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BA Politics and International Relations
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UCAS code
L258 -
A level offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2026/27 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
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Year of entry
2026/27 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
Address some of the contemporary world’s most pressing problems, and explore ethical and moral issues that arise when political authority is exercised, with our BA Politics and International Relations degree.
Why is the world not solving the climate emergency? Are our societies descending into authoritarianism? How do wars start and by what strategies do they end? How should international actors respond to conflict in the Middle East?
If you care about questions like these – and want to learn about the fundamental elements of politics and international relations – then our four-year degree can get you started.
As a student in the Department of Politics and International Relations, you will benefit from a learning environment driven by high-quality research. We're ranked 6th in the UK for research quality in Politics and International Studies, with 97% of our research outputs rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – when scoring by GPA Output). Our areas of strength include:
- political theory
- comparative politics
- international relations
- contemporary war and peace.
Study at one of the UK’s top-ranking universities for politics (ranked 5th in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025).
World-leading research, brought into your classroom
You'll be taught by leading researchers who are active contributors to scholarly debates and are frequently consulted by the media. This means our teaching is both research-led and directly relevant to the challenges shaping our world today.
Learn more about some of our staff and how research shapes their teaching:
Professor Sarah von Billerbeck, who is investigating how the UN could be more effective in achieving lasting peace. Sarah’s academic research builds on her experiences working as a political officer in the UN’s peacekeeping mission in DR Congo.
Dr Alice Baderin, who is facing up to the fact that we live in an uncertain world, a world full of risk – from economic insecurity to threats associated with climate change and the development of new technologies. She teaches a class on Risk.
Dr Joseph O’Mahoney, who wants to know why our ideas about nuclear weapons have changed so drastically over time. For example, information about nuclear explosives, once handed out for free, is now regarded a closely guarded secret. He teaches a class on the Politics of Nuclear Weapons.
From theory to practice
Put your learning into practice with negotiation simulations and policy exercises. In our Media and Politics module, you will have the opportunity to produce real political news. Sessions with visiting practitioners and policymakers connect your studies to professional political life.
Your education, your direction
Small seminar groups mean plenty of opportunities to develop and present your ideas, and to interact with peers and academic staff. We give you the intellectual tools you need to make sense of our political world and encourage you to develop your own informed views. Find out more about how you will learn.
Real-world modules
Our flexible course design lets you study the subjects you're most passionate about. Choose from an exciting range of optional modules:
- International Terrorism – Examine what terrorism is and what distinguishes it from other forms of political violence in the international system.
- Feminism and Political Theory – Explore theoretical controversies surrounding the aims and meaning of feminism, and bring these insights to bear on pressing issues in contemporary feminist politics.
- Politics and Governance in the Global South – Investigate the politics and political economy of development in countries across Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. Explore political and governance challenges in these regions, and assess the prospects for addressing them.
- The Media and Politics – Understand the role of the media in contemporary politics and society. Study key theories of media power and learn how the news is put together.
Please note, our modules vary by year and may be subject to change and availability.
Work placements with BA Politics and International Relations
Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for work placements during your degree. We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.
If you are interested in doing a year-long placement, you can also opt for our four-year BA Politics and International Relations with a Placement Year degree, which includes an integrated professional placement between your second and third years.