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Politics and International Relations

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
University Park Campus
More about University of Nottingham

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Course overview
How do relationships between nations shape our world? Who holds power, and how do political processes impact our daily lives?

Our BA Politics and International Relations course will help you answer these questions and more. Studying the core areas of comparative politics, political theory, and international relations, helps you gain a comprehensive understanding of how politics shapes domestic and global issues.

You'll explore different theories and learn how they inform policy decisions, developing critical thinking, analytical, and research skills that are highly valued in various professional fields. Our graduates go on to work across the private, public, and charitable sectors in a range of roles, from parliamentary assistants and councillors to civil servants, researchers, and data analysts.

With optional modules, you can tailor your degree to your interests and career goals, exploring specialist areas such as social justice, global security, and secret intelligence.

Through this course you'll broaden your understanding of domestic and global politics and develop the skills you need to make a positive impact in the world.

Why choose this course?

  • Tailor your studies to your career goals through a range of optional modules

  • Study abroad in locations such as China, Europe and the USA

  • Placements and internship programme provides valuable work experience, self-confidence and a practical application of your studies

  • Active societies related to the study of politics support a student community

Modules

For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page:
https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Politics-and-International-Relations-BA-Hons-U6UPLTIR.html

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University Park Campus

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
L290
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Nottingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
L290
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
AAB

Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD

Access to HE Diploma
D: 30 credits M: 15 credits

Scottish Higher
AABBB

Scottish Advanced Highers at AA are also required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD

Considered with an A Level at grade A

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

Considered with two A Levels at grades AB

Scottish Advanced Higher
AA

Scottish Highers at AABBB are also required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32 points

or 6,6,5 in three Higher Level Certificates

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A

Considered with two A Levels at grades AB

Extended Project
A

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3, M1, M2

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English grade 4/C required

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
A

If you have already achieved your Core Maths qualification at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Core Maths qualification you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Core Maths qualification.

Core Maths qualifications offered by other exam boards are also considered for an alternative offer.

European Baccalaureate - 80% Overall

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/undergraduate.aspx

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