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Fatima Kazim

January 30th, 2025

What it’s like studying BSc International Relations at LSE

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Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Fatima Kazim

January 30th, 2025

What it’s like studying BSc International Relations at LSE

0 comments

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

I am currently in my second year studying BSc International Relations at LSE. As someone deeply curious about global politics, social science and comparative politics, studying International Relations has provided me with valuable insights into the complex dynamics between states, international organisations, individuals, and their far-reaching impact on the global stage.

The interdisciplinary nature of this programme has provided me with a well-rounded perspective and deepened my understanding of diverse subjects such as politics, economics, history, and law. I believe LSE has meticulously designed this programme to offer not only a strong theoretical foundation for understanding these interactions, but also practical courses that bring the theories to life, providing a deeper insight into their real-world applications. 

In my first year, I developed a strong interest in analysing contemporary events in International Relations, which quickly made IR101, Contemporary Issues in International Relations, my favourite module. This course provided me with a deeper understanding of global issues while also honing essential skills: the individual and group presentations enhanced my ability to articulate complex topics clearly, improved my research capabilities, and enabled me to engage with academic literature more efficiently. I especially enjoyed the lively class debates on critical topics like the impact of nuclear weapons on national and international security. These discussions not only inspired the topic for my policy memo, but also offered valuable insight into what a career in policy making might entail.

In contrast, second year offers greater flexibility, allowing students to choose three IR modules from a selection of five. Among the courses I selected, International Security (IR205) resonated most with my interests, as it explored key concepts of war, peace, and security. Similar to IR101, the course’s theoretical discussions and political debates significantly shaped my understanding of critical issues e.g. civil wars. It encouraged me to adopt a more nuanced perspective, weighing both the utility and consequences of these phenomena, rather than simply conforming to the widely held view of them being purely negative threats.

A typical day in this programme starts with the essential ritual: grabbing a steaming cup of coffee to fuel my brain before heading to a lecture. I usually sit near the front to make up for my terrible eyesight and type away all that torrent of knowledge on my laptop. Between lectures, I catch up with friends, and if I’m feeling particularly studious (or the guilt kicks in), I’ll head to the Library to tackle some of the week’s required readings. This course does demand a good portion of your time being dedicated to the readings in order to fully actively engage with the topics in class. The seminars include debates, general discussions, individual participation, group activities etc. Alas, when the academic grind gets a bit too overwhelming, I’m often tempted to treat myself to some sugar therapy with friends to relieve some of that stress. 

There are a variety of places on campus where I like to sit and study. During my first year, I was glued to the pink and green chairs on the 1st floor of the Marshall Building. The studious buzz all around me also motivated me to stay productive. When I started to feel a little too attached to that one spot, I branched out. These days, you’ll often find me on the 4th floor of the Library or in the International Relations department located in the Centre Building. If you want to know some of the best spots on campus for studying, as well as socialising, read Maya’s blog.

I try to get most of my work done in the afternoons since my focus tends to wane in the evenings. By 6pm, I’m usually headed home to unwind, giving myself some much-needed space to recharge and focus on other interests. Staying balanced is key, whether that’s by relaxing, exploring hobbies, or getting involved in student societies and campus projects that fuel your passions.

If you’re interested in finding out about studying BSc International Relations and History at LSE, read Hanseul’s blog, and if you want to know more about BA History, take a look at Ananya’s blog.

About the author

Fatima Kazim

Fatima Kazim

Hi, I'm Fatima! I'm a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in International Relations. Beyond academics, I have a deep love for classical literature and journaling, both of which inspire my reflections on the world around me. On here I’ll be sharing my experiences at LSE and insights into student life—its culture, opportunities, and everything in between. Looking forward to taking you along on this journey.

Posted In: Study: Undergraduate

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