BA(Hons) Politics and International Relations

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of the West of England

Program Overview

This degree explores how politics shapes the world around us — from local communities to global institutions. It’s perfect for students who are curious about current affairs, international diplomacy, and how societies make decisions that impact real people. You’ll study global issues like power, conflict, leadership, and social change, while developing strong analytical and communication skills that employers truly value.

Curriculum Structure

Year One

Your first year gives you a strong foundation in political ideas and international systems. You’ll explore how power operates through modules like Critical Thinking and Political Theory, Politics of Crisis and Change, and International Relations. This year helps you understand the forces that shape governments, global institutions, and movements across the world.

Year Two

In the second year, you’ll dive deeper into how societies are governed and how global decisions are made. Modules like Governing Society and Interrogating the International explore policy, diplomacy, and power structures. You’ll also study Political Innovation, Leadership and Communication, which is accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) — giving you real professional recognition. Optional modules such as Foreign Policy, Gender in Politics, or Global Political Economy let you tailor your studies to your interests.

Placement Year (Optional)

After your second year, you can choose to take a paid work placement or study abroad for a year. This is your chance to apply classroom learning to real-world situations — whether that’s with a government department, charity, NGO, or international organisation. Many students say their placement year is what gives them the confidence and experience that employers notice most after graduation.

Final Year

Your final year brings together everything you’ve learned. You’ll take advanced modules like Debates in Politics and Advanced Debates in International Relations, and you can choose to complete a Dissertation Project or specialise through modules such as Global Governance, Climate and Society, or Parliamentary Studies. By the end, you’ll be ready to enter the world of work with the ability to think critically, argue persuasively, and act with a global perspective.

Focus Areas

Global politics, leadership and communication, governance, international relations, gender and power, political theory, global justice, climate and society, decolonisation, and diplomacy.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate with the ability to analyse global issues, evaluate complex political systems, and develop solutions to real-world problems. You’ll gain excellent communication, leadership, and research skills — preparing you for a wide range of international careers in government, NGOs, media, or business.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The module Political Innovation, Leadership and Communication is accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), enhancing your employability and leadership credentials.

Reputation and Employability

UWE Bristol has a strong reputation for career-focused teaching and global outlook. Around 80% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with average salaries of around £24,000–25,000 according to Discover Uni. The university is also consistently ranked among the UK’s top modern universities for graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UWE Bristol, learning Politics and International Relations goes far beyond the classroom. You’ll experience what it’s like to work in the real world of politics — through live projects, simulations, professional placements, and direct engagement with policy-makers and organisations. The course is designed to build your confidence, problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities by letting you practice what you learn in a supportive, hands-on environment.

You’ll take part in interactive sessions, explore global case studies, and use real political and research tools that mirror what professionals use in the field. Plus, if you choose the placement (sandwich) year, you’ll spend up to twelve months working in a relevant organisation, developing practical experience that sets you apart after graduation.

Here’s how you’ll gain real-world experience and professional insight:

Live briefs and simulations: Take part in debates, political simulations, and conflict-resolution exercises that put theory into action and help you understand real diplomatic and political decision-making.
Parliamentary Studies module: This optional module is officially recognised by the UK Parliament and includes visits to Westminster, co-teaching with Parliament officials, and exposure to real policy processes.
Placement (Sandwich) Year: Spend a year working or studying abroad after your second year. You might join a charity, NGO, government department, or private company. Past students have worked in local councils, international aid organisations, and community advocacy roles — gaining career-ready experience.
Guest speakers and employer events: Learn directly from professionals working in government, the civil service, and international NGOs through guest lectures and networking events.
Specialist digital and library resources: Access 24-hour facilities at the Frenchay Campus Library, with collaborative Hive study spaces, quiet research zones, and databases like IBSS, Nexis, and Worldwide Political Science Abstracts to support your projects and dissertations.
Field trips and research visits: Take advantage of trips and site visits organised as part of modules, giving you a closer look at how politics works in practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this degree leave UWE Bristol ready to make an impact in the world of politics and international relations. Many go on to work as Civil Servants, Political Consultants, Parliamentary Assistants, or in NGOs, media, and research organisations. Thanks to the optional placement year and UWE’s practical, career-focused approach, you’ll step into these roles with real experience and confidence.

Here’s how UWE helps you succeed:

Careers Service support: Receive tailored career advice, access to graduate job listings, placement opportunities, volunteering projects, and guidance on networking or starting your own initiatives.
Employment stats: Around 85% of Politics graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing, with an average salary of approximately £25,000.
University–industry partnerships: Placement opportunities with organisations like PHASE Worldwide, Bridges for Communities, and corporate projects via the Wasdell Group give you real-world experience.
Accreditation value: The Political Innovation, Leadership and Communication module is accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), giving you an extra edge in leadership and professional skills.
Graduate outcomes: Many alumni progress into roles such as Parliamentary Assistants, Civil Servants, Policy Researchers, Market Research Advisors, or continue into education, media, or human rights sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this degree opens doors to Master’s programs in International Relations, Global Governance, Political Theory, Human Rights, or Public Policy. Some graduates also pursue professional qualifications like law, diplomacy, or public administration, building on the skills and knowledge gained at UWE.