An International Relations Specialist studies and analyses the political, economic, and social interactions between countries. They often work for government departments, embassies, international organisations, or think tanks. Their tasks may include researching global issues, advising on foreign policy, preparing briefing documents, and representing organisations at international conferences or meetings. This career is ideal for those interested in world affairs, politics, and cross-cultural communication. Strong research, analytical, and communication skills are essential, and fluency in one or more foreign languages can be a significant advantage.
The average salary for an International Relations Specialist in the UK ranges from £25,000 to £45,000 per year, with experienced professionals and those in senior roles earning up to £60,000 or more.
In 2023, there were approximately 5,000 positions advertised in the UK that required skills in international relations, including roles in government, NGOs, and multinational companies.
Key employers include the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, international charities, research institutes, and global corporations with UK offices.
Works in embassies or consulates, assisting diplomats with research, communication, and international event coordination.
Manages projects and partnerships aimed at improving quality of life in developing countries, often for charities, NGOs, or government agencies.
Assesses the impact of political events worldwide on businesses, providing advice to companies or government bodies on international strategy.
Select subjects like History, Politics, Geography, or Modern Languages at GCSE and A-Level to gain a broad understanding of world affairs.
A solid academic background in subjects related to humanities and social sciences is highly valuable for a career in international relations. Modern languages are especially helpful, as fluency in additional languages is often desirable. Consider speaking to a careers advisor at school to help select the most appropriate subjects.
Obtain a bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Politics, History, Law, or a similar field.
Many universities in the UK offer undergraduate degrees specifically in International Relations or related fields. Some courses include opportunities for study abroad or internships with international organisations. Aim for a 2:1 or above, as competition for graduate roles can be strong.
Apply for internships or volunteer roles with government agencies, international organisations, or NGOs.
Experience with organisations such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the United Nations, or charities working overseas is highly regarded. Even local volunteering that demonstrates teamwork, communication skills, and leadership can be beneficial. Look for summer placements, year-in-industry opportunities, or short-term projects during your studies.
Improve your language abilities and cultural sensitivity, both of which are vital for international work.
Consider language courses, exchange programmes, or travel opportunities to immerse yourself in different cultures. Language proficiency in widely spoken languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, or Russian is especially valuable. Many employers offer additional language training for successful candidates.
Pursue postgraduate study in International Relations or a related area to deepen your expertise.
A master's degree can provide specialised knowledge in areas such as international law, development, security studies, or diplomacy. Some roles, especially in academia, policy analysis, or international agencies, require or strongly prefer candidates with postgraduate qualifications.
Seek out graduate schemes or entry-level positions with government, international organisations, or NGOs.
Organisations like the Civil Service Fast Stream, the United Nations Young Professionals Programme, or large charities often offer structured graduate entry routes. Tailor your applications to highlight relevant skills, experience, and your commitment to international work.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in International Relations Specialist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
An International Relations Specialist and a Public Relations Officer both focus on managing communication, fostering relationships, and representing organisations or countries to external stakeholders. Both roles require strong diplomatic skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to handle complex, sensitive information effectively.
You can get into this job through:
You can get into public relations (PR) with a degree in most subjects.
You could also do a degree or postgraduate course related to public relations. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations has a list of recognised university courses.
Courses include:
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course, which might give you an advantage when looking for a trainee public relations role.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could work towards this role by doing a Public Relations and Communications Assistant Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
This takes a minimum of one year to complete.
You'll usually need:
You'll find it useful to get paid or unpaid experience of working in public relations. You could:
You could study for professional qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
These can be done online or at a training centre. Courses include:
You can find out more about a career in public relations from the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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