Estudiar relaciones internacionales en los cursos de verano de Oxford

In today’s diverse and hyper-connected world, there’s never been more demand for individuals who show the greatest ambitions to want and make a positive difference for society as a whole.

Study International Relations and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the world works and the global issues that result from it. It’s a highly important and unique subject, which draws expertise on several avenues, including different cultures, economies, political divisions, and the impact they have on society as a whole.

Think it could be a subject for you? We’re going to take a look at exactly what International Relations is, what its study involves, and how you can begin researching university courses for it.

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What is International Relations?

From the nature of diplomacy to the causes of conflict, the study of International Relations attempts to explain how different countries and states interact with one another, as well as subnational entities (such as political parties or interest groups).

International Relations is a multidisciplinary subject that often encourages students to expand their way of thinking and approach theories from a number of methods and perspectives. Although the subject’s topics will vary from one educational institution to another, common topics cover and address foreign policy analysis, international security, diplomacy, media, political economy, global governance, ethnic identities, social movements and more.

With its rich and complex subject matter, this theory-based subject is closely related to a number of academic subjects, including; Politics, Geography, History, Economics, Law, Psychology, and Philosophy, with students often studying on combined degree programmes at university.

Why Study International Relations?

International Relations seeks to make sense of an increasingly globalised world. Those who study it will deal with numerous issues, concepts and theories to expand their knowledge of the world around them while developing a skill set that’s highly lucrative in almost all sectors of work.

Let’s take a look in detail at 3 of the most common reasons why students pursue International Relations as a subject at summer school and at university.

1. International Relations is more relevant than ever before

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected through trade, commerce, migration, and technology, so too does the frequency and complexity of how different countries and states interact with one another. A digitised world calls for trained professionals to dissect and understand complex interactions, helping to craft policy and find solutions which resolve common challenges today and in the future.

In this sense, those who study International Relations will have an adaptable toolkit with which they can use to navigate our rapidly changing world, giving them an advantage throughout their career and personal lives.

If you choose to pursue a career in governmental or international discussion, you’ll be entering a field which is more vibrant, and more important than ever before - and you could be making a huge impact in the world around us.

2. You have the opportunity to make a difference

With a rich and detailed knowledge of cross-cultural awareness and communication, students who study International Relations have the ability to aid on policy and social change which can make a positive impact on the world.

Those who study the subject tend to be passionate about resolving disputes and combating injustice, which are essential foundations to making a positive social impact. So, if you have always wanted to change the world for the better, studying International Relations could be the first step to making that difference.

3. Studying International Relations cultivates an abundance of transferable skills

As we mentioned above, studying International Relations is an interdisciplinary subject, which demands a combination of skills and approaches. Those who study this subject will leave education with a lucrative set of core skills that can help an individual excel in almost any field.

For example, a significant portion of a student’s weekly study schedule will demand critical analysis skills, where they will need to observe and propose innovative solutions to highly sensitive situations, taking into account all sides of a view.

Students attending our International Relations summer school will also participate in debate nights and communication workshops, which again, are both essential skills in the field of International Relations. In particular, debate skills can be critical when it comes to holding a particular organisation or group’s viewpoint, whilst accepting and understanding the needs of other arguments and participants.

Other skills students will excel in after studying International Relations include:

• Flexibility
• Compromise
• Teamwork
• Negotiation
• Team management
• Autonomy

Of course, these are all skills which can be highly beneficial in almost any field of work, even if students choose to pursue a career in something other than International Relations. Mainly, these skills centre around nurturing positive relationships, which are critical in both professional and personal aspects of life.

So, whatever role you choose to pursue in the future, you’ll have a foundation of skills and knowledge which can be applied across a variety of roles and sectors.

Applying to study International Relations at university

With International Relations being such a diverse subject, there are so many different courses and syllabi to choose from at each university.

Its close relations with subjects such as Politics, Law, History, and Economics means students can find themselves studying a number of cross-disciplinary subjects, such as Governance, Law & Order, Public Administration, and so many more. Its focus on international diplomacy and relationships means there is a whole world of travel and study abroad opportunities for students to take advantage of.

We’re going to take a look at what subjects and grades are most typically required for university degrees, and which UK universities are considered amongst some of the best for International Relations degrees.

What do you need to study International Relations?

As such a broad and multi-dimensional degree, the subjects needed to study International Relations vary between each university. However, some of the subjects which frequently appear on entry requirements include:

• Economics
• English Literature and/or Language
• Geography
• History
• Mathematics
• Modern Languages
• Philosophy
• Politics
• Psychology
• Sociology

Studying any of these subjects at A-level will give you a solid foundation of global knowledge and skills which can help you to excel as you study International Relations at university.

Note: Just as how different universities list different subject requirements for their International Relations degrees, each university will also list its own set of specific grade requirements. Remember to check individual entry requirements for each university you are considering applying to.

Choosing where to study International Relations

When it comes to choosing an International Relations degree - or any degree for that matter - there are a number of evaluations you should make, including the quality of education you will receive, the price of the course, the cultural experience of where you will study, along with many others.

However, if you can, and think you would enjoy the experience, it’s a good idea to try and study International Relations abroad. This will give you a first-hand experience of living in a different culture, where you will have the chance to interact with people who come from different backgrounds and experiences. What better way to understand the relationship between different nations?

Of course, choosing if you want to spend three or more years studying abroad can be a hugely daunting experience. Before making this decision, you could experience life away from your home country on a short summer school, where you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and get a taste of student life away from home.

Best Universities for International Relations

Many UK universities offer International Relations degrees, either as a full degree or as a major/minor accredited programme where you study another related subject in conjunction with International Relations, such as Politics or History.

Some of these often include optional integrations, such as a ‘sandwich’ year where you can go and gain a years’ worth of professional work experience; or a four-year programme which will allow you to earn a Master’s degree without having to take a break from your studies.

But how do you know which university is the best for studying International Relations?

Each year, the Complete University Guide compiles a list of the top universities for studying International Relations. Currently, the rankings for 2021/22 courses are as follows:

1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. University of St Andrews
4. University of Warwick
5. London School of Economics and Politics
6. UCL (University College London)
7. University of Sheffield
8. Universidad de Exeter
9. Universidad de Durham
10. Universidad de Bath

Esta lista es una excelente manera de comenzar con su investigación y ver algunos de los mejores cursos disponibles en el mercado. Dedica un tiempo a pensar en los temas globales que más te interesen y, luego, úsalo como base para tu investigación a medida que comiences a buscar cursos que te interesen.

Una vez que hayas recopilado una lista de algunas universidades y cursos que despiertan tu interés, asegúrate de reservar tu plaza en sus jornadas de puertas abiertas. Todas las universidades ofrecen jornadas de puertas abiertas para los futuros estudiantes, lo que te brinda la oportunidad de obtener más información sobre el curso y conocer a los profesores que te enseñarán. Estas son muy importantes para ayudarte a hacerte una idea del lugar en el que podrías estudiar y te ayudan a reducir tus opciones.

Recuerda que al comparar universidades, es importante comprobar siempre sus requisitos de ingreso. Cualquier curso al que te postules debe estar a tu nivel de habilidad y habilidad para que puedas sobresalir lo mejor que puedas.

Qué escribir en una declaración personal para Relaciones Internacionales

En el Reino Unido, los estudiantes deben postularse para estudiar en la universidad a través de los Servicios oficiales de Admisión a Universidades y Colegios, más comúnmente conocidos como UCAS.

Estas solicitudes requieren una declaración personal de respaldo escrita por usted mismo, en la que describa su pasión por el tema, que incluya por qué quiere estudiar y por qué es el mejor estudiante para el curso universitario de Relaciones Internacionales al que está solicitando.

Todas las universidades buscarán una declaración coherente y bien escrita, con pruebas que demuestren tu motivación e interés por estudiar la materia a un nivel superior. A menudo, los estudiantes eligen incluir qué extracurriculares lo han hecho para aprovechar sus conocimientos y su compromiso con el tema, así como cualquier otra oportunidad de desarrollo de habilidades en la que hayan participado, como el trabajo voluntario, la experiencia laboral o cualquier trabajo a tiempo parcial que puedan haber tenido.

Para obtener más información y orientación sobre qué incluir al escribir una declaración personal para UCAS, consulte nuestra Guía de declaraciones personales de UCAS.

¿Qué trabajos te puede dar un título de Relaciones Internacionales?

Mientras estudies Relaciones Internacionales en la universidad, descubrirás las muchas rutas que puede llevarte tu título y hacia dónde puedes dirigir tu carrera.

La belleza del tema es que tus habilidades serán valoradas por los empleadores nacionales e internacionales en casi todos los sectores, lo que significa que puedes ocupar puestos en casi cualquier industria que te interese.

Un ejemplo de algunas de las trayectorias profesionales en las que podrías encontrarte incluyen:

• Ayuda o trabajo de desarrollo
• Consultoría corporativa
• Sector de beneficencia
• Diplomático
• Trabajos gubernamentales, como la administración pública
• Periodismo o correspondencia extranjera
• Inteligencia o vigilancia
• ONG (una organización sin fines de lucro)

Descubre nuestros cursos de verano de Relaciones Internacionales

Como proveedor de cursos cortos galardonado, nos comprometemos a ofrecer los mejores programas de estudios en el extranjero para estudiantes de Relaciones Internacionales. Al adoptar las mismas prácticas docentes y sistemas educativos galardonados de la Universidad de Oxford y Cambridge, trabajamos con algunos de los mejores tutores del Reino Unido para brindar una experiencia de aprendizaje verdaderamente auténtica y de alta calidad.

Si estás pensando en obtener un título en Relaciones Internacionales en el futuro, o simplemente quieres hacerte una idea de lo que el tema tiene para ofrecer, echa un vistazo a nuestros cursos de verano de Relaciones Internacionales disponibles y descubre cómo puedes diferenciarte de otros solicitantes universitarios.

Resumen

La ciberseguridad, el auge de las redes sociales, la emergencia climática, las pandemias sanitarias internacionales y la vitalidad del colonialismo: el siglo XXI es un lugar complejo en el que vivir y que necesita una perspectiva internacional para que puedas empezar a entenderlo.

Un título en Relaciones Internacionales, con su examen de las asociaciones globales y las relaciones entre estados y organizaciones, es una excelente opción para los estudiantes que desean ayudar a comprender y desarrollar soluciones a problemas sociales complejos y aprovechar las oportunidades globales.

Incluso si no sigue una carrera en un campo político, estudiar Relaciones Internacionales lo equipará con un conjunto de habilidades lucrativas que son totalmente transferibles a una serie de funciones y sectores laborales.

Por lo tanto, incluso si no estás seguro de qué carrera profesional deseas seguir en el futuro si te interesa el tema, definitivamente deberías aprovechar la oportunidad para explorar lo que podría significar para ti estudiar Relaciones Internacionales en la universidad.

Descubre nuestros cursos de verano de Relaciones Internacionales

Como proveedor de cursos cortos galardonado, nos comprometemos a ofrecer los mejores programas de estudios en el extranjero para estudiantes de Relaciones Internacionales. Al adoptar las mismas prácticas docentes y sistemas educativos galardonados de la Universidad de Oxford y Cambridge, trabajamos con algunos de los mejores tutores del Reino Unido para brindar una experiencia de aprendizaje verdaderamente auténtica y de alta calidad.

Si estás pensando en obtener un título en Relaciones Internacionales en el futuro, o simplemente quieres hacerte una idea de lo que el tema tiene para ofrecer, echa un vistazo a nuestros cursos de verano de Relaciones Internacionales disponibles y descubre cómo puedes diferenciarte de otros solicitantes universitarios.

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