Politics and International Studies BA

This isn’t a course where you just sit back and take notes — you’ll constantly be putting ideas into practice. From lively debates in small group seminars to independent research for your final project, Warwick gives you plenty of ways to test what you’ve learned. You’ll also have access to some of the best facilities on campus: modern teaching spaces, a world-class library, and specialist hubs designed for collaboration and independent study. And if you’re looking to connect learning with the real world, there are opportunities to do that too.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Seminars and group work – Instead of only lectures, you’ll spend a lot of time in small groups debating political issues, presenting ideas, and working on collaborative tasks.

• Diverse assessments – You won’t just sit exams; you’ll build skills through essays, presentations, and project work, with lots of feedback along the way.

• Optional placements – If you want real-world experience, you can apply for a work placement either in the UK or abroad (with department approval).

• Independent research – In your final year, you can take on a dissertation or research project on a topic that really matters to you.

• Cutting-edge facilities – You’ll learn in spaces like The Oculus, Warwick’s flagship teaching building with interactive lecture theatres, plus use the extensive University Library for both print and digital resources.

• Careers events and guest speakers – The department regularly hosts workshops, career fairs, and talks from people working in government, NGOs, and international organisations — so you can see exactly how your degree translates into career paths.

A Politics and International Studies degree from Warwick doesn’t just leave you with theory — it sets you up for careers where sharp thinking and global awareness are in demand. Many graduates step into roles in government, policy work, NGOs, or media, with typical jobs including policy analyst, diplomat, campaign manager, or communications officer. What makes Warwick stand out is the combination of academic training and career support that helps you move smoothly into the world of work:

• You’ll have a dedicated Senior Careers Consultant in the department, offering guidance on internships, applications, and networking.

• Warwick Politics graduates earn strong salaries — around £29,000 within 15 months, rising to about £45,500 within five years.

• Roughly 84% of graduates are working or studying soon after finishing their degree, and the majority move into high-skilled professions.

• Alumni have landed positions with organisations such as the United Nations, the BBC, the OECD, and Human Rights Watch, showing how far this degree can take you.

• Even without a single “professional licence,” the skills you gain — critical thinking, research, problem-solving, and communication — hold long-term value across countless industries.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’d like to keep studying, Warwick makes that possible too. Many students progress into Master’s programs in areas like International Relations, Security Studies, Public Policy, or Development. Others branch into postgraduate study in law, journalism, or public administration. And for those who enjoy research, there’s always the option to go further with an MPhil or PhD, opening doors into academia and advanced policy work.