, including: co-operation and conflict; cultural difference; development and international economic change. Key transferable skills include the ability to:
An International Relations degree is applicable to a wide range of professions in the private and public sectors, including international agencies and government bodies (national and European), businesses and non-governmental organisations.
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector.
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you'll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we've put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers will require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree:
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
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Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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