BA (Hons) International Affairs

Understand global politics, diplomacy, and security

Online or on campus

3 years full-time360 creditsEnglish

Overview

International Affairs at Frontier examines how states, institutions, and non-state actors shape world order. You will analyse conflict, cooperation, human rights, and economic diplomacy through historical and contemporary lenses. Debate-style seminars develop argumentation skills; research methods training prepares you for policy briefs and dissertation work. Edinburgh's diplomatic community provides guest lectures and networking opportunities throughout the programme.

Model United Nations and crisis simulation weekends are embedded in Years 2 and 3.

Who This Program Is For

Students interested in diplomacy, NGOs, or government
Debaters and writers passionate about global issues
Future postgraduate researchers in political science

Faculty spotlight

Professor Elena Vasquez researches EU governance; Dr. Marcus Chen specialises in Indo-Pacific security.

How you can study

Study options & delivery

Online pathway· Flexible remote

Complete your BA (Hons) International Affairs fully online from anywhere in the world with faculty-led modules and flexible scheduling.

On-campus pathway· £3,800 / $4,800/year

Attend seminars and access facilities in person at Frontier Innovation University.

Apply online →Apply for campus →View fee schedule

What You Will Learn

Critically assess theories of international relations and foreign policy
Draft policy briefs for governmental and NGO audiences
Evaluate humanitarian and development interventions
Present research findings in academic and public forums

Curriculum

Year 1

Code	Course	Credits
IA101	Introduction to IR Theory Introduction to IR Theory — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Introduction to IR Theory Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
IA102	Global History since 1945 Global History since 1945 — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Global History since 1945 Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
IA103	Political Economy Political Economy — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Political Economy Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
IA104	Research & Writing Skills Research & Writing Skills — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Research & Writing Skills Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20

Year 2

Code	Course	Credits
IA201	Security Studies Security Studies — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Security Studies Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
IA202	International Organisations International Organisations — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in International Organisations Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
IA203	Human Rights & Development Human Rights & Development — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Human Rights & Development Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
IA204	Foreign Policy Analysis Foreign Policy Analysis — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Foreign Policy Analysis Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20

Year 3

Code	Course	Credits
IA301	Diplomacy & Negotiation Diplomacy & Negotiation — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Diplomacy & Negotiation Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
IA302	Honours Dissertation Honours Dissertation — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Honours Dissertation Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	40

Code

Course

Credits

IA301

Diplomacy & Negotiation

Diplomacy & Negotiation — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Diplomacy & Negotiation
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

IA302

Honours Dissertation

Honours Dissertation — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Honours Dissertation
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

Career Paths

Policy Officer
Diplomatic Service Trainee
NGO Programme Officer
Journalist
Think Tank Researcher

Program Highlights

Crisis simulation and Model UN weekends
Guest speakers from diplomatic corps and NGOs
Dissertation supervision by published IR scholars
Pathway to MA International Relations

Assessment

Modules are assessed through a published mix of coursework, applied projects, and examinations. Exam windows are announced in advance so students in other time zones are not forced into overnight sittings. Alternative arrangements are available where documented.

Admission requirements

Academic entry

A-levels BBB (or equivalent) in relevant subjects, or an Access to HE Diploma with Merit profile
International Baccalaureate 28 points, or high school diploma with GPA 3.0/4.0 minimum

English language

English proficiency: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 46, or equivalent (waived for prior English-medium study)

Documents

Personal statement (400—600 words) explaining your academic interests and career goals
One academic reference from a teacher, tutor, or school counsellor

Research & interview

Optional: portfolio or interview for creative and professional programmes

Programme questions

How long is the BA (Hons) International Affairs?

The published duration is 3 years full-time. Teaching language: English. Actual time-to-complete depends on mode and any recognised prior learning.

Can I study this from my country?

You may study this award fully online from your country, or — where published — on campus at Frontier. Online study does not require a student visa. Campus study may.

What does it cost?

Online awards at Frontier Innovation University are published at about $600–$900 in total, paid by semester ($200–$400) after you accept an offer. The online application fee is $0. Exam and administrative charges may apply. See Fees for the current table.

What are the entry requirements?

Requirements are grouped on this page (academic, English, documents). Equivalent qualifications are considered. English may be waived after prior English-medium study.

How is the programme assessed?

Assessment is typically a mix of coursework, projects, and examinations. Doctoral awards include a thesis or dissertation and an oral examination. Details sit in the programme specification and module outlines.

Will this award be recognised where I live?

Recognition of the award for local employment, professional licence, or ministry attestation is decided by your employer or regulator. Frontier Innovation University publishes verification pages for certificates. We do not claim automatic equivalence in every country.

How do I apply?

Start an application on this website. Progress is saved from the first step. Admissions: admissions@frontuni.com.

Recognized & Accredited

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