BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics with a Placement Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of East Anglia

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics with a Placement Year at UEA is your gateway to understanding the forces that shape our world, from global power dynamics to political systems and policies. This degree is perfect for anyone passionate about international affairs and eager to make a difference, offering you the chance to not only study political theory but also gain hands-on experience in the field.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Building Your Foundation
In your first year, you'll dive into the core principles of political theory and global politics. This is all about laying the groundwork and understanding how the political world works. You’ll take modules like:

  • Rights & Wrongs: An Introduction to Social and Political Theory – Get to grips with the key ideas that influence politics today.

  • Understanding Politics Today: Approaches, Issues, and Case Studies – Understand contemporary issues and how to approach political problems.

  • Power, (Dis)Order & Security: Understanding Global Politics 1 – Explore global conflicts and power structures that shape world events.

Year 2: Deepen Your Knowledge and Skills
The second year is where things start to get really interesting! You’ll begin to specialize, tackling more complex topics, and build your analytical skills with modules like:

  • Worldbuilding: International Systems Throughout History – Learn about the historical evolution of international systems and their impact.

  • Globalisation, Governance, and Justice: Understanding Global Politics 2 – Investigate how globalization affects justice and governance worldwide.

And of course, you’ll have the chance to choose optional modules that cater to your interests, allowing you to shape your degree the way you want.

Year 3: The Placement Year – Gain Real-World Experience
The third year is your opportunity to gain real-world experience. You’ll complete a 9–12 month placement with a relevant organization, putting your skills into practice while gaining invaluable insights into the political and international sectors. UEA’s CareerCentral Service will support you throughout the process, ensuring you land a placement that aligns with your goals.

Year 4: Research and Specialization
Your final year is all about advanced topics in international relations and politics. You’ll explore cutting-edge theories and engage in independent research, with the opportunity to work on a project that’s all your own, combining everything you’ve learned so far.


Focus Areas:

You’ll have the chance to specialize in areas such as:

  • International Security and Conflict

  • Global Governance and Justice

  • Political Theory and Ideologies

  • Environmental Politics and Policy

  • Human Rights and Development


Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the degree, you’ll have developed:

  • Strong critical thinking and analytical skills

  • Advanced research and writing abilities

  • A deep understanding of political systems

  • The ability to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively


Professional Alignment:

The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), which means the content is designed to align with industry standards and boost your employability in public relations and related fields.


Reputation:

UEA is consistently ranked among the best in the UK for Politics and International Relations, thanks to its commitment to research excellence and student satisfaction. You'll be studying at a university with a strong reputation that supports your future career.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics with a Placement Year at UEA is designed to provide students with practical experiences that complement their academic studies. The program emphasizes real-world applications, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for careers in global politics, diplomacy, and international organizations.

Throughout the course, students engage in various activities that enhance their understanding and skills, including internships, study abroad opportunities, and collaborative projects. These experiences are integrated into the curriculum, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.

In addition to academic learning, UEA offers a range of facilities and resources to support experiential learning:

  • Parliamentary Studies Module: Provides students with firsthand experience of how legislative and political institutions work, including discussions with Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff.

  • Activist Campaigning Module: Allows students to collaborate with community organizations to develop campaigns addressing issues such as climate change, tax avoidance, and gender inequality.

  • Study Abroad Program: Offers students the opportunity to spend a semester at one of UEA's partner universities worldwide, enhancing their global perspective and cross-cultural understanding.

  • Internships with International Organizations: Enables students to gain practical experience by working with NGOs, think tanks, and governmental bodies, applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.

  • War Game Simulations: Engages students in simulation exercises that mimic international diplomatic negotiations, honing decision-making and strategic skills.

  • Research Projects with Policy Institutes: Collaborates with institutes like the Electoral Integrity Project, contributing to research used by global organizations such as the UN and EU.

These experiential learning opportunities are integral to the program, ensuring that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the practical skills necessary for successful careers in international relations and politics.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics with a Placement Year at UEA opens up a world of exciting career opportunities. Thanks to a solid academic foundation and the invaluable real-world experience gained during the placement year, you’ll be ready to jump straight into meaningful roles in global politics, diplomacy, policy-making, and more.

Here are just a few career paths you could pursue:

  • Diplomatic Service Officer: Represent your country abroad, engage in international negotiations, and help shape global policy.

  • Policy Analyst: Dive deep into researching and analyzing political systems and policies, contributing to decision-making processes that affect governments or global organizations.

  • International Development Specialist: Work on projects that improve the social and economic conditions of developing countries, helping to create lasting change.

  • Political Risk Consultant: Assess political climates around the world and advise businesses and governments on potential risks and opportunities.


Support & Industry Connections at UEA

UEA is dedicated to ensuring you’re fully supported on your journey to success. Here’s how the university helps you make the most of your studies and secure a bright future:

  • CareerCentral: UEA’s career support service offers personalized advice, job workshops, and networking events to help you find your ideal career path.

  • The Placement Year: The opportunity to complete a 9–12 month placement in the third year gives you hands-on experience and helps you build valuable connections in the industry.

  • Global Partnerships: UEA’s strong ties with international organizations mean there are plenty of opportunities to intern or work on collaborative projects worldwide.


Graduate Outcomes

UEA students have an impressive track record when it comes to securing jobs or further study. Here are a couple of key stats:

  • 81% of graduates are employed or furthering their studies within 15 months of completing their degree.

  • 90% of UEA’s research in Politics and International Studies is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, ensuring you receive top-quality education.

These figures show that UEA graduates are highly sought after in the job market and well-prepared for success.


Further Academic Progression:

After completing the program, you have several exciting options for continuing your academic journey:

  • Master's Degrees: Specialize further in areas such as International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, or International Development.

  • Postgraduate Research: If research is your passion, you could go on to pursue an MPhil or PhD and contribute to the academic field.

  • Professional Qualifications: You might also decide to pursue professional certifications in fields like diplomacy, international law, or public administration.

Program Key Stats

£23,100
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


79 %

Eligibility Criteria

BBB
3.3
32
70

NA
NA
6.0
79

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Diplomatic Service Officer
  • Policy Officer
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • International Aid/Development Worker
  • Political Risk Analyst
  • Public Affairs Consultant
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Government Social Research Officer

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