International relations help!!!

At degree level for international relations do you have to be politically astute? Or can I go in there with an interest in subject, aiming to learn and develop in it?

Another thing is, how does it compare to international development because I’m planning on applying for some of the two courses.

Help would be much appreciated!!

Reply 1

Michiyo

Original post by GOI983

First year International Relations student here! :wavey:

You can just go in with an interest in the subject. :wink2:

Being politically astute is helpful, but you can develop your political astuteness over the course of the degree. :yep:

You can definitely do it without being politically astute. :yes:

I myself would not call myself the most politically astute person ever and I am averaging a First. :lol:

I do not really know much about International Development other than the fact that it is a rarer course, sorry! :ashamed2:

However, after having a quick look over career prospects for it, my first thought was that you can do the same things and more with a degree in International Relations. Everyone is free to correct me if I am wrong, though. I would go for International Relations purely because International Development is a narrower and more specialist subject. :smile:

Reply 2

GOI983

Alright thanks, and is it a easier degree to do? Also could you list some RG unis that aren’t over populated for this subject?

Reply 3

Napp

Original post by GOI983

At degree level for international relations do you have to be politically astute? Or can I go in there with an interest in subject, aiming to learn and develop in it?

Not especially - it definitely helps though. Depending on the university course you'll probably want to try and vaguely familirise yourself with some of the classical thinkers like Smith, Kant, Machiavelli etc. and some more current ones such as Fukuyama.
Personally I went to University not knowing a sausage about course aside from having an interest in it but near enough all of the undergrad courses will start at the bottom and work upwards quickly as few would have much of a grounding in the subject.

Original post by GOI983

Alright thanks, and is it a easier degree to do? Also could you list some RG unis that aren’t over populated for this subject?

Define easy? If you can make your case, analyse and argue well then it should be a piece of cake. If you don't have an special interest in reading, some would say, rather dry philosophical texts and other very 'academic' kinds of work you might end up struggling a bit though.

As for over populated do you mean ones with somewhat laxer entry requirements?

Reply 4

GOI983

Original post by Napp

Yes, entry requirement wise and just not over applied for.

Yes, I do have good skills when evaluating and analysing. Especially if I know what I’m talking about, I can make a real good piece of work.

I watch the news, what else can I do to help? Should I research the list of names you made?

Reply 5

Napp

Original post by GOI983

Erm i'm not entirely sure i'm afraid, it's been a while since i applied. Is there any specialisation you wish to do in the degree i.e. country or field specific as certain universities tend to do better in different fields. If, for example, you have a passion for Russia and the former Soviet space UCL SSEES are leaders in that area and relatively easy to get in to - AAB i believe?

Umm if you wish, I mean its not by any measure a prerequisite and it will depend on the universities individual courses. With that being said it cant hurt to have a broad grounding from the off :smile:

It might be worth reading some of the magazines or periodicals which come out as well such as The Economist, Foreign Affairs/foreign Policy etc. etc. they always give an excellent analysis of ongoing current events :smile:

Reply 6

GOI983

Original post by Napp

I’m in year 12 doing 3 btec subsidiaries ( business, sport and IT) plus an EPQ in the economic development of the DRC, looking at various aspects(social, political and economical).

If I get 3 D*s and an A at epq do you think it would be possible to get an offer from at least one of these? :

Leeds-international development
UEA-international development
Southampton - international relations
York-international relations
Sussex- international development