Six London universities teach international relations at scale: LSE, King's College London, UCL, SOAS, Queen Mary and the University of Westminster. Each offers undergraduate and postgraduate routes and frames the subject differently - Queen Mary through its School of Politics and International Relations, SOAS through regional specialism. Entry requirements move every admissions cycle, so treat this as a shortlist to check against each university's own course pages rather than a ranking.
Degrees still move the employment number: 87.6% of graduates in England were employed in 2024, against 68.0% of non-graduates. — DfE, Graduate labour market statistics, 2024
London stands as a pivotal center for international relations and diplomacy, attracting students worldwide to its prestigious educational institutions. This blog post delves into the best universities in London that offer superior programs in international relations, aiding prospective students in making informed decisions.
How do you lead universities for international relations?
What is London school of economics and political science (LSE)?
- Programs Offered: Wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in international relations.
- Key Features:
- Rigorous academic curriculum
- Innovative research
- Outstanding faculty
What does King's College London offer?
- Programs Offered: Comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate program in international relations.
- Key Features:
- Cutting-edge research
- Close links with government agencies and international organizations
What does the University of Westminster offer?
- Programs Offered: Diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs in international relations.
- Key Features:
- Strong focus on practical learning
- Commitment to real-world experiences
What does SOAS University of London offer?
- Programs Offered: Specialized undergraduate and postgraduate programs focusing on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Key Features:
- Strong interdisciplinary approach
- Ideal for regional specialization
What is school of politics and international relations, Queen Mary university of London?
- Programs Offered: Various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in international relations.
- Key Features:
- Innovative research
- Commitment to diversity
- Close links with policymakers and international organizations
What does University College London (UCL) offer?
- Programs Offered: Diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs with a focus on global governance and diplomacy.
- Key Features:
- Rigorous academic curriculum
- Innovative research
- Commitment to excellence in teaching and learning
What should you do next?
London hosts some of the world's foremost universities for international relations, each offering unique strengths and specialized programs. Institutions like the London School of Economics, King's College London, and University College London provide students with rigorous academic training and invaluable real-world experiences. Prospective students should thoroughly research these options, engage with academic advisors, attend informational sessions, and network with alumni to fully understand what each university has to offer and how it aligns with their career aspirations in international relations.
What else is worth reading?
- Is University worth it?
- Top Tips for Crafting a Winning Personal Statement for University…
- Top Universities in the UK for Studying Mathematics
- Unlocking Student Accommodation in London: A Comprehensive Guide
- Unlocking the Benefits of Creative Writing Clubs for Oxford Applicants
What can this guide not tell you about your own application?
Entry requirements, deadlines and how offers are made change every admissions cycle, and vary between courses at the same university. A published requirement is where the conversation starts, not a guarantee of a place. Always confirm against UCAS and the course page itself.
On the money question, the government is direct:
“Any loan you borrow needs to be paid back, but not until you’ve finished or left your course, and you earn over a certain amount.” — gov.uk, Student finance
Where can you check this at source?
University entry requirements, deadlines and course outcomes are set by UCAS and the institutions, and change every cycle. Confirm against the source:
- UCAS — applying to university — deadlines, references and how the cycle works
- Discover Uni — official course data: satisfaction, continuation and graduate earnings
- Student finance (gov.uk) — what you can borrow and how repayment works

