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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Queen Mary University of LondonIf you’re curious about how politics shapes our world — from everyday decisions in Westminster to global challenges like climate change, migration, and security — this degree gives you the tools to make sense of it all. At Queen Mary, you won’t just learn theories; you’ll debate real issues, study with leading academics, and develop the kind of critical thinking that employers really value.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your journey starts with the foundations. You’ll get to grips with Thinking Politically: Introduction to Concepts, Theories and Ideologies, dive into Introduction to International Relations, and practice real-world political analysis through Politics in Action. Alongside these, you can branch out with options like Background to British Politics or Global Histories, so you immediately start connecting theory with contemporary issues.
Year 2
In your second year, you sharpen your analytical and research skills. You’ll study Modern Political Thought I & II or International Relations Theory, and learn how to actually do political research with Introduction to Social Science Methodologies. From there, you can choose from exciting areas such as British Politics, US Politics, Comparative Politics, Gender and Feminisms in World Politics or The Politics of International Law. This year is about testing your ideas and building a toolkit for deeper exploration.
Year 3
Your final year is all about independence and choice. You’ll write a Dissertation — a chance to become an expert on a subject you care about — and you’ll shape the rest of your studies around your interests. Modules could include Migration and the Politics of Belonging, Political Violence and Liberal Modernity, US Foreign Policy, Environmental Politics, or Race and Anti-Racism in World Politics. If you choose the Year Abroad pathway, you’ll gain an international perspective before returning for your final year at Queen Mary.
Focus Areas
“Political theory; International relations; Comparative politics; Regional studies; Global issues like migration, security, race, environment and development.”
Learning Outcomes
“By the end, you’ll be able to critically analyse political systems and global challenges, apply research methods to real problems, present your ideas with clarity, and design independent research through your dissertation.”
Professional Alignment
While the degree isn’t tied to a single professional body, it’s designed to set you up for impactful careers. Students often combine it with internships, simulations, and placements, with support from Queen Mary’s career service and strong links to government, NGOs, think tanks, and international organisations.
Reputation & Employability
Queen Mary is ranked 11th in the UK for employability (University Compare 2026).
82% of Politics graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with average earnings around £30,500 (DiscoverUni).
As a Russell Group university, Queen Mary has world-leading research in politics and international relations, so you’ll be taught by academics shaping real debates.
At Queen Mary, politics isn’t just something you study from a book — it’s something you experience. From your very first year, you’ll take part in lively debates, role-plays, and group projects that bring political ideas to life. You’ll also have the chance to step outside the classroom: whether that’s working on an internship, joining a public forum with politicians and policy-makers, or even spending a year abroad. The goal is simple — to help you graduate not only with knowledge, but with the practical skills and confidence to use it.
And here’s how it works in practice:
Interactive seminars – Instead of just listening, you’ll actively debate, role-play, and present in class, learning how to argue and defend your ideas.
Internship modules – In your final year, you can choose options like Civil Society Internship or Parliamentary Studies, where you’ll gain hands-on experience working with real organisations.
Year Abroad option – Spend a year at one of Queen Mary’s international partner universities and see politics from a completely new perspective.
Mile End Institute events – Attend guest lectures and discussions with politicians, authors, campaigners, and policy experts right on campus.
Centre for European Research – Get involved in talks and projects run by this Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, perfect if you’re interested in European politics and law.
Library & digital resources – The Queen Mary Library and online systems are designed to support independent research, giving you access to the tools you need for your dissertation and beyond.
A Politics and International Relations degree from Queen Mary opens doors to a wide range of careers. Many graduates step into roles where strong analytical and communication skills are key — from working as policy advisors and political analysts to joining international organisations, NGOs, or even journalism. Others find opportunities in business, charities, and government agencies, where a global perspective is highly valued.
To help you on this journey, Queen Mary provides strong career support and plenty of ways to connect classroom learning with the real world:
Careers & Enterprise Service – personalised guidance, CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and mentoring schemes.
Practical experiences – opportunities to take part in internships, placements, policy simulations, and study abroad programmes.
Specialist institutes – such as the Mile End Institute (public debates with political figures) and the Centre for European Research, giving you exposure to real-world policy work.
Strong graduate prospects – within 15 months of finishing the degree, graduates earn an average salary of £30,500, and around 82% are in work or further study.
Long-term recognition – Queen Mary is part of the prestigious Russell Group, meaning your degree carries weight with employers worldwide.
Typical career destinations include:
Policy advisor in government or international organisations
Political or foreign affairs analyst
Roles in journalism, media, and public affairs
Work with NGOs, charities, and development agencies
Further Academic Progression
If you’d like to continue your studies after graduation, many students go on to master’s programmes in areas such as International Relations, Global Governance, Security Studies, or Public Policy. Queen Mary also offers research routes (MPhil/PhD) if you’re considering an academic or think-tank career.
In short: this degree doesn’t just give you knowledge of politics and global affairs — it equips you with the practical skills, networks, and credibility to thrive in a wide range of future careers.
International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects.A- level ABBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects.National Board (CBSE/ISC) 75%, West Bengal Council of Higher Education 70%, Other boards 80%American Board Completion of the HSD with GPA 3.3 AND 3 AP examinations with scores of 4 or better, including at least one at grade 5 in different subjects. (5,4,4)IELTS (Academic) minimum score 7.0 overall with 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and SpeakingTOEFL minimum score 100 overall with 21 in Writing, 19 in Reading, 18 in Listening and 21 in SpeakingHouse of Commons Government / Public policy & administration Media & communicationsBusiness & consulting roles 
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