The five blocks in the module are each structured around a key challenge in international relations and open with a spotlight on the real people who address it daily. They all conclude with two professionals from relevant sectors coaching you on how to apply key practical skills to real-world problems.
Block 1: Knowledge
Block 1 asks what counts as international relations, who defines it, and why these questions matter. It explores how different forms of knowledge shape the way we understand global events and the tools we can use to engage with them critically. Using communication around the Russia–Ukraine war as a case study, the block examines how and why conspiracy theories spread and how they can be challenged. It introduces the principle of critical but informed engagement with international relations, which underpins the rest of the module.
Block 2: Power
Block 2 explores the role of power in international relations – where it is exercised, who holds it, and how it shapes global politics. It examines how different actors use, negotiate and resist power in a range of contexts. Starting with examples of how communities in Pakistan and Indonesia have challenged China’s economic influence, the block explores how power operates across the globe and how people contest it in their everyday lives.
Block 3: Violence
Block 3 examines the role of violence and non-violence in international relations. It explores how violence is justified, how it affects everyday life, and how it can be resisted. Through case studies of Israel–Palestine and Northern Ireland during the Troubles, you'll investigate how different actors understand and respond to violence. It also considers the impact that states and individuals can have when they actively choose non-violent approaches.
Block 4: Justice
Block 4 focuses on questions of justice and injustice in international relations. It examines how competing claims about justice arise and how they shape political debates. Using examples such as the Standing Rock protests in the United States and the experiences of Small Island Developing States, the block explores how environmental change raises complex questions about responsibility, inequality and fairness in global politics.
Block 5: Borders
Block 5 examines how borders are constructed, maintained and contested in international relations. It explores how borders shape political life and influence movement, identity, and power. Comparing historical bordering processes across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the block challenges the idea that borders are natural or fixed. It also revisits themes from earlier in the module – including knowledge, power, violence and justice – to show how they shape the politics of borders.
Due to the nature of international politics, some of the topics you explore in this module might be difficult and challenging. International politics, both historically and at present, include instances of war, atrocities and other serious human rights violations. The module discusses many such instances and includes related images and audio-visual materials that might be distressing. Please take this into consideration prior to enrolling.
In this module, you’ll develop a range of transferable skills valued by employers. You’ll learn to apply key concepts and theories, analyse complex situations, and build well-reasoned arguments – skills that support effective problem-solving and decision-making.
You’ll also gain practical experience in engaging critically with contemporary media, conducting basic open-source investigations, and writing convincing policy briefs.
Along the way, you’ll strengthen your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, preparing reports, briefings and policy proposals with well-supported and confident arguments.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll be provided with two printed module books and have access to the module website which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
D322 is a compulsory module in our:
D322 is an option module in our:
International relations: people, power and change starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2037.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
This is an OU level 3 module. OU level 3 modules build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from previous studies at OU levels 1 and 2 with the OU. They are only intended for students with recent experience of higher education in a related subject.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
The OU level 2 module, Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives (D228), provides ideal preparation for this module, offering foundational teaching on how to study international relations and associated study skills, and providing a firm foundation for OU level 3.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying D322 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| No current presentation |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
