Bachelor of International Relations — Bachelor at London Online University

Bachelor of International Relations


Course Overview

The Bachelor of International Relations is a degree-level qualification accessible via LOU's virtual learning environment through LOU's virtual learning environment, giving students worldwide access to strategic thinking, research methodology, and industry-informed practice at London academic standards. Running across 36 months full (top-up routes available for holders of a UK Higher Diploma), this programme is designed for motivated learners who need online career support without compromising on the quality or depth of their studies. Every component of the Bachelor of International Relations is online interview preparation, from live sessions with expert tutors to recorded materials and a comprehensive live online lectures.

By completing the Bachelor of International Relations, you will have the knowledge, skills, and professional grounding to critically evaluate international relations confidently, research and analyse industry frameworks at a degree-level standard, and apply your learning directly to real-world contexts across law, politics, economics & international relations. Graduates progress equipped with a solid understanding of strategic thinking, research methodology, and industry-informed practice and a recognised online qualification from London Online University.

Key Features

  • Accessible via LOU's virtual learning environment through LOU's virtual learning environment, combining online interview preparation and live online lectures
  • Aligned with Law Society of England and Wales professional standards and curriculum frameworks
  • Course content informed by Bar Council of England and Wales guidelines and industry expectations
  • Comprehensive virtual learning community including academic resources, practitioner publications, and case study libraries
  • Online career support with qualified tutors and fellow learners across the globe
  • Direct progression pathway into the LOU Master's in International Relations
  • Industry references drawn from Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and other internationally recognised professional bodies

What You Will Learn

  • Critically evaluate the core principles and theoretical foundations of international relations
  • Research and analyse practical approaches to key challenges in international relations
  • Synthesise evidence on the regulatory, ethical, and professional frameworks relevant to law, politics, economics & international relations
  • Strategically plan data, research, and industry information to inform decisions in international relations
  • Apply quantitative methods to communication, stakeholder engagement, and professional presentation skills
  • Develop evidence-based insights into contemporary trends, emerging technologies, and global developments in international relations
  • Write academically about a degree-level portfolio of skills and knowledge valued by employers in law, politics, economics & international relations

Who This Course Is For

  • Learners who wish to complete a full UK degree in international relations via an entirely online route
  • Learners based internationally who require accessible via LOU's virtual learning environment at London academic standards
  • Career changers aiming to enter or pivot within the law, politics, economics & international relations sector
  • Employees in law, politics, economics & international relations organisations who need virtual learning community alongside full-time work
  • Professionals who benefit from online career support to balance study commitments with existing responsibilities

Career Pathways

  • Human Rights Lawyer
  • Diplomat
  • International Development Officer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Political Consultant
  • Legal Advisor
  • Compliance Officer

LOU's dedicated online career support service provides virtual CV coaching, LinkedIn profile guidance, and online interview preparation to help Bachelor of International Relations graduates secure rewarding roles in law, politics, economics & international relations organisations across the UK and internationally.

Entry Requirements

  • A-Levels (BBC or above) or IB (26+ points) or equivalent overseas qualifications
  • A completed UK Higher Diploma or Advanced Diploma for top-up routes
  • IELTS 6.0 overall (no band under 5.5) or equivalent English proficiency
  • Personal statement outlining online learning goals and career objectives
  • Two academic or professional references

Why Study at LOU

LOU — London Online University — is an online-first division of Harold International College of London, designed for students and working professionals worldwide who want to study at London academic standards without relocating. Every programme is delivered entirely through LOU's virtual learning environment, combining live online lectures, recorded sessions available on demand, and digital library access.

LOU's curriculum is written and reviewed by industry practitioners across all ten disciplines and is built to give online learners the same depth, rigour and career-relevant knowledge as campus-based study. Virtual tutorial sessions, peer collaboration tools and live Q&A sessions with tutors ensure an engaged, supported learning experience accessible via LOU's virtual learning environment.

Apply for Bachelor of International Relations

Apply for your LOU online Bachelor degree and study from anywhere in the world and take the next step in your international relations career with the Bachelor of International Relations from London Online University. This qualification is accessible via LOU's virtual learning environment, meaning you can advance your expertise and build a recognised London academic credential from wherever you are in the world. Enrol Now

Frequently asked questions.

Common questions about Bachelor of International Relations.

The Bachelor of International Relations is delivered entirely online through LOU's virtual learning environment. Students attend live online lectures with experienced tutors, access recorded sessions on demand, and complete assessed coursework remotely. All resources, including the digital library and peer collaboration tools, are accessible via LOU's online platform from anywhere in the world.

LOU provides Bachelor of International Relations students with a comprehensive online support package including virtual tutorial sessions with subject tutors, peer learning forums, digital library access, and dedicated online career support. The career support service offers virtual CV coaching, LinkedIn profile guidance, and online interview preparation to assist graduates in their job search.

The Bachelor of International Relations is aligned with Law Society of England and Wales standards and Bar Council of England and Wales, ensuring graduates develop skills and knowledge that are relevant to employer expectations and industry standards in Law, Politics, Economics & International Relations. LOU programmes are designed with professional body frameworks in mind to support graduates in their chosen career pathways.

A-Levels (BBC or above) or IB (26+ points) or equivalent overseas qualifications Full entry requirements are available on the LOU admissions page. International applicants should confirm English language proficiency requirements. LOU's admissions team is available via LOU's online platform to provide guidance on eligibility and the application process for the Bachelor of International Relations.

The Bachelor of International Relations runs for 36 months full (top-up routes available for holders of a UK Higher Diploma) and is structured to allow flexible online study. On completion, graduates can progress into the LOU Master's in the same or a closely related subject, continuing their qualification ladder entirely online at London academic standards. LOU's articulation model ensures a clear and accessible progression pathway.