Politics and International Relations, BA Hons

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Greenwich

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how governments work, why nations interact the way they do, and the forces shaping global politics, this program is for you. At Greenwich, you’ll explore political systems and international relations in a lively, engaging environment, with chances to study a language and gain real-world experience through placements.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Foundations of Politics and International Relations
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in the basics of politics and international relations. Modules like Introduction to Politics and International Relations: Theory and Practice will help you understand how governments function and how countries interact. You’ll also start or continue a language, giving you valuable cultural insights and communication skills.

Year 2: Deepening Understanding and Specialization
The second year builds on what you’ve learned, introducing areas such as Political Economy and Global Security. You’ll analyze global challenges, from economic policies to security issues, while continuing your language studies to deepen your international perspective.

Year 3: Advanced Analysis and Practical Application
In your final year, you’ll tackle advanced topics like Globalization: Social and Political Perspectives and Political Theory, developing strong analytical and research skills. You’ll also have the chance to complete a dissertation on a topic that interests you, showing off your ability to work independently and think critically.

Focus Areas: Political systems and theories, international relations and global security, political economy and globalization, political philosophy and ethics, language acquisition and cultural studies

Learning Outcomes: Understand political systems and global issues, analyze contemporary challenges, develop language skills, conduct independent research, improve communication and intercultural skills

Professional Alignment: Graduates are prepared for careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, policy research, and beyond.

Reputation: Greenwich is known for strong student satisfaction and excellent graduate employability, with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences consistently ranked for its teaching quality and support.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Greenwich, studying Politics and International Relations isn’t just about reading textbooks — it’s about getting hands-on experience that brings global politics to life. You’ll have opportunities to visit key institutions, work on real-world projects, and even gain research and internship experience that will make your degree stand out. With the support of the university’s facilities, digital tools, and expert staff, you’ll develop practical skills while exploring the theory in action:

Field Trips: Visit places like the National Maritime Museum and the Museum of London Docklands to see history and politics in context.
Internships: Get career-ready with guidance from the Employability and Careers Service, including CV workshops, mock interviews, and support to secure your own internships.
Collaborative Projects: Modules such as Migration and Citizenship involve group work, letting you practice teamwork and apply political concepts to real issues.
Research Opportunities: Conduct independent research for your dissertation or projects, diving deep into topics you’re passionate about.
Digital Tools: Access resources and support via Moodle, the university’s online platform, helping you stay connected and organized.

These experiences are designed to ensure you graduate with not only knowledge but also the practical skills to make an impact in government, international organizations, or NGOs.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program leave Greenwich ready to make a real impact in the world of politics and international affairs. With strong analytical, research, and communication skills, you could pursue careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, or policy research. The possibilities are wide-ranging and exciting:

Policy Analyst: Help shape public policy by researching and analyzing critical political issues.
Diplomatic Service Officer: Represent and protect your country’s interests on the international stage.
International Relations Consultant: Advise organizations on global political and economic trends.
Public Affairs Specialist: Manage communication between organizations and the public, particularly in political contexts.

University Support Services:
Greenwich provides tailored support to help you land the right role:

Employability and Careers Service: Get help with CVs, interviews, and career planning through workshops and one-on-one support.
Work Placement Opportunities: Gain real-world experience with placements in London and beyond, putting your learning into practice.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni surveys show that Greenwich graduates are well-prepared for employment, with skills that employers value.
Industry Connections: Collaborations with government bodies, NGOs, and policy organizations help you build a professional network.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, there are plenty of options:

MA in International Relations: Deepen your understanding of global political systems and international affairs.
MA in Political Science: Explore political theory, comparative politics, and advanced research methods.
Master’s in Public Administration: Prepare for leadership and management roles in public sector organizations.

These paths let you build on the knowledge and skills you gained at Greenwich, giving you an edge whether you enter the workforce or continue your academic journey.