Politics and International Relations

Our BA in Politics and International Relations gives you a golden opportunity to study the politics and government of individual states, to explore important political ideas such as freedom, democracy and justice, and to investigate relations between states and non-state actors on the world stage.

This degree gives you access to a wide range of fascinating topics, from close study of institutions at the state and sub-state level to wide examination of politics at the global level. This includes themes such as justice, governance, conflict, populism, security and gender. There will also be an opportunity to work on an extended research project, whether that’s a dissertation, a simulation-based group work project, or a grand challenge. This final experience involves participation in various problem-based learning activities that provide hands-on experience of various problem-solving tasks, and of collaborating to identify and develop solutions.

Studying Politics and International Relations in Cardiff allows you the distinctive opportunity to benefit from the department’s extensive links to the Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament. In addition, we have strong ties to Westminster through participation in the Parliamentary Studies scheme, which provides the chance to study a module co-taught by officials from the Houses of Parliament, including some former students who now work at the Palace of Westminster.

You’ll graduate with an excellent understanding of the political world at many levels and having gained the intellectual and communications skills that will be of value whether you work in government, for organisations such as the United Nations, or in the private or voluntary sectors. Politics and international relations graduates find careers in a wide range of fields and varied job roles.

Distinctive Features of the Programme

Links to political institutions – Benefit from links to Westminster parliament, Senedd Cymru, the European Union and NATO.

Study current global issues – Choose modules ranging from cyber security and nuclear politics to climate change and feminism.

Experience politics in action – Study a module taught in-conjunction with Westminster, which includes teaching by clerks of the House of Commons and study visits.

Worldwide career opportunities – Recent graduates have found roles in global development, international business, diplomacy, government intelligence and journalism.

Bilingual study - Participate in innovative and high-quality Welsh-medium provision available through a selection of modules.