Best University for International Relations?

Hi,

I just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on good universities for the study of International Relations? I don't just mean top ranked, I'm looking for a good stimulating course content. I really like the one at Oxford Brookes, but I want to keep all my options open, just in case I miss something.

Any ideas? :smile:

Reply 1

You!Me!Dancing!

"Good stimulating course content" will vary from person to person. Some unis are more international history based, others more IPE or international justice based etc. and all unis are likely to have different country/continent specialisms depending on the research interests of their staff. Also the kind of unis that are within your reach will vary dependent on A-level grades. So, it's quite difficult for anyone to offer advice unless you make it a bit more clear about the kind of things you're looking for in an IR degree.

Reply 2

jelly1000

Original post by cremeeggaddict

thats down to individual preference. you need to look at the university websites they should have entry requirements and course profiles outlining modules

Reply 3

returnmigrant

What is the perfect course for one person wont interest another person - therefore here is no 'best' Uni for any subject.

As suggested above, read lots of different course descriptions and go to Open Days at a wide a variety of Unis as you can. Work out what areas of the subject really interest you and therefore which course will hold your enthusiasm and interest for three years of study. Dont forget to also look at courses that are similar but called different things - International Policies, Global/World History etc - and look for courses with an integral Year Abroad which will not only be great fun but really assist your knowledge and experience.

Reply 4

Elix

I don't think it really matters where you study it, most UK universities teach the subject in a similar way. However, if it really does matter to you then I would LSE since they have many famous IR specialists working for them.

Reply 5

Mj.1989

The best one I think is Sciences Po but it is in Paris. However Sciences Po has exchange agreements with other good schools (even with harvard but it is only for law studies) so you can check the agreements between schools and find out more about other good schools in UK.

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Reply 6

Origami Bullets

Aberystwyth is good for IR, as is St Andrews. Branching out a little more, Essex is meant to be good for politics, as is Hull.

Of course, yes, what's in terms of content varies from person to person, but the above four unis are known to have good departments.

Reply 7

Elix

Original post by Mj.1989

French universities usually only teach in French. So, this might be a hindrance..

Reply 8

Mj.1989

Original post by Elix

French universities usually only teach in French. So, this might be a hindrance..

Actually it depends on the university. HEC, EDHEC, Sciences Po, etc. have mostly international students and they offer courses in both languages but the courses that are taught in english have less french students enrolled. Even if you take all classes in english, french is still important for daily life.

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