The Joint Honours Programme in International Relations and Politics will provide students with an in-depth, interdisciplinary understanding of contemporary politics, international affairs and conflict situations in their political, historical, cultural, economic and legal dimensions. Dedicated modules will introduce them to core concepts and debates in International Relations and the study of conflict, as well as to the particular European experience of regional integration. Students will acquire familiarity with the experiences of differing national polities and societies, facilitating the development of culturally sensitive cross-national comparisons.

International Relations at Queen’s is about more than just armed conflict and insurgency. It also examines such trends as globalisation and considers the challenge from the rise of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the process of European integration, humanitarian issues (such as poverty, development and refugees), and the role of the media in conflict.

The academic study of politics is concerned with the sources of conflict, co-operation, power and decision-making within and between societies, how differences are expressed through ideology and organisation, and how, if at all, disagreements and problems are resolved. Students will look at conflict, co-operation and its origins, dynamics and trajectories, at theories of society, at the value and ethical basis of political ideas and action, and at politics in different national and historical contexts..