International Relations and Politics BA (Hons)

At Portsmouth, learning goes far beyond lectures and essays — it’s about stepping into the real world of politics and international affairs. From your first year, you’ll take part in hands-on projects, simulations, and debates that mirror what professionals do in government departments, NGOs, and global organisations. You’ll have the chance to explore real political spaces, interact with guest speakers from across the industry, and even take your studies abroad. Every experience is designed to help you build practical skills — analysis, diplomacy, communication, and leadership — that employers value.

Here’s how you’ll put your learning into action:

• Work Placement / Sandwich Year – You can choose the Connected Degree route, taking a paid work placement between your second and third year to gain valuable professional experience in policy, journalism, or international development.

• Study Abroad Opportunities – Spend a semester or full year studying at partner universities in places like France, Japan, the Netherlands, the USA, or Canada — expanding your worldview and cultural understanding.

• Field Trips – Visit political institutions such as the Houses of Parliament, bringing your classroom debates to life and seeing how political decisions are made up close.

• Simulated Academic Conference – Present your own research paper in a mock conference setting, sharpening your presentation and argumentation skills while gaining confidence as a speaker.

• Policy Briefing Projects – Write real-world policy briefings on global issues like conflict, migration, or human rights, learning how to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

• Guest Lectures & Industry Events – Hear directly from diplomats, journalists, and NGO professionals, connecting your studies to real-world political challenges and career paths.

• Language Learning – Take advantage of free language courses in Arabic, French, Japanese, Mandarin, and more — an invaluable asset in international relations.

You’ll also have access to excellent university resources, including the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), the University Library, and dedicated study spaces equipped with digital tools to support your projects and research.

A degree in International Relations and Politics from Portsmouth opens the door to a world of exciting possibilities. Graduates go on to shape public policy, influence global change, and make their mark in government, media, and international organisations. This course equips you with the skills that employers value most — critical thinking, research, negotiation, and cross-cultural understanding — preparing you for meaningful, globally focused careers.

Typical roles include:

• Policy Analyst or Policy Advisor

• Diplomatic or Embassy Officer

• Civil Service or Government Roles

• NGO or International Organisation Project Officer

Here’s how the University of Portsmouth helps you get there:

• Career Support for Life – The Careers and Employability Service provides tailored one-to-one advice, placement guidance, and job-search support for up to five years after you graduate, helping you build your professional network and confidence.

• Outstanding Graduate Outcomes – 94% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree (Graduate Outcomes Survey).

• Strong Earning Potential – Graduates typically earn around £23,500 within 15 months, rising to approximately £28,500 after a few years of experience.

• Professional Connections – You’ll benefit from links with the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), where students collaborate on real policy briefings, attend talks by diplomats and NGO leaders, and take part in discussions on global issues such as human rights and security.

• Long-Term Employability Value – Through the Connected Degree option, you can add a placement year to gain hands-on experience and strengthen your CV before graduation — giving you a competitive edge in the global job market.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, many students continue to postgraduate study in areas such as International Relations, Diplomacy, Global Politics, or Human Rights. You could also pursue a Master’s by Research, MPhil, or PhD at Portsmouth, especially within the CEISR research community, or study professional qualifications in policy, development, or global security.