Enter OTP
3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Newcastle UniversityIf you’re fascinated by how governments work, why global conflicts arise, or how societies tackle issues like climate change and inequality, this programme is designed for you. At Newcastle, you’ll explore both politics and international relations side by side—giving you the tools to make sense of today’s biggest national and global challenges.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year is all about building a strong foundation. You’ll study the UK’s Westminster system, dive into international politics, and examine how power and inequality shape societies. Modules like The Politics of Happiness and Order and Disorder: The Shaping of the 21st Century help you connect theory with real-world debates, setting you up with the knowledge and critical thinking skills you’ll use throughout your degree.
Year 2
By second year, you start to branch out and make the course your own. You’ll learn how to be a political researcher and tackle pressing issues like diversity and inclusion in political philosophy. Beyond that, you choose from a wide range of options—whether it’s the politics of the USA or the Middle East, exploring international organisations and diplomacy, or unpacking themes like sex, gender, and power. This flexibility means you can focus on the regions and issues that interest you most.
Year 3
Your final year gives you the chance to specialise and put everything together. The highlight is your dissertation or major project, where you research a topic you’re passionate about. Alongside this, you can take modules on global justice and human rights, UK elections and political parties, or even complete a policy-focused placement. It’s a year that prepares you to leave Newcastle as an independent thinker with skills that employers and postgraduate programmes truly value.
Focus Areas
"Comparative politics, international relations, political theory, diplomacy, inequality, global justice, research methods, regional politics"
Learning Outcomes
"Learn to analyse politics at both national and international levels; conduct independent research; debate and write with confidence; and gain a deeper understanding of global issues like justice, migration, and governance."
Professional Alignment
This programme is research-led and career-focused. Instead of just theory, you’ll build skills employers look for—like policy analysis, data handling, and persuasive communication. Graduates have gone on to careers in government, NGOs, diplomacy, journalism, civil service, and international organisations, using their Newcastle training to make a real-world impact.
Reputation
Newcastle is a Global Top 130 university with a 5 QS Stars rating for employability.
Politics and International Relations at Newcastle ranks Top 200 worldwide and is 23rd in the UK (QS World Rankings by Subject).
Employers of graduates include the UK Houses of Parliament, HM Treasury, inter-governmental bodies, and global consultancies—proof that your degree can open exciting doors.
At Newcastle, learning politics and international relations goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. From your very first year, you’ll be encouraged to apply ideas to the real world—whether that’s through research, placements, or studying abroad. You’ll also study in inspiring spaces like the newly refurbished Henry Daysh Building and have access to cutting-edge software, libraries, and digital tools that make your studies feel connected to real political practice.
Here are some of the standout opportunities you’ll benefit from:
Work on real projects: In your final year, you’ll get the chance to carry out political research for real organisations such as Newcastle City Council, giving you experience that employers value.
Take a placement year: You can choose to spend 9–12 months working in a professional role. This adds a year to your degree but gives you incredible hands-on experience—and your degree title will highlight your placement year.
Study abroad: If you’re keen to explore the world, you can spend a semester or even a whole year at one of Newcastle’s partner universities in places like Europe, North America, Hong Kong, or Australia.
Learn industry tools: You’ll get practical training in data analysis and political research methods, including learning to use R software, alongside developing strong skills in both qualitative and quantitative research.
Collaborate in groups: Expect plenty of group projects, simulations, and case studies where you’ll work with classmates to solve political challenges and sharpen your communication skills.
Modern facilities: You’ll be based in the Henry Daysh Building, part of a £60 million upgrade, giving you access to modern teaching spaces, study zones, and resources.
Outstanding library support: Newcastle’s libraries are open 24/7, with thousands of digital and print resources, collaborative study rooms, and dedicated support to help you with both research and writing.
A degree in Politics and International Relations from Newcastle opens up a world of career possibilities. Many graduates move into roles such as policy advisors in the civil service, media and communications specialists, analysts in international organisations or NGOs, or public affairs consultants. What makes you stand out is the mix of analytical thinking, research skills, and confident communication you’ll develop throughout your studies.
Here’s how Newcastle supports your next steps and what past students have achieved:
Dedicated career support: The Careers Service will work closely with you, offering tailored guidance for roles in government, politics, and public affairs. You’ll benefit from CV workshops, interview practice, and events where employers—from local councils to international bodies—come to campus to meet students.
Strong graduate outcomes: Within 15 months of finishing, around 70% of graduates are in highly skilled roles, and many report average earnings of £25,000–£28,500 just a few years after graduation.
Industry connections: Newcastle graduates have gone on to work at the Houses of Parliament, HM Treasury, the Civil Service, and major consultancies, as well as charities and international organisations.
Lasting value: The critical thinking, policy analysis, and data skills you’ll gain are transferable across many sectors—whether you choose politics, media, education, business, or diplomacy.
Graduate destinations: Recent graduates have secured positions in government departments, local councils, research think tanks, and global NGOs—roles where Newcastle’s reputation carries real weight.
Further Academic Progression
If you’d like to continue your studies, Newcastle offers excellent postgraduate options. You could progress to a Master’s degree in International Relations, Public Policy, or Political Theory, or even pursue a PhD if you’re interested in an academic or research career. Many graduates also choose professional conversion routes—like law, teaching, or social research—where their political and analytical background is highly valued.
AAB. At least one A Level from a social science is preferred but not required. General Studies is accepted.34 points with three subjects at Higher level grade 5 or above.80% average in Standard XII (CBSE, CISCE, NIOS, state boards, or autonomous schools) is typically considered equivalent to AAB at A Level.AP scores 5,5,4 (or AP class grades AAB). AP Research and AP Seminar not accepted. SAT/ACT may replace one AP: SAT 650 = 4/B, 700 = 5/A; ACT 26 = 4/B, 28 = 5/A (no superscoring, submit only one test).ELTS 6.5 or equivalent with no less than 5.5 in each of the four elements of the test.TOEFL 90 overall (with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing)Medialawfinancemanagement consultancyeducationhuman resourcesmarketingbusiness and academia
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