How is BA International Studies different from a BA International Relations?

Overlapping fields. BA International Studies takes a broader interdisciplinary frame — politics, economics, area studies, international law — while a pure IR degree tends to focus on the theoretical core. BA International Studies is the better fit for students wanting policy and area depth alongside IR theory.

Does BA International Studies include a language requirement?

Not formally, but a second language is strongly encouraged for area-studies specialism and international employability. Students can take an LSJHML language module alongside the degree, or arrange parallel study in a partner language programme.

Can BA International Studies be studied online?

Yes. The online route mirrors the seminar-led on-campus degree with live tutorials, recorded lectures and asynchronous discussion forums. Online students join a virtual research group that runs through the academic year.

Is BA International Studies useful for the UK Civil Service Fast Stream?

Yes. BA International Studies maps directly to the Diplomatic Service and Generalist Fast Stream tracks of the UK Civil Service, including the FCDO. Several recent graduates have progressed into Fast Stream and equivalent international graduate roles.

What dissertation topics work well for BA International Studies?

Past topics have included a comparative study of EU-UK regulatory divergence, an analysis of a specific UN Security Council reform debate, and a critical reading of a single multilateral institution's mandate evolution. The BA International Studies dissertation rewards a tightly scoped, theoretically grounded question.

BA International Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The BA International Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a three-year UK honours degree for students who want to read the world rigorously — through international relations theory, comparative politics, global political economy and the working knowledge that policy and research roles in international affairs demand. You will graduate with both conceptual depth and applied research literacy, and a final dissertation on an international question.

The BA International Studies is taught with the assumption that the international order is contested, complex and worth taking seriously on its own terms. Reading lists are demanding, seminar discussion is central, and case studies range from the EU and Whitehall to the post-1945 institutional architecture and current crises in the multilateral order.

Key Features

UK honours degree aligned with Political Studies Association and BISA frameworks for international studies scholarship.
Core IR theory grounding — realism, liberalism, constructivism, critical and decolonial approaches.
Comparative politics and area studies across major regions — Europe, North America, East Asia, Middle East and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America.
Research methods spine — qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods for international research.
Final 10,000-word dissertation on an international topic of your choice.
Industry-led guest lectures from working diplomats, multilateral officials, NGO analysts and journalists.

What You Will Learn

The BA International Studies is structured around the working competencies of an international analyst — theoretical literacy, comparative method, research design and clear policy-relevant writing. You leave able to assess a global political event with current scholarly frameworks, design a research project on an international question, and write up findings for both academic and policy audiences.

International relations theory — realism, liberalism, constructivism, critical, decolonial and feminist approaches.
Comparative politics — democratisation, party systems, electoral systems, authoritarianism.
Global political economy — trade, finance, development, climate, the post-Bretton Woods architecture.
Regional area studies — Europe, North America, East Asia, MENA, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America.
Multilateral institutions — UN system, WTO, IMF, World Bank, G7/G20, regional bodies.
Diplomatic practice — negotiation, drafting, briefing, diplomatic communication.
International law basics — treaty law, human rights, humanitarian law, jurisdiction.
Research methods — qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, archival sources, ethics.

Who This Course Is For

School leavers committed to careers in international affairs, diplomacy or policy.
International students seeking a UK degree in international studies taught in central London.
Career-changers from journalism, civil service or the third sector wanting structured international literacy.
Mature applicants from international NGOs, development organisations or multilateral systems formalising their experience.

Career Pathways

BA International Studies graduates move into policy, research and analyst roles across the UK and international public, private and third sectors. Typical roles include:

Political Analyst (consultancy, in-house, think tank)
Policy Researcher (NGO, charity, multilateral organisation)
International Relations Officer (UK Civil Service, FCDO)
Think Tank Researcher (foreign-policy or area-studies institute)
Diplomat (UK or international diplomatic services — entry-level)
International Programme Officer (development NGO, cultural body)

Graduates progress to MA International Studies, MA International Relations or postgraduate work in public policy.

Entry Requirements

Three A-Levels at BBC or above (or international equivalent — IB 28 points, BTEC DMM, or accepted national qualification).
GCSE English Language at grade 5 or equivalent English proficiency test.
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
A short personal statement; some courses request a portfolio or interview.
Mature applicants (21+) without standard qualifications may apply with a portfolio and short interview.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.