Enter OTP
This degree gives you a solid grounding in politics and international relations while encouraging you to think critically about global issues. It’s perfect for students who are curious about how governments work, how societies interact on the world stage, and who want practical skills to understand and analyse political systems.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll get to grips with the basics through modules like Introduction to Comparative Politics and Introduction to International Relations, exploring how states function and interact. You’ll also study Political Theory, which looks at the ideas behind politics, and Researching Politics and International Relations, helping you develop essential research skills. Optional modules allow you to start tailoring your studies to your interests, whether that’s democracy, security, or global organisations.
Year 2
Your second year is about diving deeper. You’ll tackle intermediate modules such as International Theory, International Organisations, and Foundations of Western Political Thought, giving you a stronger understanding of global governance, political debates, and regional politics. You’ll also undertake a Research Project, letting you put theory into practice and explore a topic that excites you in real depth.
Year 3
In your final year, you’ll have the freedom to specialise. You’ll complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice and select advanced modules such as China in Global Political Economy, Women, Gender and Politics in the US, or Advanced Topics in International Political Theory. This gives you a chance to combine your knowledge and skills to prepare for your next steps, whether that’s further study or a career in politics, international organisations, or beyond.
Focus areas:
Comparative politics, international relations, political theory, global governance, regional politics (East Asia, Middle East)
Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate able to think critically about politics and international issues, conduct independent research, analyse complex problems, and communicate your ideas clearly to a variety of audiences.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The course is run by Durham’s School of Government and International Affairs, a research-led department that keeps your learning fresh and connected to real-world politics.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Durham is consistently ranked among the top UK universities for politics: 8th in the Complete University Guide 2024 and in the World Top 100 for Politics in the QS Rankings 2023. Graduates are highly sought after, reflecting strong student satisfaction and the department’s excellent reputation.
Studying Politics and International Relations at Durham isn’t just about reading textbooks—it’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on experience. From day one, you’ll develop practical research skills, work on real data, and collaborate with your peers on group projects and debates. The School of Government and International Affairs (SGIA) provides modern spaces for study and collaboration, and you’ll also have access to Durham’s fantastic libraries, IT resources, and guest lectures from leading academics and practitioners. All of this helps you apply what you’ve learned in meaningful ways and prepares you for a career in politics, international organisations, or research.
You’ll gain experiential learning through opportunities such as:
Working in the SGIA’s dedicated spaces like South End House and the Al‑Qasimi Building, which offer IT access, seminar rooms, and collaborative study areas.
Developing practical research skills in modules like Researching Politics and International Relations (SGIA1201), handling both quantitative and qualitative data.
Participating in lively debates, student societies, and guest lectures that bring theory to life and build your professional network.
Engaging with research workshops hosted by SGIA’s specialist groups, covering Political Theory, International Politics, and Comparative Politics.
Using Durham University Library and other learning facilities to support independent research and group projects, ensuring you have everything you need to explore ideas in depth.
Graduating from this programme opens up a wide range of career paths. Many of our students go on to work in government, international organisations, NGOs, or the private sector, while others continue into research or postgraduate study. Typical roles include policy analyst, diplomat or foreign-affairs specialist, communications or public-affairs officer, and researcher in think-tanks.
You’ll benefit from practical support and opportunities such as:
Careers support: Durham’s Careers and Enterprise Centre works closely with the School of Government and International Affairs (SGIA) to offer tailored careers advice, employer events, alumni panels, and networking opportunities.
Employment outcomes: 15 months after graduation, Politics & IR students typically earn a median salary of around £30,000, with many entering highly skilled, graduate-level roles.
University–industry connections: The school has links with employers such as the House of Commons, the Ministry of Defence, global consultancies like Ernst & Young, and international institutions, providing real-world opportunities.
Long-term value: Durham is ranked in the UK’s top 10 for Politics & IR and among the top 100 globally, giving your degree strong recognition in academia and the job market.
Graduation outcomes: Almost all graduates move into skilled roles or further study, reflecting the strong employability of Durham Politics & IR alumni.
Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you could pursue postgraduate degrees such as the MA Politics and International Relations (Political Theory) at Durham, or explore other specialised MSc/MA programmes in public policy, diplomacy, international security, or development. Many graduates also use their BA as a stepping stone into research degrees or professional specialisation in politics and international affairs.
A level offer – AAA including a social science or humanities subjectIB Diploma – 37 with 666 in higher level subjects, including a social sciences or humanities subjectIELTS (both UKVI/SELT and non-UKVI/SELT): overall 6.5, with no component below 6.0TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home edition - 80 with no component under 20India – Standard XII with an average of 85% in the best 4 academic subjects (excluding Physical Education) and any required subjects at 85% or above; only CBSE, CISCE, and selected State Boards are accepted.USA – Students with AP curriculum: three AP scores of 5,5,5 or four AP scores of 5,5,4,4 or two AP scores of 5,5 plus one of the following: SAT 1350 (min 700 RW, 650 M), ACT 30, A in an Honours course, or one year-long college/Dual Enrollment course at grade A.USA – Students from schools without AP curriculum: achieve an overall GPA of 3.7 with three honours classes at A,A,A or GPA 3.7 plus two honours classes at A,A and one of the following: SAT 1390 (min 720 RW, 650 M), ACT 30, or one year-long college/Dual Enrollment course at grade A.Policy analystdiplomatforeign affairs specialistpublic affairs officercommunications officerpolitical consultantresearcher in think-tanksintelligence analystNGO programme officerinternational development officercivil service administratorpolitical journalistcampaign managerinternational organisation officerlegislative assistant
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