Can I succeed in international relations if I did not study it at school?
Yes. You can succeed in international relations without having studied it at school. University courses may introduce core concepts from the beginning, while subjects such as history, politics, economics, languages, geography, or sociology can provide useful preparation. Developing research, writing, critical-thinking, communication, and intercultural skills will also help.
Key points
- Review the entry requirements for each course, including any required subjects or qualifications.
- Read introductory material about global politics, international organisations, history, and current affairs to build background knowledge.
- Your interest, study habits, analytical ability, and willingness to engage with different perspectives are important for progress.
Things to check
- Requirements and the amount of assumed prior knowledge vary by university, country, and course, so check official course information.