International Relations

Why International Relations at Warwick

Ranked 8th in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2025 and within the global QS top-100, University of Warwick has established itself as a leading center for studying international politics. What matters more to students is that Warwick holds 6th place among universities most targeted by Britain’s top-100 employers, which translates into tangible career advantages. The university also hosts one of the world’s largest concentrations of specialists in international political economy, building on traditions Susan Strange founded in the 1970s.

International Political Economy

The International Political Economy (MA) explores how power and wealth are distributed across a shifting global landscape, connecting politics and economics within the contemporary world order. Students examine trade, finance, development, and global governance through frameworks inherited from classical political economists and adapted to today’s globalized reality. The program offers dual degree pathways with partner universities across seven countries—from American University in Washington to Nanyang Technological University in Singapore—allowing students to combine British education with diverse academic and cultural perspectives.

International Relations

The International Relations (MA) examines major theoretical approaches—from realism to postcolonialism—as they apply to 21st-century challenges like wars, terrorism, migration, climate change, pandemics, and inequality. Rather than focusing solely on states and interstate dynamics, this program incorporates non-state actors and unconventional threats. Students learn to critically assess how theories apply to both historical and contemporary issues, developing analytical tools that help them interpret global political processes and apply theoretical concepts to pressing questions on the international agenda.

Politics of Climate Change at University of Warwick

The Politics of Climate Change (MA) investigates the political dimensions of the climate crisis across local, national, and global levels. Treating climate change as a comprehensive political problem, the course raises fundamental questions about modern societies, justice, governance, and transformation. Students explore the political economy of energy transitions, climate justice, power dynamics in climate policy, how climate intersects with other government priorities, and the evolving relationships between the Global North and South.

Global Politics with Year in Brussels

The Global Politics with Integrated Year Abroad in Brussels undergraduate program allows students to spend their second year at Brussels School of Governance in the heart of the European Union. They study international relations, security, political economy, and Europe’s global role while combining academic modules with internship opportunities. This pathway merges approaches from two universities and educational systems, covering IR theories, comparative politics, and EU policy. In their third year, students design their own curriculum by selecting from a broad range of modules and optionally completing a dissertation.

Politics and International Studies

The Politics and International Studies undergraduate program emphasizes the international dimension of politics, enabling students to build trajectories across four areas: political theory and public policy, international relations and security, comparative politics and democratization, and international political economy. While the first year doesn’t count toward final grades, it must be completed to continue. Students investigate how theoretical approaches shape political decisions and how power operates globally. They can add a year abroad at a partner university or complete an approved internship, expanding their practical experience and international outlook.