BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics

At the University of Salford, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. As a student of International Relations and Politics, you’ll gain practical experience that brings theory to life and equips you with real-world skills. From hands-on projects and research opportunities to placements and study abroad programs, you’ll have plenty of ways to explore politics, international relations, and global issues in action. The university’s excellent facilities and resources make it easy to dive into your studies, collaborate with peers, and develop professional skills that employers really value:

• Study Abroad Program: Spend a semester or two studying overseas, experiencing new cultures, and seeing international politics from a firsthand perspective.

• Parliamentary Placement Program: Get a taste of professional life in government with placements that show how political decisions are made.

• Clifford Whitworth Library: Access books, eBooks, online databases, and archives, plus PCs, laptops, and LinkedIn Learning for extra skill-building.

• Peel Park Campus: Enjoy a supportive, resource-rich campus environment close to the research hubs of Manchester and Salford.

• Politics and Contemporary History Research Centre: Take part in research projects covering international relations, security, political economy, intelligence, energy, climate, and military history.

• New Adelphi Building: Learn in a modern £55 million facility designed to support your studies in politics and international relations.

• Industry-Standard Facilities: Gain practical skills in media and communication with access to TV/radio studios, craft edit suites, audio production suites, and a journalism centre across MediaCity and New Adelphi sites.

These experiences are designed to give you a well-rounded, practical understanding of international relations and politics, making sure you leave university confident and career-ready.

Graduating with a BA (Hons) in International Relations and Politics from the University of Salford opens the door to a wide range of exciting career opportunities. With your understanding of global politics, analytical skills, and practical experience from placements and research, you’ll be ready for roles that make a real-world impact. Many graduates move into areas such as policy-making, diplomacy, or intelligence, where they can shape the way nations interact and respond to global challenges.

Typical Career Paths Include:

• Policy Analyst – Researching and advising on policies for governments, think tanks, or NGOs.

• Diplomatic Service Officer – Representing the UK abroad, managing international relations, and fostering collaboration between nations.

• Intelligence Analyst – Working with security agencies to interpret and assess critical data.

• Political Consultant – Supporting political campaigns, parties, or organizations with strategy and communication.

To support your journey from student to professional, the University of Salford offers a wealth of resources and connections:

• Careers and Employability Service – Get personalised career guidance, CV support, and access to employer networking events.

• International Opportunities – Guidance for securing overseas internships or participating in study abroad programs.

• Industry Partnerships – Real-world projects and internships through the university’s collaborations with government bodies, NGOs, and other organizations.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value – Your degree is recognised by relevant academic and professional bodies, giving you credibility in the job market.

• Graduation Outcomes – Many alumni go on to influential roles in politics, government, international organisations, and academia.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BA, you can continue your studies with postgraduate programs, such as the MA/PgDip International Relations and Global Challenges at Salford. These courses allow you to specialise further, gain deeper insights, and enhance your career prospects in areas like international diplomacy, global policy, or security studies.