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Politics and International Relations
- BA (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 28/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Our BA Politics and International Relations degree combines two major fields. It allows students with an interest in other societies, cultures and states to combine their study with political theory and practice.
Our Politics and International Relations BA offers a flexible, globally-minded curriculum that combines political theory with real-world practice. You’ll explore how states, cultures, and societies interact internationally while developing key skills for the modern workforce, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and creativity. With exciting opportunities like participating in Model NATO events in Washington DC, London, and Lisbon, you’ll gain hands-on experience in diplomacy, decision-making, and crisis management. Supported by a world-renowned department, you’ll graduate ready to take on diverse roles and enter the job market with confidence.
Reasons to study this course
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Develop the essential skills for success including critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication through active learning, preparing you for diverse, successful careers in today’s competitive job market.
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Engage in real-world diplomacy at Model NATO events in Washington DC, London, and Lisbon, developing your global perspective and decision-making skills in an international setting.
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Tailor your degree by choosing from a wide selection of optional modules, allowing you to specialise in areas that align with your interests and career goals.
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Study with a department known for its cutting-edge research, benefiting from the latest political and international relations insights and enhancing your academic and professional growth.
Modules
For a full list and detailed description of modules on offer, please visit the course page on our website.
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
- Main Site
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 28/09/2026
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:
- L256
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Birmingham 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:
- L256
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
3 A Levels required
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are all accepted but subjects are considered on a case by case basis - contact us for further guidance.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
The entry requirements are 6,6,5 at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overall.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Accepted in place of a non-required A level with the equivalent grade.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Accepted in place of A levels with the following grade equivalencies: D2 = A*; D3 = A; M2 = B. Combinations of A levels and Principle subjects are accepted. NB required subjects must be offered (see A level Section)
T Level
All subjects considered; Standard offer: Distinction overall with A in the Core Component.
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.
The historic entry grades range shown below includes students admitted with alternative offers through our contextual admissions schemes. These are typically 1 or 2 grades below the standard offer. You can find information on these schemes using the link below.
You can check your eligibility to receive an offer for this course using our Offer Calculator using the same link.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.
- Data from:
- This course
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*AA
- Highest grades
- BCC
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
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
For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.
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