Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of PortsmouthIf you’re curious about global politics, want to understand how countries interact, and are passionate about making a real difference through international development, this degree is perfect for you. You’ll explore big global issues—like conflict, migration, and climate change—while gaining the practical skills needed to help shape solutions.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundations of Global Politics and Development
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in how the world works. Modules like Key Themes in International Relations introduce global challenges such as war, peace, and climate change, while Introduction to Politics and International Relations helps you understand political systems and ideas. You’ll also explore environmental and ethical issues through Introduction to Sustainability and the Environment and Legal Ethics, giving you a well-rounded start to your studies.
Year 2: Deepening Understanding and Analytical Skills
In your second year, you’ll dig deeper into the big questions facing the world. Global Development looks at how international policies try to reduce inequality, while Global Political Economy explains how money, trade, and power intersect globally. Global Crises: Climate, Conflict and Insecurity and Transitional Justice and Human Rights show you the human impact of politics, and Analysing Foreign Policy lets you explore how decisions are made on the world stage.
Year 3: Work Placement Year
This year is all about real-world experience. You’ll step out of the classroom and into a professional setting, applying what you’ve learned while building your skills and confidence. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see the impact of your studies firsthand, meet professionals in the field, and boost your employability.
Year 4: Advanced Topics and Dissertation
In your final year, you’ll focus on specialist areas and independent research. Modules like Development and Democracy in Latin America, East Asian States and Societies, and European Politics let you explore regions in depth. You’ll also study A History of US Foreign Policy and complete a dissertation, while Professional Development: Recruiters and Candidates equips you with the skills to launch your career.
Focus Areas
International Relations, International Development, Global Political Economy, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Regional Studies (Latin America, East Asia, Europe, Africa)
Learning Outcomes
You’ll finish the degree able to critically analyse global issues, understand international development policies, carry out research and analysis, and step confidently into the professional world.
Professional Alignment
The program is shaped by the University’s strong research expertise in Area Studies, ensuring you’re learning from current, real-world scholarship.
Reputation
The University of Portsmouth is ranked number 1 among modern UK universities for research quality in Area Studies (REF 2021), so you know your degree has real credibility.
At the University of Portsmouth, this degree isn’t just about reading and lectures—you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience that prepares you for a real career in international relations and development. From work placements to live projects and access to specialized research centres, you’ll have the chance to apply what you learn in practical, meaningful ways. It’s all about bridging theory and practice so that when you graduate, you’re confident, skilled, and work-ready.
Here’s how you’ll gain this experience:
Work Placement Year: Spend 9–12 months in a professional setting, either in the UK or abroad, putting your skills into practice and building a network in the international relations and development sector.
Career Support Services: The Careers and Employability team will guide you in finding placements, preparing for interviews, and developing the professional skills employers value.
Self-Employed Placement Support: If you’re entrepreneurial, you can run your own placement project with guidance from the university’s Student StartUp team.
Graduate Recruitment Consultancy: Even after you graduate, you’ll have up to five years of one-on-one career support to help you land your dream role.
International Placement Opportunities: Gain global experience and broaden your professional horizons by working overseas during your placement year.
Specialized Facilities: You’ll have access to the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR) and other dedicated spaces that support research, policy work, and practical projects in international relations and development.
These opportunities ensure that you’re not just learning about the world—you’re actively engaging with it, building skills, and preparing to make a difference from day one.
Graduating with a BA (Hons) in International Relations with International Development opens doors to a wide range of meaningful careers. You’ll be ready to make an impact on global issues and step into roles such as:
Policy Analyst
International Development Officer
Human Rights Advocate
NGO Project Manager
Here’s how the University of Portsmouth supports you to achieve your career goals:
Work Placement Year: Gain 9–12 months of real-world experience in the UK or abroad, putting your skills into practice and building your professional network.
Career and Employability Services: Get expert guidance on CVs, interviews, and job applications so you’re fully prepared for the world of work.
Graduate Recruitment Consultancy: Even after you graduate, enjoy up to five years of support to help you find roles that match your career ambitions.
International Placement Opportunities: Broaden your horizons and gain global experience by working overseas during your placement year.
The Portsmouth Award: Take part in extracurricular projects and initiatives that enhance your skills and showcase your personal and professional growth to employers.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’re keen to continue your studies, there are excellent options to build on your undergraduate degree:
MA in International Relations: Dive deeper into global politics, security, and development, preparing for advanced roles in international organisations, government, or communications.
PhD in Politics and International Relations: Engage in research tackling today’s global challenges, influencing policy, and contributing to meaningful change.
With these career paths and further study options, this degree equips you to make a real difference while building a fulfilling, future-proof career.
A-level - BCC- BBC Equivalent to 104-112 points to include a minimum of 2 A levelsIB - 24 points from the IB Diploma, with 444 at Higher Level.2 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above to include English.IELTS - 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.TOEFL(iBT) - 79 with a minimum of 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing.India – 75% or above in the Class 12 (State Board) examinations, or 70% in the Class 12 Central Board (CBSE) examinations.USA - High School Diploma with a GPA of 3.0 or above, plus either APs 433, or ACT 26, or SAT 1160 and three SAT Subject Tests (600, 580, 580).Placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for UK students £1,430Policy AnalystInternational Development OfficerHumanitarian Affairs OfficerDiplomatic Service OfficerNGO Project CoordinatorGlobal Policy AdvisorIntelligence AnalystResearcher in International RelationsForeign Affairs ConsultantHuman Rights AdvocateCrisis Response CoordinatorInternational Program ManagerDevelopment Consultant
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