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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of Dundee
If you’re curious about how the world works and want to understand the forces shaping global politics, this program is perfect for you. It combines the study of political theory with real-world international relations, giving you the tools to analyze global challenges and make sense of complex political systems.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in the basics of politics and international relations. Courses like Introduction to International Relations and Introduction to Political Theory will help you understand how countries interact, the role of political ideas, and the foundations of global systems, while sharpening your analytical skills.
Year 2: Building on that foundation, Year 2 takes you deeper into specialized areas. With modules such as Comparative Politics and International Political Economy, you’ll explore different political systems, economic influences on international relations, and how theory applies to the real world.
Year 3: This is your chance to focus on topics that excite you most. Courses like International Security and Human Rights in Global Politics let you dive into contemporary global issues, while developing independent research skills and expertise in your chosen areas.
Year 4: In your final year, you’ll put everything you’ve learned into practice through a dissertation, exploring a topic you’re passionate about. Advanced modules like Advanced Political Theory and Global Governance refine your critical thinking and prepare you for professional roles in politics, policy, or international organizations.
Focus Areas
International Relations, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Security, Human Rights, Global Governance, Political Economy, Political Analysis
Learning Outcomes
Critical thinking, research skills, understanding global systems, applying political theory, policy evaluation, independent research, effective communication
Professional Alignment
The course prepares you for careers in diplomacy, policy analysis, international organizations, NGOs, and other roles in the political and international relations sectors.
Reputation
The University of Dundee is ranked 10th in the UK for Politics (Daily Mail University Guide 2026), highlighting strong academic quality and excellent graduate employability.
At Dundee, studying International Relations and Politics isn’t just about reading theories or sitting in lectures. You’ll get plenty of hands-on experience that brings the subject to life and builds real-world skills. Whether it’s working with organizations, going on study trips, or tackling research projects, the program is designed to help you apply what you learn in meaningful ways.
Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:
Micro-Internships: Take part in short, focused internships alongside your studies, giving you workplace experience and transferable skills.
Human Rights Campaigns: Work on real advocacy campaigns, putting political theory into action and learning how to influence change.
Study Trips and Simulations: Experience politics firsthand through trips or simulations, including activities like European Union role-play exercises.
Field Visits: Explore local archives, museums, and government institutions to see how political ideas and history shape real-world decisions.
Research Projects: Dive into independent research on topics that interest you, developing skills in analysis, evaluation, and communication.
Career Support: Benefit from dedicated careers advice, internships, job fairs, and workshops tailored to politics and international relations students.
These opportunities ensure that by the time you graduate, you’re not just confident in your knowledge—you’re ready to step into a professional environment with practical skills and experience.
Graduating with an MA (Hons) in International Relations and Politics from Dundee opens doors to a wide range of exciting career paths. You’ll leave university ready to take on roles such as a policy analyst, diplomatic service officer, international development consultant, or public relations manager, equipped with strong analytical, research, and communication skills. Your degree blends theory and practice to make sure you’re prepared to step confidently into the professional world.
Here’s how Dundee supports your career journey:
Career Development Centre: Get one-on-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, and tailored career advice to help you secure your first professional role.
Graduate Success: A high percentage of Dundee politics graduates find professional employment within six months of finishing their degree.
Average Starting Salaries: Competitive salaries for graduates entering roles in policy, diplomacy, or international organizations.
Industry Connections: Access internships and projects with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.
Guest Lectures & Seminars: Learn directly from professionals and experts working in political and international relations fields.
Research Opportunities: Collaborate with faculty on projects linked to real-world issues and industry partners.
Long-Term Value: The degree’s alignment with professional standards ensures it remains valuable throughout your career.
Further Academic Progression:
After graduating, you could continue your studies to specialize further. Options include:
Master’s Degrees: Deepen your expertise in International Relations, Political Science, or Public Policy.
PhD Programs: Undertake advanced research in politics or related disciplines.
Professional Certifications: Gain specialized qualifications in diplomacy, international law, or policy analysis to boost your career prospects.
Dundee supports every step of your academic and professional journey, ensuring you have the resources and guidance to thrive in your next chapter.
IB - 28 points, including 5, 5, 4 at higher levelIELTS - Overall 6.0 (Writing 6.0, Listening 5.5, Reading 5.5, Speaking 5.5)TOEFL - Overall 80 (Writing 19, Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20)India - 65% overall in the CBSE, ISC or leading state board XII Standard examsCBSE/CISCE Grade XII English Requirement: English Core 70% or 80%.USA - Successful completion of High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average), with essential subjects at GPA 3.2 (B average); AP/ACT/SAT scores may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.USA other English Language Requirement: AP English Language & Literature – minimum grade 3; High School Diploma – minimum grade B in English; SAT English Literature – minimum 600; SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing – minimum 500.Policy AnalystDiplomatic Service OfficerInternational Development ConsultantPublic Relations ManagerHuman Rights AdvocateResearcherPolitical AdvisorNGO Project CoordinatorInternational Organization Officer (egUNEU)Intelligence AnalystLobbyistGovernment Civil ServantCampaign ManagerForeign Affairs CorrespondentThink Tank Analyst
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