A degree in international relations equips you with the skills to communicate across cultural differences. You can use your skills in a variety of contexts, from engaging in diplomatic negotiations to facilitating intercultural dialogue. The world is increasingly diverse, and an ability to understand different perspectives is a crucial skill in the field of IR.
Many international relations graduates choose to take on a postgraduate course, such as a Masters, in order to specialise. They may choose to focus on a particular region or topic, such as global governance or security studies. Others might go on to pursue a PhD, which is an excellent option if you are interested in research.
IR is often studied as part of a wider multidisciplinary field, alongside subjects like comparative politics, political theory and international law. But it can also be taught within its own department or as an individual subject. It is generally considered to be a branch of the social sciences, but it draws on disciplines such as history, economics and law.
International relations is concerned with the ways in which states interact with each other, whether by diplomatic means or through military conflict. It aims to explain these interactions by drawing on theories of foreign policy and international law. The field has several schools of thought, including realism, liberalism and constructivism.
A key aspect of IR is understanding the ways that culture can influence political and economic decision-making. This can be used to promote peace and stability, or to address concerns such as world hunger or climate change.