BA(Hons) Politics and International Relations (with Foundation Year)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of the West of England

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how the world works and want to understand global politics and international relations, this program is a perfect fit. It’s a four-year degree that starts with a foundation year to help you build the essential skills and knowledge you’ll need to thrive in higher-level study.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year (Year 0)

The foundation year is all about getting you ready for university-level study. You’ll explore a range of social sciences to build a strong base, covering modules like Introduction to Sociology, where you’ll look at how society functions, Introduction to Politics and International Relations, which gives you a first look at political systems and global issues, and Academic and Study Skills, which helps you sharpen your research, writing, and critical thinking abilities. This year sets you up with confidence for the main degree.

Year 1

The first year of the degree dives into the heart of politics and international relations. You’ll study Global Politics, analyzing how countries interact and how international organizations operate, Political Theory, exploring the ideas of influential thinkers, and Research Methods in Social Sciences, learning practical tools to gather and interpret data. This year helps you start thinking critically about how political systems shape our world.

Year 2

In your second year, you can start to focus on areas that interest you most. You’ll study Comparative Politics, comparing different political systems, and International Political Economy, understanding how politics and economics influence each other globally. There are also optional modules, letting you tailor your learning and explore topics that match your passions.

Year 3

The final year is all about independence and depth. You’ll complete a Dissertation, diving deep into a topic of your choice, and take Advanced Optional Modules to explore specialized subjects like security, human rights, or environmental politics. This year is designed to polish your research skills and prepare you for your future career or further study.

Focus Areas

Politics, International Relations, Global Governance, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, International Political Economy, Security Studies, Human Rights, Environmental Politics

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this degree, you’ll be able to think critically about political systems, understand global issues, analyze policies, and confidently take part in debates about world affairs. You’ll also develop strong research and analytical skills that employers value.

Professional Alignment

This program prepares you for careers in public policy, government, international organizations, and NGOs, giving you skills and knowledge that align with professional standards in politics and international relations.

Reputation

UWE Bristol has a strong focus on employability, with many graduates securing jobs or further study within six months. The combination of practical experience, academic expertise, and industry connections makes this degree a great stepping stone into the professional world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UWE Bristol, studying Politics and International Relations isn’t just about reading textbooks — it’s about getting hands-on experience that prepares you for the real world. From working on collaborative projects to gaining practical insight through internships and volunteering, students develop the skills employers really want. You’ll also have access to modern facilities, digital tools, and opportunities to experience politics and international relations in action, both locally and abroad.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

Internships and Work Placements: Gain real-world experience with organizations like the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) team at UWE, the Wasdell Group, or even international placements such as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam.
Volunteering and Community Engagement: Apply your knowledge in the community through placements with charities like PHASE Worldwide or Bridges for Communities, developing a deeper understanding of global issues.
Collaborative Projects: Work on group projects that simulate real political challenges, helping you build teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Digital Tools and Research Facilities: Use state-of-the-art computer labs and specialized software to research, analyze, and present your findings effectively.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Experience politics in a global context by spending part of your degree studying in another country, gaining invaluable cultural and political insight.
Career Development Support: Take advantage of UWE Bristol’s award-winning careers service, offering guidance on internships, placements, and global opportunities, as well as support for entrepreneurial projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the BA(Hons) Politics and International Relations (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol opens the door to a wide range of exciting and meaningful careers. Whether you see yourself shaping public policy, working with international organizations, or advising governments and NGOs, this degree gives you the skills, confidence, and knowledge to make an impact. Graduates leave ready to step straight into professional roles such as:

Policy Analyst
Diplomatic Service Officer
International Development Specialist
Public Affairs Consultant

Here’s how UWE Bristol helps you get there:

Career Development Centre: Personalized coaching, job search strategies, and interview preparation to help you land the right role.
Work Placements and Internships: Opportunities with organizations like the EDI Team at UWE, the Wasdell Group, and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, giving hands-on experience in politics and international relations.
Global Opportunities: Guidance for studying abroad or finding international internships to broaden your horizons.
Graduate Outcomes: Around 85% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing, earning an average of £24,000 per year.
University-Industry Partnerships: Real-world connections that enhance employability, including collaborations with the Wasdell Group, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, and UWE’s EDI Team.
Accreditation and Long-Term Value: Your degree is fully accredited, giving you a recognized qualification that carries weight in the professional world.

Further Academic Progression:

After your undergraduate degree, there’s plenty of room to continue your studies. You could:

Pursue a Master’s in areas like International Relations, Political Science, or Public Policy to specialize further.
Take a Postgraduate Diploma in fields like Human Rights or International Development.
Embark on a PhD, contributing original research to political science and international relations.

UWE Bristol offers a range of postgraduate programs that align perfectly with the skills and knowledge you’ll gain during this degree.