BA Politics and International Relations and Human Resource Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) uniquely blends the study of how governments operate and nations interact with the practical, people-focused discipline of Human Resource Management. It’s perfect for students who are drawn to understanding global politics, institutions, and power — but also want to build management and HR skills that are directly applicable in any organisational context.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, politics and international relations students begin with foundational modules, including Politics 1A: Concepts & Processes, where they explore how the modern state functions, and Politics 1B: Decision-making & Outcomes, which examines political institutions, actors, and policymaking. At the same time, the HRM component begins with Managing People, introducing students to fundamental ideas about organisations, work, and how people are managed within them.

Year 2
During year two, political theory and global affairs deepen through modules like International Relations & Global Politics and Political Philosophy, helping students understand theories of war, international institutions, justice, and rights. Meanwhile, on the HRM side, students engage with workplace behaviour from a psychological perspective — learning about recruitment, motivation, teams, and how people contribute to organisational effectiveness.

Year 3
In the third year, the politics stream gives students flexibility to specialise — choosing among themes such as Elections, Parties & Public Opinion, Public Policy, or International Relations & Security. They also get advanced research-methods training and may study abroad for a semester, deepening both theoretical and applied understanding. For HRM, year three shifts toward sociological perspectives: exploring conflict, power, employment relations, and organisational behaviour in more depth.

Year 4
In the final year, students work on an honours dissertation, tailoring it to their interest within politics — whether that’s on policy, security, or comparative systems. On the HRM side, they take specialist modules, such as Advanced Organisational Behaviour, HRM & Employment Relations in Public Services, or Human Resources in the Global Economy, preparing them for complex HR roles in international or public-sector contexts.

Focus Areas

Global politics and international relations, political theory, public policy, elections and parties; organisational behaviour, employment relations, HR strategy, power and conflict at work.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically analyse political systems and global institutions, design and conduct social science research, and apply HRM principles to manage and influence people effectively in a variety of organisational settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The HRM component aligns closely with the core competencies of HR practice — including recruitment, training, conflict management, and organisational development — while the politics component develops research, analytical, and policy-oriented skills useful across public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Strathclyde is ranked 4th in the UK for Politics according to The Times / Sunday Times Good University Guide.
The university is well-known for “useful learning,” combining rigorous academic programmes with strong employability outcomes.
Graduates from this programme are suited for careers in government, policy, international organisations, consultancy, and HR roles in business and public service.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This joint programme at Strathclyde uniquely combines deep political insight with practical human‑resource skills — and you won’t just be stuck behind a desk. Throughout your years, you’ll engage in real-world political analysis, apply quantitative and qualitative research tools, and put HR theory into practice through projects and placements. You’ll be supported by expert faculty, small seminar groups, and strong ties to external organisations. By working on case studies, internships, and field trips — plus a dissertation in your final year — you’ll graduate with both strategic thinking and people-management experience.

Here’s how the experiential learning is structured:

Credit-Bearing Work Placements: In Year 3 or 4, you have the opportunity to take a placement module, giving you real experience with local employers.
Honours Dissertation: In Year 4, you complete a dissertation — you choose your topic, whether it’s political theory, international relations, or HR-related research.
Quantitative Methods Training: In Year 3, you’ll take training in quantitative social research methods, equipping you with data-analysis skills critical for policy roles and HR analytics.
Advanced Research Seminar: Before your dissertation, you’ll work on a research question in a seminar-style class, receiving close guidance from faculty.
Study Abroad / Exchange: In Year 3, you can study abroad at partner universities in Europe, North America, Australia, or Hong Kong — giving a global perspective to both politics and HR.
HRM Core Classes: From Year 1 onwards, you take modules like “Managing People,” and in Years 2–3 you study workplace behaviour, employee development, and diversity — all grounded in psychology and sociology.
HRM Student Society: Participate in the active HRM Society to network, attend guest talks, and connect with alumni and employers — strengthening your practical understanding of HR in real organisations.
Field Trips & Political Engagement: The course involves visits to political institutions such as the Scottish Parliament or Westminster, giving first-hand insight into how politics and policy work in practice.

Facilities & Academic Support

To make sure you’re supported in all of this, Strathclyde provides:

Expert Teaching Staff: Lecturers in politics and international relations are active researchers in global politics, political economy, and governance — bringing up-to-date insight into your classes.
Small Seminars & Tutorials: Many modules use small-group teaching, allowing discussion, debate, and individual feedback — ideal for developing critical thinking.
Library Resources: Access Strathclyde’s library collections, including political theory texts, international relations journals, and business/HR databases.
Careers & Placement Support: The Careers Service helps you find HR internships, placement opportunities, and political organisations to work with during summers or as part of your placement module.
Online Learning Tools: HRM coursework and group assignments are supported by digital platforms for collaboration, resource sharing, and project management.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this degree can pursue careers that blend understanding of politics, international affairs, and organisational management. Typical career paths include policy advisor, HR officer, government or NGO administrator, or public affairs consultant. Over time, you could progress to HR manager, international relations officer, or strategic communications manager.

Here’s how Strathclyde supports you — and how this degree can prepare you for success:

University Support & Employability Services
- Strathclyde’s Careers & Employability Service provides personalised guidance, CV and interview support, and connections with employers in government, NGOs, and the private sector.
- Students can engage in work placements, internships, or project-based collaborations with public institutions, enhancing real-world experience.
- Guest lectures and networking events connect students with practitioners in politics, international relations, and HR, fostering professional relationships.
Graduate Employment & Potential Roles
- Politics and International Relations graduates find roles as policy analysts, government advisors, research assistants, and NGO programme coordinators.
- HRM graduates work as HR trainees, HR assistants, recruitment consultants, and in administration/management roles across industries.
- Many graduates enter combined roles, such as corporate affairs officers or organisational development specialists, leveraging both political and HR knowledge.
Industry Connections & Accreditation
- The HRM portion covers recruitment, training, conflict management, and employee relations, all aligned with professional practice.
- Strathclyde Business School is triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), providing strong credibility in management-related careers.
- The HRM component is CIPD-accredited, giving professional recognition to your qualifications and enhancing employability.
Long-Term Value
- The combination of politics, international relations, and HR equips graduates with a unique skill set for roles in government, NGOs, and multinational organisations.
- You gain analytical, communication, and management skills, making you adaptable in a wide range of career paths.
- Placement opportunities and project work provide practical experience and a professional portfolio.
Graduate Outcomes
- Graduates move into roles in government departments, policy institutes, HR departments, NGOs, and corporate organisations.
- Your combined skill set increases eligibility for graduate schemes, advisory roles, and management positions in both public and private sectors.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates can pursue an MSc in International Relations, Politics, or Human Resource Management, depending on career focus.
An MSc in Public Policy or Strategic HR Management could lead to specialist roles in government, international organisations, or consultancy.
For research-oriented careers, a PhD in Politics, International Relations, or Work & Employment Studies is a strong option, opening doors to academia, think tanks, or policy advisory roles.