International Relations is the study of an international system composed of territorial states which acknowledge no superior authority over matters which they consider of vital interest. It analyses the nature of this system -- the rules and forces governing the behaviour of states, the factors that lead to military conflict or peaceful co-operation, and the current trends towards both a more integrated and a more fragmented world. You can study International Relations for a single honours degree, or as part of a joint honours degree with International History.
Comments from External Examiners on the 2010-2011 session:
External Examiner A:
I have little but praise to offer the Department of International Relations at the LSE. Based on the courses I have externally examined, I can say that this is an outstanding programme. It is well designed, appears to be well taught, and produces some really excellent work from students.
External Examiner B:
As regards the standards of student performance: the achievements of students across the board was impressive, including even those scripts awarded a lower mark. Students consistently demonstrated high levels of detailed and current knowledge specific to those areas being examined. Useful and interesting examples were used to illustrate arguments and specific points. The average length of the essays showed that students were making a high degree of effort in answering the questions given to them. Consistent efforts were made by students to give thoughtful answers to the questions with proper argumentation. Judging by the standards achieved by students on these exams, the standard of teaching must be high. The standards of assessment, in terms of the types of question asked, was also high – and most students rose to this challenge impressively. The reading lists and examination questions for these courses were fine, comparable to similar courses at other institutions.
External Examiner C:
The BSc in International Relations is an excellent programme which covers the key elements of the discipline of International Relations with intellectual rigour and critical engagement. I was impressed by the general standards of the teaching as demonstrated in the high quality of the examination scripts which I read and examined. Unseen examinations remain a key test of analytical accomplishment and achievement. The standards of student performance were impressive and I read some exceptional scripts. I have been an external examiner at a number of leading British universities and I can confirm that the IR degree at the LSE is one of the most challenging and demanding degrees in the field.
Further information for prospective applicants
Further information for incoming and current students
The following information is only accessible from within the School on an LSE network computer or with an LSE username and password:
Further information about the application process may be obtained from LSE's
Undergraduate Admissions Office|