How much reading do international relations students have to do?
International relations can involve substantial reading, including textbooks, academic journal articles, policy documents, historical sources and current-affairs material. The amount depends on the university, modules and assessment schedule, but students may need to read each week to prepare for seminars, discussions, essays and exams.
Key points
- Reading may include competing theories and viewpoints, not just background information.
- Some modules require focused reading of a set list, while others allow wider research for assignments.
- You may also need to follow international news and develop the ability to evaluate sources critically.
Things to check
- Workload varies by programme, academic year and module; check official module descriptions or student workload guidance for a specific course.