BA INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
September 2025
Full time
Three or four years
Available
Suzhou
XJTLU undergraduate students earn two degrees: an XJTLU degree recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education and a globally respected University of Liverpool degree.
Knowledge and skills
By the time you graduate from the BA International Relations, you will have:
- appreciation of other countries and societies through both study and lived experience in a specific country;
- specialised knowledge of China’s global interactions, other countries’ engagement with China, and international business, trade, and investment;
- an understanding of humanities and social sciences concepts, and a range of international relations and political economy theories;
- enhanced analytical, critical thinking, cross-cultural, interpersonal, and communication skills; and
- practical experience in scholarly and policy analysis.
All countries in the world are undergoing significant economic, political, security, and social changes, accelerated by globalisation and technological innovation. The BA International Relations programme will provide you with theoretical foundations to explore the causes and implications of these changes, a unique perspective to understand China's involvement in the changes, as well as practical skills to prepare for careers in a globalised world.
Lina Gong
Programme director
Modules
*Programme modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. XJTLU students are advised to log in to the e-Bridge Portal to view the effectuated module structure.
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University offers a wide range of courses in the first year, including English for academic purposes (EAP), mathematics and physics, and humanities and social sciences. Click to learn more.
Core Modules
Contemporary International Relations
International Political Economy
World History: Twentieth Century to Today
History of the Americas
Managing the World: the Role of International Institutions
East and Southeast Asia: The Pacific Century
Foundations in Political Science
Core Modules
China and Asia
International Relations Research Methods
International Relations Study Abroad
Country Study
Foreign Policy Analysis
International Communications
Comparative Politics
Optional Modules
International China
International Politics Of Development In Africa
Regional Integration: The Case Of Europe
Contemporary Russian Politics And Economy
Core Modules
International Relations: Final Year Project
International Business Law
Optional Modules
Doing Business in China
Local Government in China
‘The Cultural History of West China’
China: International Trade
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Society
Cultural and Creative Industries in a Digital Economy
Globalisation and Science Communication
Investigative Journalism
Sino-European Relations: A Critical Approach
US Intelligence and Foreign Policy
Political Economy Of Foreign Aid
Public Policy and Cultural Diplomacy
Russia and China Great Powers in an Era of Global Disorder
Finding Solutions: Development Theory and Practice
Economic Issues and Policies for Development
Advanced Research Methods for International Relations
Postcolonial Literature
Climate Change and Literature
Intercultural Communication
Conference Interpreting
This programme’s dual focus gives an overview of both international relations and China studies, which has broadened my horizons. In addition, the international study environment has been a valuable cross-cultural experience.
Qianyue Qiao
Student, BA International Relations
Careers
Graduates are prepared for various positions in international, national, and local organisations, research and educational institutions, and the private sector, both in China and in other countries. Job opportunities span multilateral organisations, government agencies, nongovernmental organisations, education, consultancy, media, development, banking, business, and trade relations. The programme also lays a solid foundation for postgraduate studies in humanities and social sciences, with alumni admitted into master's programmes at world-renowned universities, such as the London School of Economics and Political Science, the UK; Sciences Po Paris, France; University College London, the UK; University of California San Diego, the UK; Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; and more.
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Overview
In the past three decades, the international relations field has witnessed profound changes in China’s growth. As international order shifts and China’s development continues, the world needs more talented professionals with specialised knowledge and skills, as well as international perspectives, to explore these processes.
The BA International Relations programme aims to deepen the knowledge and understanding of international affairs and China’s engagement with the world. It cultivates the entrepreneurial and managerial leaders of the future who will bring China to the world and the world to China.
Through the interdisciplinary study of politics, economics, law, and global affairs, the programme examines the relationships of countries and regions, international organisations, nongovernmental organisations, and multinational corporations within the international framework. While the programme focuses on China’s interactions with the world, all students will spend one semester abroad in the country of their choice during their studies.
Why should I study International Relations at XJTLU?
By studying BA International Relations at XJTLU, you can: