Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This undergraduate degree brings together core topics from International Relations and Sociology to give you theoretical, historical and methodological tools for analysing global and social phenomena. Teaching typically mixes lectures, seminars, small-group tutorials and independent research projects.

• Year 1 / Foundations: introductory modules in international relations theory, comparative politics and global issues alongside foundational sociological theory and introductions to qualitative and quantitative research methods. These modules build academic skills in critical reading, argumentation and basic data handling.
• Year 2 / Development and options: intermediate study of subjects such as security studies, international political economy, foreign policy analysis, migration and development, plus sociological options on inequality, gender, media and culture. You will normally take a methods module that prepares you for honours-level research.
• Final year / Specialisation and research: advanced option modules and a substantial independent dissertation or research project, allowing you to specialise in an area such as diplomacy, human rights, conflict and peacebuilding, or urban sociology. Many students also undertake policy-oriented projects or applied work with external organisations.
• Placement and study abroad: the programme usually offers the opportunity of a year-long placement or a study-abroad semester, enabling work experience in NGOs, intergovernmental organisations, think-tanks or government departments, and providing practical application of taught skills.
• Assessment: assessment methods typically include essays, policy briefs, exams, presentations, group projects and the final-year dissertation.

Typical modules and topics

• Global Politics and International Relations Theory
• International Political Economy
• Security, Conflict and Peacebuilding
• Migration, Development and Human Rights
• Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory
• Research Methods in the Social Sciences (qualitative and quantitative)
• Sociology of Media, Race, Gender and Inequality
• Dissertation or Major Research Project

Entry requirements

Entry is typically based on a combination of academic qualifications, a personal statement and references. Applicants are usually expected to have completed a secondary school qualification such as A-levels, a recognised international equivalent (for example the International Baccalaureate), or appropriate vocational qualifications. There is no single mandatory A-level subject, but successful applicants often have backgrounds in humanities or social science subjects such as History, Geography, Politics, Economics or Sociology.

• Academic qualifications: A-levels or equivalent qualifications are required; exact offers vary by year and applicant competition. Mature students with relevant experience and alternative qualifications are considered.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through recognised English language qualifications or prior study in English.
• Personal statement and references: a personal statement should demonstrate your interest in international relations and sociology, relevant reading or experience, and your suitability for independent study; an academic or employer reference is normally required.
• Interview: interviews are not routinely required for this programme but may be used in some circumstances, for example for applicants with non-traditional qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a wide range of careers that value analytical skills, research competence and an understanding of social and global issues. Employers often come from the public, private and third sectors.

• Public policy, government and diplomatic services
• Non-governmental organisations and international development agencies
• Think-tanks and policy research institutes
• Media, communications and public affairs
• Market research and consultancy
• Local government and community organisations
• Graduate study and academic research at MA/PhD level in international relations, sociology or related disciplines

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers an interdisciplinary social science education with a practical, career-focused ethos. The university has strong links with regional and national employers and a well-developed careers and employability service that supports internships, placements and graduate recruitment.

Studying in or near Oxford gives students access to a rich intellectual environment, public lectures, libraries and research networks. Teaching is delivered by staff who combine research activity with applied engagement, and the programme emphasises research methods and real-world application so graduates are well prepared for professional roles or further academic study.

Students can benefit from optional placement years or study-abroad opportunities, dedicated support for personal and professional development, and a campus environment that supports student societies, volunteering and extracurricular engagement related to politics, human rights and social justice.