BA (Hons) International Relations with a Placement Year

At UEA, studying International Relations isn’t just about lectures and reading—it’s about doing. You’ll gain real-world experience through a full placement year, bringing theory to life and building skills that employers really value. On campus, you’ll have access to excellent facilities, supportive staff, and plenty of opportunities to collaborate, research, and explore your interests.

Here’s how you’ll get hands-on:

• Placement Year: Spend 9–12 months working with a government body, NGO, or international organisation, gaining practical experience and professional connections that make your CV stand out.

• CareerCentral: Get tailored support to find placements, internships, volunteering, or part-time work relevant to your studies.

• Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts: Explore exhibitions and collections to enrich your understanding of cultural diplomacy and international affairs.

• Library & Study Spaces: Work in the 24/7 Library with access to over 800,000 books and journals, plus group and individual study areas for research and projects.

• Productivity East: Develop entrepreneurial and research skills with guidance from this hub for innovation and enterprise.

• Sportspark: Stay active and build teamwork skills through facilities like swimming pools, climbing walls, athletics tracks, and a fully equipped gym.

• Clubs & Societies: Join over 250 student groups, including politics and international relations societies, to gain leadership and organisational experience.

• Study Abroad Opportunities: Enhance your global perspective with optional study abroad programs that immerse you in different cultures and political systems.

Graduates from UEA’s BA (Hons) International Relations with a Placement Year leave with both strong academic knowledge and real-world experience, making them highly employable. Many go on to work in exciting and influential roles such as policy analyst, international relations consultant, diplomatic service officer, or NGO project manager. Here’s how UEA helps you turn your degree into a successful career:

• CareerCentral Support: Get tailored guidance for placements, internships, and graduate roles, including CV workshops, interview coaching, and networking events.

• Global Partnerships: UEA’s connections with over 200 institutions worldwide open doors for study abroad and international work opportunities.

• Alumni Network: Connect with graduates working across government, international organisations, and NGOs for mentorship and career advice.

• Employment Outcomes: Around 81% of UEA graduates are in professional work or further study within 15 months of graduating, giving you confidence in your career prospects.

• Industry Connections: Strong links with employers ensure placement and work opportunities that are relevant to your field.

• Accreditation and Reputation: UEA’s International Relations program is ranked in the UK’s top 20 by the Guardian University Guide 2025, showing the long-term value of your degree.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this degree, there are plenty of ways to continue your studies. You could pursue a Master’s in International Relations, take specialized postgraduate diplomas or certificates in areas like diplomacy or global security, or even undertake doctoral research to contribute original insights to the field. These pathways help you specialise further and open doors to more advanced career opportunities.