BA Hons Law & Politics and International Relations

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Law, Politics and International Relations at the University of Strathclyde is a dynamic four-year on-campus degree that combines legal knowledge with a deep understanding of political systems and global affairs. This program is ideal for students who want to explore how law and politics shape societies, influence decision-making, and govern international relations. You’ll graduate with the analytical and communication skills needed to navigate complex global challenges and legal issues with confidence.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: You’ll start by building a foundation in Legal Methods, Public Law, and Introduction to Politics and International Relations. These modules introduce how political systems operate and how laws are created and applied, giving you a broad base in both disciplines.

Year 2: The focus shifts toward Constitutional Law, Political Philosophy, and International Relations Theory. You’ll explore the principles that underpin government and law, learning how global institutions interact and how legal frameworks influence political power and diplomacy.

Year 3: This year allows you to deepen your expertise through courses such as Human Rights Law, Comparative Politics, and Global Governance. You’ll analyse pressing international issues—from justice and equality to security and cooperation—while developing practical research and policy evaluation skills.

Year 4: In your final year, you’ll specialise in areas that match your ambitions, such as International Law, European Politics, or Public Policy. You’ll also undertake a dissertation or major research project, demonstrating your ability to connect political theory, legal analysis, and real-world international relations.

Focus Areas: Law and governance, global diplomacy, human rights, public policy, international security, comparative politics.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates gain the ability to interpret and apply legal principles, critically assess political systems, and understand the mechanisms of global governance and diplomacy.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The degree provides a strong academic foundation for careers in law, public service, policy analysis, and international organisations, and serves as a pathway toward further legal or political studies.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings): The University of Strathclyde’s Law School and School of Government & Public Policy are highly regarded for combining rigorous academic training with real-world relevance, ranking among the top UK institutions for employability and social impact.

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Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Strathclyde, the BA (Hons) Law, Politics and International Relations program gives students the chance to connect theory with real-world practice through a strong focus on experiential learning. From debating global political challenges to analysing real legal cases, students gain hands-on experience that builds both analytical depth and professional confidence. The university’s dynamic learning environment allows students to develop negotiation, advocacy, and research skills that are essential for a career in law, governance, or international affairs. Strathclyde’s facilities, resources, and industry connections ensure that learning extends far beyond the classroom, preparing students for meaningful professional engagement.

Students also benefit from interactive sessions, simulated exercises, and opportunities to work alongside experts. Practical exposure is seamlessly integrated throughout the degree, helping students apply classroom learning to global and political realities:

Mooting and Advocacy Training: Access to the award-winning Law Clinic where students handle real cases under supervision, gaining insight into legal practice and client management.
Policy and Governance Simulations: Participation in mock UN assemblies and political strategy workshops to understand decision-making in international contexts.
Internships and Work Placements: Opportunities with local councils, NGOs, legal firms, and political organisations to gain first-hand professional experience.
Research and Data Analysis Tools: Training in political research software and access to the university’s Social Research Laboratory for evidence-based analysis.
Strathclyde Law and Politics Societies: Student-led forums and debates that connect learners with policymakers, legal professionals, and visiting academics.
Library and Digital Resources: Full access to the Andersonian Library’s legal and political archives, e-journals, and international relations databases.
Global Exposure: Options for study abroad and exchange programmes that deepen understanding of comparative politics and international law.

These experiences ensure that graduates leave with both intellectual insight and practical skills — ready to make an impact in legal, governmental, and international sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Law, Politics and International Relations at the University of Strathclyde step into a world of possibilities, equipped with analytical precision, legal understanding, and political awareness. This degree opens doors to both public and private sector careers, preparing students for roles in law, government, diplomacy, and international organisations. Graduates often find themselves contributing to meaningful change in society through careers such as policy analyst, diplomat, solicitor, civil servant, political researcher, legal consultant, NGO officer, journalist, public affairs advisor, or academic researcher.

The university’s strong emphasis on employability ensures students are supported at every step of their professional journey:

Strathclyde Careers Service offers one-to-one guidance, networking events, and career fairs that connect students with global employers and alumni.
Internship and placement opportunities with public bodies, legal firms, and international organisations help students gain real-world experience before graduation.
The university’s partnerships with government departments, law firms, and think tanks give students valuable insights into the workings of law and policy in practice.
Long-term accreditation and reputation from Strathclyde’s Law and Government Schools strengthen graduates’ credibility in the job market.
Strathclyde graduates are among the UK’s most employable, consistently recognised in major rankings for graduate success and professional outcomes.

Further Academic Progression:
Students who wish to continue their studies can progress to advanced degrees such as the LLM in International Law, MSc in Diplomacy and International Security, or pursue research-based postgraduate study leading to a PhD in Law or Political Science. These pathways open doors to academic, legal, and policy-making careers on a global scale.