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Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives

Have you ever wondered why countries go to war, how global issues like climate change or migration are tackled, or who has the power to shape international politics? This module explores these questions by introducing you to the study and practice of international relations. By examining three critical areas – conflict and security, the global political economy, and human rights – you’ll discover the forces that shape the global landscape. From powerful states and international institutions to civil society and ordinary people, you’ll learn how different actors shape international relations and influence world politics.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

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Module

Module code

D228

Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
60

Study level

Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
2 8 5

Study method

Distance Learning

Module cost

See Module registration

Entry requirements

See Entry requirements

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Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

The module consists of five blocks designed to guide you through key aspects of international relations study and practice. Through a mix of historical and contemporary case studies, you’ll unpack key issues, meet the major players, and explore different perspectives on some of the most significant contemporary global challenges.

Block 1 starts by exploring two fascinating case studies – great power competition in Africa and terrorism. These will help you understand the kinds of issues that international relations address, introduce you to key actors, and show how global issues connect to local concerns and everyday experiences. You&/courses/modules/d228/39;ll then start to build your knowledge of some of the theoretical and analytical tools that can help make sense of these case studies and the international sphere as a whole.

The following three blocks each focus on a core area of international relations.

Block 2 focuses on conflict and security. You’ll explore key actors, issues, and perspectives in conflict, peace, and security, analysing five case studies: the Cold War, the Syrian Civil War, COVID-19, and conflict in Mali. You will also learn about the role of media in conflict. These studies will help you understand the drivers of conflict and how global, regional and local factors influence conflict and its prevention.

Block 3 examines the global political economy. You’ll explore the evolution of the modern global political economy, its rules and institutions, and its current challenges. Through studying key actors, issues and perspectives, you’ll focus on globalisation and its global, regional, and local implications, including its impact on your own life. You’ll also learn about organised crime’s role in the global political economy.

Block 4 focuses on human rights and their role in international relations. You’ll explore the historical and philosophical roots of human rights, gain insight into the modern international human rights system, and examine the challenges and critiques it faces. The block also covers topics like migration and the concept of non-human rights (or the rights of nature, animals and the environment), considering their growing significance within the global human rights framework.

Each of these three blocks includes a ‘Catch-up and Review’ week, designed to give you space to catch up on and consolidate your learning.

Block 5 helps you bring everything together. You’ll reflect on what you’ve learned, review key concepts, and prepare for your end-of-module exam.

Vocational relevance

The knowledge and skills you acquire will deepen your understanding of international relations and equip you with valuable, transferable skills that employers seek. You’ll learn to apply key concepts and theories, analyse complex situations, and build reasoned arguments. These skills are essential for problem-solving and decision-making.

You’ll also develop the ability to critically evaluate different ideas and theories, which is a valuable asset in roles that require strategic thinking and a deep understanding of global dynamics. Additionally, you’ll learn to express complex ideas clearly, enabling you to communicate effectively in professional settings, whether preparing reports, briefings, or policy proposals, with well-supported, confident arguments.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.

They’ll help by:

  • marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
  • providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
  • guiding you to additional learning resources
  • facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

Future availability

Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives starts once a year – in October. This page describes the module that will start in October 2025. We expect it to start for the last time in October 2036.

Regulations

As a student of 快猫视频, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our website.

Course work includes:

4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
Examination


Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements. However, since this is an OU level 2 module, you are expected to have the study skills equivalent to those gained at OU level 1.

Preparatory work

We recommend starting with our key introductory module, Global challenges: social science in action (D113). This interdisciplinary OU level 1 module, with its integrated teaching of key study skills, provides a firm foundation for OU level 2.

Register

Start End England fee Register
04 Oct 2025 Jun 2026 拢3892.00

Registration closes 11/09/25 (places subject to availability)
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2036.

Additional Costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.

Ways to pay for this module

Open University Student Budget Account

快猫视频 Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient &/courses/modules/d228/39;pay as you go&/courses/modules/d228/39; option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that 快猫视频 works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.

You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:

  • Register now, pay later – OUSBA pays your module fee direct to the OU. You then repay OUSBA interest-free and in full just before your module starts. 0% APR representative. This option could give you the extra time you may need to secure the funding to repay OUSBA.
  • Pay by instalments – OUSBA calculates your monthly fee and number of instalments based on the cost of the module you are studying. APR 5.1% representative.

Joint loan applications

If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.

As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.

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Employer sponsorship

Studying with 快猫视频 can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.

Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. 

  • Your employer just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
  • You won’t need to get your employer to complete the form until after you’ve chosen your module.  

Credit/debit card

You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module. 

We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron. 

Mixed payments

We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an .


Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University&/courses/modules/d228/39;s fee policy, visit our .

This information was provided on 04/04/2025.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

  1. be resident in England
  2. have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
  3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you&/courses/modules/d228/39;ve started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we&/courses/modules/d228/39;ll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you&/courses/modules/d228/39;re unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.

Not eligible to study for free?

Don&/courses/modules/d228/39;t worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

  • monthly payments through OUSBA
  • part-time tuition fee loan (you&/courses/modules/d228/39;ll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

What's included

You’ll be provided with two printed module books and have access to the module website, where the majority of the module content is delivered. Content on the module website includes:

  • a week-by-week study planner
  • module materials and online activities
  • audio and video content
  • an assessment guide
  • online tutorials and forums.

Computing requirements

  • Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
  • Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
  • Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
  • Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
  • Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
  • Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying D228 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our .