International Year One in International Relations (2-Semester), Leading to Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Relations Study Group - Cardiff University International Study Centre, UK

Why choose the International Year One? 

Gain confidence and connections 

Join a supportive learning environment where you’ll study alongside fellow international students. Small class sizes, expert tutors and personalised mentoring help you grow in confidence so you’re ready to thrive at university and beyond. 

Achieve academic excellence with personalised support 

From day one, you’ll benefit from focused academic support, additional contact hours and teaching that’s tailored to your needs. With a curriculum aligned to your chosen degree, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to excel in your second year – all while receiving individual guidance every step of the way. 

Preparation every step of the way 

Your future success starts here. As part of the International Year One, you’ll develop essential academic and career skills, such as critical thinking and teamwork. With dedicated support, you’ll feel confident and prepared to take your next step – and every step after that. 

Who is the programme for?

The programme is designed for international students with a strong academic profile and a good level of English.

What will I study?

You will study a range of modules relating to your chosen degree, giving you broad subject knowledge and transferrable skills for when you graduate and start your career.

International Year One in International Relations

Why study international relations or politics at Cardiff University?

Studying at the School of Politics and International Relations, one of the largest departments in the UK, you will be taught by an internationally renowned team who are experts in political theory, public policy and electoral politics, cyber security, feminism, cold war history, environmental politics, security, intelligence studies and postcolonial politics.

Cardiff has links to the Welsh Government, Westminster, G7, the United Nations and NATO, NGOs, policymakers and journalists.

Professional placements are available on the single honours Politics and International Relations degree programmes.

Leading to: International Relations (BA)

International relations examine the role of states, international alliances, non-governmental organisations and multinational companies in an increasingly globalised world.

While studying our BA in International Relations, you'll have the opportunity to focus on global politics and world affairs. Our objective is to challenge the preconceptions that you’ll bring to the subject and to actively encourage a critical attitude to the nature of the political and the international. You can explore exciting topics such as the politics of the climate crisis, the situation in the Middle East, the world of international espionage, and the growing significance of China in the world. You’ll also have the opportunity to work on an extended research project, which could involve a dissertation, a grand challenge project, or a simulation-based group activity. The last of these presents the chance to research deeply a particular country which you will then represent at a Model United Nations Conference.

As well as working with our expert and specialist academic staff, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a lecture series hosted by the University on International Relations and International Law, which has featured high profile speakers from institutions such as NATO and the UN Security Council. This will give you access to first-hand insights and experiences from past and present practitioners in the field.

International relations graduates find careers in a wide range of fields and varied job roles. These include diplomatic posts, working for non-governmental organisations, positions within the intelligence services, and employment within international organisations such as the UN.