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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of Portsmouth
If you’re curious about how the world works and want to understand global politics, conflicts, and diplomacy, the BA (Hons) International Relations at the University of Portsmouth is perfect for you. This program is designed for students who want to make sense of international events and prepare for exciting careers in government, NGOs, or international organizations.
Curriculum Structure
Foundation Year (Year 0)
The foundation year gives you a solid start, helping you build the skills and knowledge you’ll need for degree-level study. You’ll explore subjects like Introduction to Politics and International Relations, Sustainability and the Environment, Urban Studies, and Legal Ethics. By the end of this year, you’ll have a strong base to confidently dive into more advanced topics.
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll start thinking like a political analyst. Modules like Critical Thinking and Professional Identity, Global Development, Key Themes in International Relations, and Political Thought will help you understand global issues and develop analytical skills. This year sets the stage for exploring the bigger questions about how the world works.
Year 2
The second year goes deeper, giving you a more detailed look at international politics. You’ll study Theorising International Politics, Research Methods in Politics, International Relations and Development, Analysing Foreign Policy, and Development and Democracy in Latin America. You’ll learn how to critically assess policies, conduct research, and understand the challenges faced by different regions.
Year 3
In your final year, you’ll focus on specialist areas and professional preparation. Options include Global Crises: Climate, Conflict and Insecurity, Global Political Economy, Transitional Justice and Human Rights, International Security in the Asia-Pacific, and Professional Development: Recruiters and Candidates, among others. By now, you’ll be ready to apply your knowledge to real-world issues and prepare for a career in international relations.
Focus Areas
Global Development, Political Theory, Foreign Policy Analysis, International Security, Human Rights, Regional Studies
Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking, Research Skills, Policy Analysis, Cross-Cultural Understanding, Professional Communication
Professional Alignment
The program prepares you for roles in government, NGOs, international organizations, and academia, equipping you with skills employers value, even without a specific accreditation.
Reputation
The University of Portsmouth is ranked number 1 modern university for research quality in Area Studies (Research Excellence Framework, 2021).
At the University of Portsmouth, International Relations students don’t just learn theory—they get hands-on experience that prepares them for the real world. From day one, you’ll engage in activities like writing policy briefs, analyzing foreign policies, and debating global issues, often working alongside peers and professionals from NGOs, government, and journalism. These experiences help you develop practical skills such as research, critical thinking, public speaking, and professional communication.
The program also makes great use of the university’s resources and facilities, giving you the tools you need to succeed:
Access to the Library with extensive international relations resources, e-journals, and research databases.
Computer labs and digital tools for research, data analysis, and policy simulations.
Group projects and collaborative assignments that mirror real-world international relations work.
Guest lectures and networking events with experts from government, NGOs, and global organizations.
LinkedIn Learning and online resources to develop professional skills.
Opportunities for field visits and engagement with policy institutions and think tanks.
Dedicated support from academic advisors to guide research and career development.
All of these experiences are designed to ensure you leave the program not just with knowledge, but with practical skills and professional confidence.
Graduating with a BA (Hons) in International Relations from the University of Portsmouth opens doors to exciting careers on the global stage. You’ll be ready for roles such as Policy Analyst, Diplomatic Service Officer, International Development Consultant, or Human Rights Advocate, working in government, NGOs, international organizations, or think tanks. Your degree equips you with the skills and confidence to make a real impact in the world.
Here’s how the university helps you get there:
Careers and Employment Service – Get one-on-one career guidance, CV support, and interview preparation to give you a competitive edge.
The Portsmouth Award – Recognizes your extracurricular achievements and boosts your employability credentials.
Work Placements – Gain hands-on experience during placement years, applying your learning in real-world international relations settings.
Graduate Success – Around 90% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Average Starting Salary – Competitive salaries in line with industry standards for international relations roles.
Industry Connections – Work alongside and network with organizations like the UN, NGOs, and governmental bodies.
Program Value – The curriculum aligns with professional expectations, giving your degree long-term credibility.
Further Academic Progression:
After your BA, you can continue your studies to deepen your expertise:
Master’s Degrees in International Relations, Global Development, or related fields.
Postgraduate Diplomas in areas like International Law, Diplomacy, or Human Rights.
PhD Programs if you’re interested in research or an academic career.
These paths allow you to specialize further and open doors to higher-level roles in international organizations, policy research, and beyond.
A-level - 32 tariff points at A levelIB - 32 UCAS tariff points to include a Higher Level subject.2 GCSEs at Grade E/2 or above to include English and Maths.IELTS - 5.5 with no component score below 5.5.TOEFL iBT - 72 with a minimum of 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing.India – Completion of All India or State Board SSC (X) with average 50% (X and/or XI).USA – High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0, or completion of Year 11 with a score of 600/1600 in the SAT Reasoning (SATR).Foundation Year Fee of UK students £5,760Policy AnalystDiplomatic Service OfficerInternational Development ConsultantHuman Rights AdvocateIntelligence AnalystForeign Affairs CorrespondentPolitical Risk AnalystNGO Program CoordinatorGovernment AdvisorInternational Trade SpecialistConflict Resolution SpecialistPublic Policy ResearcherInternational Law ConsultantGlobal Communications OfficerHumanitarian Aid Officer
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