International Relations and Politics with Foundation Year

On this foundation year course, you'll learn everything you need to know to work towards a full undergraduate degree in international relations and politics.

You might not yet have the entry requirements you need, you might be returning to studying after some time away, or maybe you need to build your confidence and study skills before you're ready. This foundation year degree will ensure you're prepared to take your next steps.

You'll study with us for a year on campus at the University, through ICP. You'll get the knowledge and academic skills needed to take on a bachelor's degree, learning how to analyse information, do research, and improve your academic writing.

What you'll learn will help you work in teams as well as on your own in culturally diverse workplaces. You'll develop your understanding of new workplaces and environments, and how to adapt to new environments.

After your foundation year, you'll be ready to move onto the first year of BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics.

Course highlights

• ICP is based on the University of Portsmouth campus so you'll have access to all facilities, support and societies

• When you finish your foundation year successfully, you get a guaranteed place on BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics

• Get used to how lectures, seminars and tutorials work, so you can move onto your degree ready for success

• Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a bachelor's at university

Careers and opportunities
Gaining a qualification in international relations and politics helps you make sense of the world and the forces that shape nations today.

Once you've completed your foundation year, you'll progress on to our full BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics degree. You'll analyse the global and local issues influencing societies around the world and exploring politics theory in action through the latest developments in British and international politics.

With a Bachelor's degree in international relations and politics, you'll be set for careers across a range of areas, including local and national government, international diplomacy, security, lobbying, academic research, the charity sector and the media.

Placement year opportunities
Once you've completed your foundation year and moved on to your full Bachelor's degree, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.

Taking an optional placement year will give you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role. We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.

Previous students have been on placements to organisations such as:

• The Ministry of Defence

• The House of Commons

• National Museum of the Royal Navy

• Otra Cosa (Peru)

• SEK International

• Freedom from Torture

• Victim Support London

• Tools for Self Reliance

Course Modules

The University of Portsmouth is passionate about creating career-focused modules that do more than support your studies, they empower your academic journey and prepare you for what comes next.

We design modules that have:

• Clear themes and skills development as you progress through each year
• Assessments that feel meaningful, often based on real-world tasks rather than isolated exams
• Career-enhancing opportunities such as placements, live projects, enterprise and volunteering

For a full list of the modules you will study on this course, please visit the link to the course page.

https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-international-relations-and-politics?studyMode=4-years-with-foundation-year&startDate=september-2026#modules