British universities to study International Relations

Greetings!
I am doing a university tour in the UK this July. I'm trying to figure which universities have the best courses and prepare me the best in that area for the future. Additionally, I'm also looking for a university with a good sense of community and open-minded people. I've completed the IB diploma and should get into most universities, so grades shouldn't be a problem (besides Cambridge). Are there any others I should look at?
- Oxford
- St. Andrews
- LSE
- Kings College
Imperial, UCL, Bath, Manchester, and Edinburgh also seem like decent Unis?
Also, if anyone has attended any of these universities, please share your experiences!

Oxford and Imperial don't offer degrees in IR. Bath only do as joint honours with politics, and Cambridge only as part of their HSPS degree.

Yeah, unfortunately. I was thinking of Oxford's PPE course or history / politics bachelors, even possibly Geography. It isn't exactly IR but I didn't want to rule out. I had imperial on the list because of its politics course but I'll rule it out. Joint honours is also fine.

Hello!
I am doing a university tour in the UK this July. I'm trying to figure which universities have the best courses for international relations (also possibly politics) as well as a good vibe. Currently, I'm considering
- St. Andrews
- LSE
- Kings College
- Oxford
I'm also looking for a university with a good sense of community and open-minded people. My grades get me into most universities besides Cambridge. Imperial, UCL, Bath, Manchester, and Edinburgh also seem like decent Unis; Are there any others I should look at?
Also, if anyone has attended any of these universities, please share your experiences!

Hello!
I am doing a university tour in the UK this July. I'm trying to figure which universities have the best courses for international relations (also possibly politics) as well as a good vibe. Currently, I'm considering
- St. Andrews
- LSE
- Kings College
- Oxford
I'm also looking for a university with a good sense of community and open-minded people. My grades get me into most universities besides Cambridge. Imperial, UCL, Bath, Manchester, and Edinburgh also seem like decent Unis; Are there any others I should look at?
Also, if anyone has attended any of these universities, please share your experiences!

Hi there!
Wow! You've researched your universities so well! It's great to see someone so keen to study International Relations. My name is Imogen and I studied Politics at undergraduate and masters level in Swansea University. This was within the Politics, Philosophy and International Relations department. I would love to give you some more information on studying IR at Swansea because I really think you should consider studying IR here!
IR at Swansea has been ranked 4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025), is ranked within the top 250 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025) and sits in the top 15 in the UK.
Swansea's PPIR department has been a wonderful place to study. The courses are flexible, allowing you to take modules related to a huge variety of topics within your IR degree, inclduing modules on genocide, war and security, human rights and even narco-diplomacy.
One of the most unique things about Swansea's IR course is the practical experiences it provides (which are brilliant to have under your belt when applying for jobs after University and are not easy to get on your own). You will have the opportunity to complete an internship in the Senedd (Welsh Parliament), which is will give you practical experience of working with the office of a politician and within a parliamentary system. Furthermore, the Parliamentary Studies module includes lectures delivered by employees of the Houses of Parliament and MPs. These networking opportunities are invaluable when progressing into your career.
You also have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry and a semester abroad in Hong Kong, Singapore or the USA during the second year of your study to enhance your student experience and career prospects.
The Politics & IR society puts on many socials and talks with MPs, MSs and alumni. The department's student journal gives you the opportunity to be published as a student (https://myuni.swansea.ac.uk/faculties/fhss/socsci/populo/).
The academics in this department are experts in their field, continuously contributing to the world of IR scholarly work.
If you have any other questions about studying IR at Swansea, please do not hesitate to get in touch!
Imogen
Student Ambassador
MA Politics