Department of International Relations
By studying in the Department of International Relations at Sussex, you develop the skills and knowledge to make a positive contribution to the world.
A wide range of courses
International Relations investigates a wide range of international political issues – from war and inequality through climate change, international trade and finance, and global health to social movements and foreign policies.
If you are interested in finding out where these issues come from historically, what their economic or security implications are, what kinds of theories account for them and what role different actors – from governments through rebel armies to social movements – and issues like race, gender, sex, class, religion, technology or violence play in them, then you are in the right place at Sussex. We investigate all facets of international politics from a variety of different angles with the aim to open up new ways of thinking about and addressing these problems.
Our Department is one of only four dedicated International Relations departments in the country with well over 30 faculty members and so you will be able to specialise in a huge range of international issues. We also practise what we preach: we are a global department, with faculty members and students from all over the world. Whether you are coming from Britain, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas or Australia, whether you have just left school or are returning to education, you will find like-minded people here and make new and interesting connections. So, join our friendly, inclusive and inspiring community at Sussex!
By studying in the Department of International Relations at Sussex, you develop the skills and knowledge to make a positive contribution to the world.
Undergraduate study
As an International Relations undergraduate student at Sussex, you can focus exclusively on International Relations in our core BA, study it as a joint honours degree with Geography, International Development, History, Anthropology, Economics or Sociology, or combine it with a language.
Whichever degree you choose, you will be able to develop a pathway that matches your interests and passions. We will support you every step of the way – from succeeding in the classroom to gaining practical experience for your future career.
See our undergraduate International Relations courses.
Masters degrees
We offer a wide range of Masters courses, from International Relations, to Conflict Security and Development, Geopolitics and International Affairs, and International Political Economy.
Our courses are flexible and designed to be tailored to your interests – and can be studied part-time allowing you to fit your studies around your work and life commitments.
PhD in International Relations
As one of the largest concentrations of International Relations scholars in the world, our Department offers a vibrant and productive environment for you to pursue your PhD. You’ll work with expert faculty and become part of a lively community of doctoral researchers. We’re committed to critical, theoretically informed and politically engaged research, which has a high level of impact on current world affairs.
You will benefit from a variety of events to help you with funding and your future career. This includes workshops on publishing and grant application processes facing PhD and early career researchers, international relations and researcher-led conferences and international academic networks.
For more information on the PhD in International Relations, visit our postgraduate prospectus.
Global careers
The range of skills you develop as an International Relations student at Sussex prepare you for a wide variety of careers, with many of our graduates going onto careers in leading international organisations, governmental bodies and the global media.
And to help you explore your career options, you can attend a range of events through our Careers and Employability Centre including talks on how to find work globally, and presentations on applying for jobs in the Government, the Civil Service Fast Stream scheme, NGOs and the not-for-profit sector.