Certificate in International Relations Basics
Course Overview
The Certificate in International Relations Basics at the London School of Commerce and Technology (LSCT) is a short introductory programme designed to give you a credible first grasp of how international politics actually works. It sits within our Law & Social Sciences department, takes three to six months to complete, and is delivered on-campus in central London, fully online and by distance learning.
You will study states, international institutions, security, conflict and global political economy at an introductory but rigorous level. By the end of the certificate you will be able to follow a global crisis through quality news outlets, identify the major actors and write a short, well-structured analytical piece.
The Certificate in International Relations Basics is sequenced against today's UK foreign-policy debate — Indo-Pacific tilt, Ukraine support, the Northern Ireland Protocol legacy, sanctions enforcement and the post-Brexit FCDO operating model. Each thematic block reads at least one current government command paper or select-committee report, so the certificate produces readers who can move from headline to primary source.
Key Features of the Certificate in International Relations Basics
- UK political-studies alignment drawing on Political Studies Association teaching guidance.
- Three study modes — on-campus, online or distance learning.
- UN and EU module covering key international institutions.
- Mini-simulation exercise on a real-world diplomatic case.
- Short policy-brief workshop on FCDO-style formatting.
- Curated reading list drawn from working UK think tanks and academic journals.
- Westminster proximity — taught a short walk from Parliament, the FCDO and the UK's largest think-tank cluster.
What You Will Learn on the Certificate in International Relations Basics
The certificate introduces the key concepts, theories and institutions of international relations in a way that connects directly to current events.
- States, sovereignty and the international system.
- Major theories of international relations — realism, liberalism, constructivism and critical traditions.
- UN, NATO, EU and other key institutions.
- International security and the basics of conflict studies.
- Global political economy and trade.
- Diplomacy and foreign-policy basics.
- Human rights and international law overview.
- Reading and writing for international affairs.
- Source evaluation — distinguishing think-tank advocacy from peer-reviewed analysis.
Assessment is structured to mirror entry-level public-affairs work rather than undergraduate examination culture. You will complete two short essays, a 600-word policy brief on a current question, a contribution to the crisis simulation and a reading log demonstrating engagement with at least eight quality sources. Every piece comes back with marked-up tutor feedback inside two weeks, and the simulation and policy brief together become a portfolio sample for further study or job applications.
Industry and Policy Context
The UK's foreign-policy machinery is in a sustained period of reorganisation — the FCDO merger, the Integrated Review refresh, sanctions regimes against Russia and a recalibrated relationship with the EU. The Certificate in International Relations Basics works through these live debates rather than only the textbook canon, so cohorts learn the vocabulary that current parliamentary research briefings and Chatham House papers actually use.
Who This Course Is For
- School leavers preparing for an IR or politics degree.
- Working professionals who want a credible grounding in global politics.
- NGO and charity entrants needing an introduction to the international system.
- International students preparing for further UK study in IR, politics or law.
- Career changers considering a move into research, public affairs or the diplomatic services.
Career Pathways
The Certificate in International Relations Basics is an early-stage credential. It is best used as a foundation step alongside other study and work — and it commonly supports applications into entry-level public-affairs and research roles such as:
- Parliamentary Assistant
- Researcher (junior)
- NGO Programme Assistant
- Casework Assistant for an MP or peer
- Public Affairs Intern
- International Trade Administrative Officer
It also stacks credit toward LSCT's Diploma and Higher Diploma in International Relations, providing a structured route into degree-level study without committing to a three-year programme on day one.
Entry Requirements
- Completed secondary schooling or equivalent.
- English language: IELTS 5.5 (or accepted equivalent) for international applicants.
- Minimum age 17 at programme start.
- A short personal statement showing genuine interest in international affairs.
Why Study the Certificate in International Relations Basics at LSCT
The London School of Commerce and Technology (LSCT) is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London and part of Harold International College. We teach in small cohorts so every student is visible to their tutor, run a single intake schedule that students can rely on, and partner with UK professional bodies so qualifications carry weight with employers. London puts Whitehall, the City, Silicon Roundabout, the Royal Courts of Justice, the West End and the NHS estate within a short tube ride of every classroom — and our students use that proximity in their projects, placements and graduate job hunts. International relations students benefit from a campus a short walk from Westminster and the UK's largest think-tank cluster.
Apply for the Certificate in International Relations Basics
If the Certificate in International Relations Basics fits your goals, click Enrol Now to start your application. The admissions team will reply within one working day with the next intake date and document checklist.
