Politics and International Relations BA

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The University of Sheffield

Program Overview

If you want to understand how the world really works — why countries make certain decisions, how global events unfold, and how politics shapes everyday life — this degree gives you the perfect foundation. At Sheffield, you’ll explore political ideas, international conflicts, global challenges, and real-world policy issues, gaining the tools to analyse events, debate solutions, and understand the forces shaping our future.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year gives you a solid grounding in politics and global affairs. Through modules such as Political Analysis 1: An Introduction to Research and Scholarship, you’ll learn how political systems work and how to study them properly. In Thinking Politically: Key Concepts, you’ll unpack ideas like power, democracy, freedom, justice, and human rights. And in World Politics, you’ll explore major global issues — from climate change and migration to war, inequality, and international cooperation.

Year 2

As you move into your second year, you start connecting theory with real political issues. You’ll study areas like political economy, comparative politics, governance, and international relations, helping you understand how governments function and how global systems operate. This is also where you choose optional modules that match your interests — whether that’s international security, human rights, global justice, or political thought.

Year 3

Your final year allows you to specialise and take your studies to a deeper level. You’ll complete a dissertation or major research project on a topic you care about, supported by expert academics. Alongside this, you’ll choose advanced modules that explore modern political challenges, global conflicts, political behaviour, or international cooperation — allowing you to build expertise in the areas that matter most to you.

Focus areas

Political theory, comparative politics, international relations, political economy, governance, and global issues.

Learning outcomes

You’ll develop strong analytical skills, an understanding of political ideas and institutions, research expertise, and the ability to interpret global events and debate solutions with confidence.

Professional Alignment

The programme is taught by Sheffield’s highly respected Department of Politics and International Relations, known for its research strength and expertise across political theory, global politics, international relations, comparative politics, and political economy.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Top 10 in the UK for International Relations – Guardian University Guide 2025
Top 10 in the UK for Politics – Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
90.4% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing the course

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the things students love most about studying Politics and International Relations at Sheffield is how practical and immersive the learning feels. You’re encouraged to take what you learn in class — debates, theories, global issues — and test it in real-world settings. Whether it’s through placements, volunteering, mentoring, or working with research-active academics, the course gives you plenty of opportunities to grow beyond the classroom.

Here’s what that experience looks like in real life:

Optional placement year where you spend a full year working in an organisation, gaining hands-on experience and building your CV before you even graduate.
Internships and volunteering opportunities through Sheffield’s huge network of charities, community groups and public-service organisations — perfect for exploring roles in policy, NGOs or community work.
A dedicated mentoring scheme that matches you with Sheffield alumni working in politics, government, communications, NGOs or research, so you get personal guidance from someone already in the field.
Access to active research centres within the department, giving you a chance to learn from academics involved in real political research and global issues.
Workshops and study-skills support to help you build strong writing, research and academic skills from your very first year.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Politics and International Relations degree from Sheffield opens doors to an exciting mix of careers. Graduates go on to work in government, public policy, international development, media, NGOs, and research — often stepping into roles like policy analyst, civil servant, researcher or communications officer. Because the degree builds strong analytical and problem-solving skills, employers value Sheffield graduates and the transition into work or postgraduate study is usually smooth.

Here’s how Sheffield actively supports your future:

Personalised career support through the Careers & Employability Service, including CV checks, interview coaching, internship help and access to platforms like Career Connect and Sheffield Connect.
Excellent outcomes: 90.4% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months — a strong indicator of how well Sheffield prepares students for life after university.
Strong early-career salaries: Politics and IR graduates typically earn around £28,500 fifteen months after graduation, with many moving into the £25,000–£32,000 range early in their careers.
Access to a wide range of sectors: Alumni work in government, NGOs, journalism, global organisations, charities, public administration, policy research and corporate public-affairs teams.
Long-term value from a top-ranked school: Sheffield is ranked Top 10 in the UK for both Politics and International Relations, giving your degree strong academic credibility.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’re interested in taking your studies further, Sheffield offers master’s programmes in areas like International Relations, Global Governance, Public Policy and Human Rights. Many students also choose to pursue a PhD, enter policy think tanks, or move into international organisations — pathways supported by the strong research training you gain during your degree.