Global Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Birkbeck University of London

Program Overview

If you’re someone who follows world events closely and genuinely wants to understand how global power, conflict, and cooperation shape everyday life, this degree is a fantastic fit. The BA in Global Politics and International Relations at Birkbeck gives you a broad yet practical understanding of how countries, institutions, and societies interact — helping you develop the analytical skills needed to make sense of a rapidly changing world.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year lays the groundwork by helping you understand how political systems operate at both national and global levels. Through modules like Foundations of Social and Political Science, Introduction to Global Politics, and Transformations in Modern Politics: Democracy, Conflict and Globalisation, you’ll explore how major global issues — from democracy to conflict — influence people and governments. This year is all about building confidence in your understanding of political ideas and real-world global challenges.

Year 2

In your second year, you shift from basic understanding to deeper analysis. You’ll study Governing by Numbers, which shows how data and evidence drive political decisions, along with International Relations and Foreign Policy, where you unpack how countries negotiate, compete, and cooperate. You can tailor your interests by choosing modules like Contemporary British Politics, Digital Politics, or Food, Politics and the City, giving you the freedom to explore themes that matter to you.

Year 3

Your final year sharpens your expertise and prepares you for professional or academic pathways. You’ll take modules such as Doing Political and Social Research and advanced options like Parliamentary Studies, War and Modern Society, or Social and Political Theory. If you choose to complete a dissertation, you’ll work closely with a supervisor to design and research your own project — a great opportunity to showcase independent thinking and specialist interest.

Focus Areas (in a string)

Global governance, international relations theory, political economy, conflict and security studies, democracy and global change, digital and data-driven politics, and political and social research methods.

Learning Outcomes (in a string)

Critical understanding of global political systems; ability to analyse international conflicts and institutions; strong research and data-handling skills; confidence in written and spoken communication; ability to apply political theories to real-world situations.

Professional Alignment (accreditation)

The programme is awarded by the University of London and delivered by Birkbeck’s highly regarded Department of Politics, internationally recognised for its research and teaching in global politics. Studying in the heart of London — surrounded by government departments, international organisations and research institutes — adds real professional value to your learning.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Birkbeck is known as a distinguished centre for political research and teaching, with strong graduate outcomes and a central London reputation that employers recognise. Its commitment to research excellence, flexible evening study, and industry connections makes this degree both academically rigorous and career-ready.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the biggest strengths of this degree is how practical and hands-on the learning feels. You won’t just sit in a lecture hall listening to theories — you’ll constantly connect what you study to real global events, current affairs and policy debates. Because Birkbeck is in the heart of London, you’re surrounded by government buildings, think tanks, research institutes and international organisations, giving your studies a real sense of relevance and purpose.

You’ll learn through lively seminars, small workshops, collaborative projects and guided research activities. Digital tools like Moodle support you outside the classroom, and the evening-study model makes it easy to fit in part-time work, internships or volunteering during the day.

Here’s what your experiential learning will look like in practice:

Interactive seminars and workshops: You’ll work in small groups to debate global issues, analyse case studies on conflict or international cooperation, and present your perspectives just like professionals in policy or diplomacy do.
Digital learning through Moodle: Every module has a dedicated online space where you access readings, videos, lecture notes, discussion forums and feedback — keeping your learning organised and flexible.
Real-world engagement through London location: Being in Bloomsbury means you can visit institutions like the British Library, attend talks by political experts, and engage with events hosted by research centres and think tanks.
Research-focused modules: Courses like Doing Political and Social Research allow you to design your own research project — gathering data, analysing evidence and presenting findings clearly.
Flexible schedule for internships: With classes typically held in the evenings, you have the freedom to take on part-time internships in government offices, NGOs or community organisations during the day.
Access to the Birkbeck Library and online research databases: You’ll learn how to navigate academic journals, international datasets and political archives — essential skills for policy analysis and academic work.
Opportunities to attend guest talks and public lectures: Birkbeck frequently hosts discussions featuring academics, policy professionals and international affairs specialists, giving you insights from people working directly in the field.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme step into the world with a strong understanding of global issues and the confidence to work in roles that shape policy, drive social change and inform public debate. Many students move into fields such as government, international organisations, non-profits and journalism — roles where your ability to analyse complex issues and communicate clearly truly stands out. Typical career paths include Policy Officer, Research Analyst, NGO Project Officer, and International Affairs Journalist.

And because this degree is awarded by the University of London and taught in the heart of Bloomsbury, employers recognise its academic strength and the real-world relevance of the skills you gain. With that in mind, you’ll benefit from several forms of support and strong graduate outcomes:

Birkbeck’s Careers & Enterprise Service: You’ll have access to one-to-one career guidance, CV support, interview coaching, and employer networking events — all designed to help you transition smoothly into your chosen field.
Strong employment outcomes: A high proportion of Birkbeck’s social sciences graduates are in work and/or further study within 15 months, with many moving into professional and managerial roles soon after graduation.
London advantage & industry proximity: Studying in central London places you near Parliament, international think tanks, NGOs and global organisations, creating natural opportunities for internships, volunteering and meaningful professional connections.
Long-term value of the degree: Birkbeck’s research excellence — with the majority rated “world-leading or internationally excellent” — adds credibility to your qualification and gives you a competitive edge in policy, research and analytical roles.
Skills employers actively look for: Throughout the programme you’ll strengthen your ability to research, evaluate information, present ideas clearly and think critically — skills that translate seamlessly into careers across government, diplomacy, media, education and advocacy.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, many students choose to specialise further through postgraduate study — such as a Master’s in International Relations, Global Governance, Public Policy, Political Economy, or related social sciences. Others progress to MPhil or PhD research, preparing for careers in academia, policy consulting or international research institutions.