BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics

At UEA, studying International Relations and Politics isn’t just about reading books and writing essays — you’ll get plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice. From internships to research projects, and even study abroad, the program is designed to help you gain real-world experience while building the skills employers really value. You’ll also have access to excellent facilities, expert staff, and support services that make it easier to explore your interests and develop professionally.

Here’s how you can gain hands-on experience during your degree:

• Placement Year – Spend 9–12 months working in a relevant organization, applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to real political or international contexts.

• Study Abroad – Take the opportunity to study at one of UEA’s partner universities overseas, broadening your perspective and understanding of global politics. 

• Internships – Gain practical experience through short-term placements with political organizations, NGOs, or policy groups, helping you stand out to future employers.

• Independent Research Projects – Conduct your own research on topics you’re passionate about, developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and expertise in your chosen area. 

• Career Support – UEA’s CareerCentral service is there to help with CVs, interviews, and career planning, making sure you’re ready to step into the professional world. 

You’ll also benefit from fantastic resources like UEA’s library collections, research institutes, and dedicated academic support that will help you make the most of your degree.

Graduates from UEA’s International Relations and Politics program leave with a strong grasp of global politics and practical skills that employers value. Many go on to exciting careers in policy, diplomacy, international organizations, and advocacy. Typical roles include policy analyst, diplomatic service officer, political consultant, or international development officer — giving you a wide range of paths to make a real-world impact.

Here’s how UEA supports your career journey:

• CareerCentral – Get personalised career advice, CV workshops, interview coaching, and guidance on finding your first role.

• Internships and Placements – Opportunities to work with political organizations, NGOs, and international bodies to gain hands-on experience.

• Networking Events – Connect with alumni and professionals, opening doors to mentorships and career opportunities.

• Employment Stats – Around 81% of UEA graduates are in professional work or further study 15 months after finishing their degree. 

• University–Industry Partnerships – Collaborations with organizations like the United Nations and key policy think tanks give students practical insight into international relations.

• Reputation and Accreditation – Ranked in the Top 20 in the UK for International Relations by the Guardian University Guide 2025, UEA’s program is recognised for quality and relevance in the field.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BA, you can take your studies further with:

• Master’s Degrees – For example, UEA’s MA in International Relations allows you to specialise and deepen your understanding of global politics.

• PhD Research – Conduct original research at UEA’s School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies, contributing new knowledge to the field. 

UEA makes it easy to keep building on your degree, whether you want to dive deeper academically or step straight into a meaningful career in politics and international affairs.