# International relations

**Source**: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/international-relations/
**Parent**: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/

Explore global issues in relation to the world of politics and international law, in times of peace and conflict.

At St Andrews, students draw on areas from diplomatic history and international law as well as political theory, economy and science to explain conflict and cooperation. Gain insight into theoretical perspectives from areas including:

- foreign policy
- international organisations and regimes
- peace and conflict studies
- political theory
- terrorism and political violence.

## Undergraduate

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- ### Explore courses

## Postgraduate taught

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## Postgraduate research

The School of International Research at St Andrews offers [PhD](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/international-relations/prospective/pgr/phd/) and [MPhil](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/international-relations/prospective/pgr/mphil/)  programmes. Research in international relations typically falls into one of [three main themes](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/international-relations/research/research-themes/):

- conflict, peace and security
- the evolving character of global and supra-national institutions
- interpenetration of civil societies and international relations

Applicants for research degrees in the School of International Relations are not required to determine a potential supervisor before applying, but are encouraged to express a supervisor preference in their application. The allocation of applicants to supervisors is undertaken by the School's postgraduate committee. Find out [how to apply for a research degree in International Relations](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/international-relations/prospective/pgr/).

> “I chose to study international relations because I find it genuinely fascinating. Moreover, international relations will always remain important because politics is ever-changing and keeps moving forward. The topics covered, especially as you specialise, are very interesting and are all taught by experts in the field.”

**Michaela** \
- Kuching, Malaysia

## Awards

> ### [Times: First in the UK for International Relations](https://www.thetimes.com/uk-university-rankings/league-table)
>
> The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

> ### [Guardian: First in the UK for International Relations](https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2025/sep/13/the-guardian-university-guide-2026-the-rankings)
>
> The Guardian Good University Guide 2026

> ### [97% of research activity rated 3\* or 4\*](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/research/showcase/excellence/ref-2021/results/)
>
> Most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)

## [School of International Relations](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/ir/)

The School of International Relations is highly recognised for the quality of research and teaching in areas ranging from foreign policy to terrorism and political violence. Courses are designed to ensure students are up to date with current developments in global issues.

## Studying in St Andrews

[Entry requirements](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/)

The University offers a variety of flexible entry options in order to allow all students, regardless of background or personal circumstances, to apply.

[Fees and funding](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/)

Scholarships and funding options are available at every level of study.

[Accommodation](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/accommodation/)

St Andrews has variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.

## Visit St Andrews

If you’re interested in studying at St Andrews, join us at a visiting day or talk and tour to explore the town, find out about our courses and meet current students. You can also join us for one of our upcoming online events.  

[Book a place](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/meet-us/)