Politics and International Relations

The world is complex, interconnected, and rapidly changing. So how can we make sense of it? And how can we make change happen?

Our BA in Politics and International Relations is for people who are driven to improve lives - whether that’s in local communities, in national politics, or on the world stage.

You'll explore some of today’s most urgent challenges, from climate change and inequality to global conflict, democratic backsliding, and citizen engagement. Along the way, you’ll develop the tools to analyse political systems, understand international dynamics, and design policies that lead to meaningful change.

Our new course reflects the changing role - and growing toolset - of a modern professional. As well as building your skills in critical thinking, communication, and teamwork, you’ll learn how to work with evidence, evaluate complex problems, and present clear, persuasive solutions.

On campus, you’ll be part of a friendly and diverse community, supported by expert academics who are leaders in their fields. You’ll also have the opportunity to see politics in action beyond the UK, with the option to spend a year studying in North America, Asia-Pacific or mainland Europe.

If you’re passionate about politics and committed to making a difference, we’ll help you build the skills, confidence, and insight to do just that.

Year 2

Compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Doing Politics with Words

• Global Governance of Peace and Security

• Doing Politics with Numbers

Optional modules may include the following:

• The Politics of Climate Change

• The Politics of the EU

• Democracy Under Threat

• American Politics

• Politics of the Global Economy

• Foreign Policy: Systems, States and Leaders

• State and Revolution: Foundations of Modern Political Thought

Year 3

Compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Final Year Project

Optional modules may include the following:

• Negotiation: Theory and Practice

• Politics of the Global Economy

• Contemporary Political Theory

• Transforming British Politics

• Public Opinion in Politics

• Dictatorships

• Political Theory of the Future

• Who Do You Think You Are? On Identity Politics

• Politics of the Middle East and North Africa: Space, Society and Politics

• Security Challenges in the Indo-Pacific

Year 1

Compulsory modules currently include the following

• Making Sense of Politics

• The Power of Political Ideas

• Roots of Contemporary Politics

• States and the World

• Understanding Change in British Politics

• War, Violence and Peace