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3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of Brighton
The Politics and International Relations BA(Hons) at the University of Brighton gives you a front-row seat to understanding the big issues shaping our world, from Brexit to the rise of China and the role of international organisations like the UN. It's perfect for curious minds who want to make sense of global politics while building skills in research, analysis, and debate.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundations of Politics
In your first year, you’ll get to grips with the basics of politics and international relations. Modules like Colonialism in the Contemporary Global Order explore how history shapes today’s world, while Debating Contemporary International Relations helps you engage with key global debates. Researching Politics equips you with the skills you’ll need for analysis and independent study throughout your degree.
Year 2: Deepening Knowledge
Your second year dives deeper into the workings of politics and global affairs. International Institutions looks at how organisations like the UN tackle world challenges, and Politics in Practice connects theory with real-world engagement through projects with local communities or NGOs. Comparative Political Systems helps you understand and compare how different countries are governed.
Final Year: Specialisation and Research
In your final year, you’ll tailor your learning to your interests. Global Challenges Lab allows you to design and carry out your own research on pressing international issues. Political Ideas encourages you to explore core political theories and apply them to real-world contexts, preparing you for a career in policy, diplomacy, or beyond.
Focus Areas
Colonialism, Global Governance, International Institutions, Political Systems, Global Challenges, Political Theory, Research Methods
Learning Outcomes
Critical thinking, Research and analytical skills, Political communication, Understanding global issues, Practical engagement in politics
Professional Alignment
This degree opens doors to careers in politics, the civil service, diplomacy, international organisations, journalism, policy analysis, NGOs, and more.
Reputation
The University of Brighton is known for its inclusive, supportive environment and a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers in global affairs.
At Brighton, learning goes far beyond the classroom. The Politics and International Relations BA(Hons) gives you the chance to turn ideas into action — through hands-on projects, field experiences, and direct engagement with political and community organisations. You’ll create podcasts, short films, social media campaigns and even speeches, gaining the kind of real-world communication skills that employers value. Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by expert staff, specialist digital tools, and the university’s dedicated Employability and Placements team, who help students find and prepare for meaningful work experiences.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Politics in Practice module – Take part in field trips, Q&A sessions with politicians and activists, and explore how politics actually works outside the lecture hall.
Experiencing the Workplace: Practices and the Community – Complete a 40-hour placement with a local organisation or non-profit, where you’ll apply your academic knowledge to real challenges while building teamwork and professional confidence.
Optional Placement Year – After your second year, you can spend up to a year working full-time in a political, governmental or NGO setting, gaining valuable contacts and industry insight.
Global Challenges Lab – Design your own research project around major world issues, such as sustainability or human rights, and share your findings through blogs, podcasts, or short films.
Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics (CAPPE) – Join events, workshops, and research projects that connect you with academics and practitioners working on today’s most pressing political debates.
Digital and Media Tools – Use the university’s digital production facilities and software to create media-based assessments that showcase your analytical and creative skills.
Brighton’s Modern Learning Spaces – Access inspiring libraries, study zones, and collaborative spaces where you can research, record, and refine your political ideas.
Graduates from Brighton’s Politics and International Relations BA(Hons) leave with the knowledge, confidence, and professional experience to make an impact in the world. Many go on to careers in policy-making, diplomacy and foreign affairs, international development, journalism, and public relations. The course’s mix of real-world experience, research training, and communication skills prepares you for a wide range of exciting roles:
Personalised career support: From day one, you’ll have access to the university’s Careers and Employability team, who offer one-to-one advice, CV and interview workshops, mentoring, and exclusive opportunities for internships and volunteering.
Strong graduate outcomes: An impressive 91.4% of Brighton graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, and 80.6% are in highly skilled jobs — showing that Brighton graduates are career-ready and in demand.
Professional connections: Through the Politics in Practice module and placements, you’ll build relationships with local and national organisations, from community projects to NGOs such as The Green Centre, Sussex Community Development Association, The Queery, and Afrori Books.
Long-term value: Brighton is ranked among the top 20% of UK universities for graduate earnings in Politics three years after graduation (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes 2024), showing how well this degree pays off in the long run.
Career-ready skills: You’ll graduate with a powerful combination of analytical, communication, and digital research skills — essential for careers in government, international organisations, policy analysis, media, or advocacy.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’re inspired to keep learning, Brighton offers postgraduate pathways such as the MA Globalisation: Politics, Conflict and Human Rights and MA Politics and Philosophy. You could also take your studies further with research degrees like an MRes or PhD, leading towards a career in academia, public policy, or international research.
A-level - BCC–BBB Equivalent to 104–120 UCAS Tariff pointsIB - 26 points, with three subjects at Higher level.IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each elementTOEFL iBT : Centre-based test only (non-SELT) - 72 overall, 18 in writing, 10 in Reading, 10 in Listening and 17 in Speaking.India - Higher Secondary School Certificate/Standard XII with an overall average of 60–65% to include a minimum of five subjects at 40% or higher.USA - High School Graduation Diploma (HSGD) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, plus one of the following: SAT Reasoning Test score of 1050/1600 (or 1600/2400 for pre-2016 SAT), ACT score of 24 or higher, two AP exams with scores of 3 or above, two SAT Subject Tests (SATS) with minimum scores of 580 each or SATS - 1790 averaged over three subjects.Policy AnalystDiplomatCivil ServantPolitical ResearcherInternational Development OfficerPublic Affairs ConsultantCampaign ManagerNGO or Charity Project OfficerJournalist or Political CorrespondentHuman Rights AdvocateCommunications and Media OfficerIntelligence AnalystGovernment Relations SpecialistCommunity Engagement OfficerResearch and Policy AdvisorThink Tank ResearcherPublic Policy ManagerSocial ResearcherInternational Relations OfficerLobbyist
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