BA (Hons) International Relations with Sandwich Placement

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wolverhampton

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) International Relations with Sandwich Placement at the University of Wolverhampton gives you the chance to understand how the world really works — from global politics and diplomacy to issues like climate change, migration, and international security. It’s perfect for students who are passionate about global affairs and want to combine academic study with a full year of real-world work experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year builds the foundation. You’ll study core subjects like Introduction to International Relations and Current Issues in International Relations, exploring how countries, organisations, and individuals interact on the world stage. You can also choose modules such as Britain and the World or Terrorism, letting you focus on the topics that inspire you most.

Year 2:
The second year takes you deeper into world politics. You’ll explore globalisation, regional power dynamics and policy-making in modules like World Politics and Research in Action. This is where you sharpen your research, writing, and analytical skills, preparing for both your placement and final year. You can also tailor your studies with optional modules such as International Economics.

Year 3 (Sandwich Placement):
Here’s where you step into the real world. During your placement year, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with an organisation connected to international relations — it could be in government, NGOs, media, or business. This year is your opportunity to apply everything you’ve learned, build confidence, and make valuable professional connections.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced and emerging issues shaping global politics. Modules like Sustainable Development and International Relations and The Rise of Asia in International Politics help you understand current challenges from a global perspective. You can also complete an Independent Study – Written Project, allowing you to research a topic you’re passionate about and show employers your ability to think critically and independently.

Focus areas:
Global politics, diplomacy and international organisations, security and human rights, sustainable development, regional studies (including Asia and the Global South)

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate with the ability to analyse global issues critically, apply theory to real-world challenges, communicate confidently across cultures, and gain practical experience through your placement year.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While not linked to a specific professional body, the course aligns with national higher education standards and offers a strong focus on employability and professional skills.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Wolverhampton holds a QS 4-Star rating overall, with 5 Stars in teaching, employability, and internationalisation. Politics and International Relations graduates have an impressive 85% employment or further study rate within 15 months of graduating.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Wolverhampton, the BA (Hons) International Relations with Sandwich Placement isn’t just about learning theories — it’s about experiencing how the world works in practice. From your first year, you’ll be encouraged to link classroom discussions about diplomacy, politics, and global issues with real-life situations. You’ll also benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, digital learning tools, and a dedicated careers team that helps you secure a placement and build the confidence to work anywhere in the world.

Here’s how you’ll gain real-world experience and hands-on skills throughout your studies:

A full year-long professional placement (the “Sandwich Placement”) where you’ll work within an organisation connected to international relations — such as a government office, charity, or NGO — gaining valuable industry experience before you graduate.
Career and placement support through “The Workplace” — the University’s specialist employability team who guide you through finding, preparing for, and completing your placement year.
Modern digital and study facilities including over 2,500 computers, high-tech IT labs, and access to the newly refurbished University Library with spaces designed for group collaboration and individual research.
Interactive learning spaces and social study areas at City Campus, giving you the chance to work on group projects and debates in a lively, supportive environment.
Collaborative modules such as “Advocacy in Action”, where you’ll work with classmates to design campaigns or conduct research projects that tackle real-world political or humanitarian challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the BA (Hons) International Relations with Sandwich Placement at the University of Wolverhampton opens doors to a wide range of exciting global careers. You’ll leave with both academic knowledge and hands-on experience from your placement year — a combination that employers truly value. Many graduates move into roles such as policy analyst, international NGO officer, diplomatic or government advisor, or media and communications specialist in organisations that make a difference around the world.

Here’s how Wolverhampton helps you prepare for a strong start after graduation:

Career & Employability Support: You’ll have access to The Workplace — the University’s dedicated employability and placements hub — offering career coaching, networking events, job boards, and lifelong career guidance even after you graduate.
Strong Graduate Outcomes: According to Discover Uni, around 73% of students from related social science courses were employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Placement and Industry Links: The built-in sandwich placement year connects you directly with employers across government, NGOs, and the private sector, giving you practical experience and valuable references before graduation.
Long-Term Value: Your degree combines global insight with professional experience, helping you stand out whether you’re applying for international roles, public service, or postgraduate study.
Graduate Success: Alumni from the Politics and International Relations area at Wolverhampton have gone on to careers in diplomacy, journalism, policy research, public relations, and global development.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you’ll have a solid foundation to progress into postgraduate study — such as a Master’s in International Relations, Global Governance, Diplomacy, or Development Studies. You could also pursue professional pathways in international law, security studies, or political communication. The knowledge, research skills, and global perspective you’ll gain here will prepare you for leadership roles or advanced academic research in the future.