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5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of PortsmouthThe BA (Hons) International Relations with a foundation year and work placement at the University of Portsmouth is a five-year program designed to give you a real edge in understanding global politics. It’s perfect for students who are curious about how countries interact, want to explore issues like conflict, migration, and governance, and are eager to gain hands-on experience before graduating.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (Foundation Year)
The foundation year helps you build confidence in your academic skills while exploring the world of politics and international relations. You’ll take modules such as Introduction to Politics and International Relations, Introduction to Sustainability and the Environment, and Legal Ethics, giving you a solid grounding in political ideas, global challenges, and ethical decision-making.
Year 2
In your second year, you’ll start to dive deeper into international relations and political analysis. Modules like Key Themes in International Relations, Political Thought, and Research Methods in Politics, International Relations and Development will strengthen your critical thinking, research skills, and understanding of global policy-making.
Year 3
Year three lets you specialise and explore the world in more detail. You could study modules such as Global Crises: Climate, Conflict and Insecurity, East Asian States and Societies, and Transitional Justice and Human Rights, gaining insight into regional politics, global security, and the challenges shaping the 21st century.
Year 4 (Work Placement Year)
This is your chance to put what you’ve learned into practice. A full-year work placement gives you hands-on experience, helps you build professional networks, and prepares you for a career in diplomacy, international organisations, or policy-making.
Year 5
Your final year focuses on mastering your knowledge and preparing for life after university. You’ll complete advanced modules and an independent research project, honing your skills in analysis, policy evaluation, and international affairs.
Focus Areas
Global Migration, International Conflict, Global Governance, Human Rights, Environmental Sustainability, Political Theory, Regional Politics, Security Studies
Learning Outcomes
Critical Analysis, Policy Evaluation, Research Skills, Cross-Cultural Understanding, Professional Communication, Ethical Reasoning, Global Perspective
Professional Alignment
While this program does not have formal accreditation, it’s designed to match the skills and knowledge sought by employers in international relations, diplomacy, and global policy roles.
Reputation
Portsmouth is recognised as the number 1 modern university for research quality in Area Studies according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, giving your degree a strong foundation in world-class research.
At Portsmouth, the BA (Hons) International Relations with a foundation year and work placement isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about getting hands-on experience that prepares you for the real world. From working on live research projects to spending a full year in a professional placement, you’ll gain practical skills that make a real difference to your future career. The university provides plenty of opportunities to collaborate with experts, use specialised resources, and immerse yourself in the world of international relations.
Here’s how you’ll experience it firsthand:
Work Placement Year: Spend a full year in a professional setting, applying what you’ve learned, building networks, and gaining invaluable experience for a career in diplomacy, NGOs, or policy-making.
Research Projects: Tackle real-world global issues through guided research, honing your analytical and policy evaluation skills.
Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR): Work alongside experts whose research influences government and international policy, giving you exposure to live projects.
Specialist Facilities: Access dedicated study spaces, research support, and resources tailored for international relations students.
Guest Lectures and Seminars: Learn directly from professionals in government, journalism, and international organisations, and see how theory meets practice.
Collaborative Learning: Take part in group projects that simulate real-world scenarios, helping you develop teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Graduating with a BA (Hons) International Relations from Portsmouth opens the door to a wide range of exciting careers in global politics, international organisations, and policy-making. With the combination of academic knowledge and real-world experience through your work placement, you’ll be ready to step confidently into roles such as:
Policy Analyst – shaping and evaluating public policy at government or think-tank level
Diplomatic Service Officer – representing your country and engaging in international diplomacy
International Development Consultant – working with NGOs or global organisations to drive development projects
Human Rights Advocate – championing human rights at a local or international scale
The university actively supports your journey from student to professional:
High Graduate Employability – Around 9 out of 10 Portsmouth graduates are in work or further study, reflecting the real-world value of the degree.
Industry Connections – Work with the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR) on projects that influence government policy, giving you practical experience before you graduate.
Professional Recognition – The Portsmouth Award celebrates your extracurricular achievements, helping you stand out to employers.
Tailored Career Support – The university’s Careers and Employability Service provides one-to-one guidance, CV workshops, interview practice, and internship opportunities to boost your employability.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’re inspired to continue your studies, graduates can move on to postgraduate programs in International Relations, International Development, or related fields, deepening your expertise and opening even more doors in global policy and research.
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 £5,760Placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for UK students £1,430Policy 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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