International Relations
Within the discipline of International Relations, the Centre for Advanced International Studies (CAIS) is a vibrant center of scholars addressing global issues through diverse theoretical and methodological approaches. Their work spans four key themes:
- International Theory and Global Knowledge
- Peace, Security, and Political Violence
- Foreign Policy and Strategy
- Order and Resistance
Top 100 for Politics in The QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
We are in the Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research*
* Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
87% of graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation
Based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21
Opportunities to study abroad
Study with us
Our students are at the heart of what we do, and we have developed a suite of programmes and modules to challenge you and equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to enable you to go on to make a difference to the world and to succeed in your career. We encourage students to become active learners and explore their own passions and interests, facilitated through our wide range of teaching and learning approaches including research projects, applied data analysis, policy simulations and case studies, along with lectures and seminar discussions.
Our politics education is not confined to the classroom and our modules provide varied opportunities for learning such as taking part in field trips, work placements and conducting reports for external organisations. Guest talks, debates and departmental social activities all add to the vibrancy of the Exeter Politics experience. We are a diverse department that welcomes and encourages applications from students from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Undergraduate
Postgraduate taught
Postgraduate research
Exeter provides an ideal place to undertake a MPhil/PhD in Politics and International Relations, Security, Conflict and Human Rights, or Strategy and Security.
There are opportunities at both the Streatham Campus in Exeter and at the Penryn Campus near Falmouth.
Our research
Centre of Advanced International Studies (CAIS) is a dynamic research hub where scholars engage in diverse theoretical and methodological approaches to tackle pressing global issues. Research spans several key themes, including international theory and global knowledge, where they explore topics such as world order, globalization, authoritarianism, and security from multiple disciplinary perspectives.
Our researchers pioneer in Critical Military Studies, investigating terrorism, AI's role in political violence, and nuclear strategy, with impactful research influencing governmental and international organizations. CAIS researchers also delve deeply into foreign policy dynamics, analyzing US, UK, Chinese, and Russian policies alongside public opinion and geopolitical strategies in other regions such as MENA.
Other pressing issues such as governance and resistance, the Liberal International Order's evolution, peace-building, and social movements' contestation of global power dynamics across diverse global regions are explored and researched by CAIS scholars.
