Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of East London

Program Overview

If you’re someone who likes to question the world — why governments make certain decisions, how global conflicts unfold, or what drives international cooperation — this degree at UEL gives you the perfect space to explore those questions. You’ll study politics and international relations through real issues, real debates and real opportunities to understand how global change actually happens.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Level 4)

Your first year gently introduces you to the core ideas that shape political life today. Through modules like Politics, International Relations, Public Policy, Global Political Economy and The Mess We Are In (And How We Got Here), you’ll explore how societies are built, how power is distributed, and how global challenges like inequality and conflict have developed over time. It’s a year designed to spark curiosity and help you find your own voice in political discussions.

Year 2 (Level 5)

By second year, you’ll start diving deeper into global questions. In modules such as Global Governance, Great Power Politics, Space, Bodies and Power, and Research Methods, you explore how countries negotiate, how major powers influence the world, and how policies are shaped. With optional modules like Forced Migration and Environmental Justice, you get the freedom to focus on the issues you care about most.

Year 3 (Level 6)

Your final year is all about applying what you’ve learned. You’ll complete an Applied Research Project, choosing a topic you genuinely care about — from European politics to gender and power to conflict and development. With modules like Gender, Power and Politics, European Politics, and options such as African Politics, you graduate not only with knowledge but with real expertise and a clearer sense of the career path you want to follow.

Focus areas:

Global politics · international relations · public policy · social justice · migration & development

Learning outcomes:

You’ll graduate with strong analytical skills, confidence in researching and presenting complex ideas, and a solid understanding of how global issues connect — preparing you for real careers where political insight truly matters.

Professional alignment:

The degree is built with real-world political, policy and NGO environments in mind, giving you the academic foundation and practical awareness needed for careers in diplomacy, public affairs, human rights, and international agencies.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

UEL’s Politics & International Relations course ranks 6th in the UK and 3rd in London (Guardian 2025) — a strong indicator that students feel supported and well-prepared for their futures.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the things students love most about studying Politics & International Relations at UEL is how hands-on the experience feels. You’re not just learning about political systems — you’re stepping into them, visiting real institutions, working on real issues and using modern tools that help you think, debate and research like a professional. From group simulations to field trips across London, the course is designed to make every week feel relevant and connected to the world around you.

And to help you picture what this looks like day-to-day, here are some of the real experiences built into the degree:

Field trips and external visits embedded in modules, giving you first-hand exposure to political institutions, global governance spaces and on-the-ground policy work.
Collaborative group projects and role-play simulations, where you act as negotiators, analysts or policymakers — building confidence in teamwork, leadership and communication.
Access to UEL’s 24/7 Docklands Library, digital research databases, study zones and tech-enabled classrooms, letting you work in a modern, flexible learning environment.
Guest lectures, workshops and live research activities that connect you with practitioners in politics, public policy, NGOs and international affairs.
A vibrant campus experience across Docklands and Stratford, surrounded by London’s global political and cultural hubs — making every learning moment feel close to real life.

Progression & Future Opportunities

When you finish this degree, you’ll step into the world with a strong understanding of global issues and the confidence to turn that knowledge into impact. Many graduates move into roles such as Policy Analyst, Advocacy & Campaigns Coordinator, Research & Insights Officer, or Public Affairs Assistant, applying what they learned to real challenges in government, NGOs, and international organisations. Because the course blends academic study with real-world learning, you’ll graduate feeling equipped, supported and ready for the next step.

To help you transition smoothly from university to your career, UEL offers several key advantages:

Dedicated Careers & Employability support, including one-to-one coaching, CV guidance, interview preparation and access to internships with public-sector and NGO partners.
Strong graduate outcomes, with many students progressing into skilled work or further study within 15 months of graduating.
Employer partnerships across London, giving you opportunities to connect with policy agencies, advocacy groups, local authorities and international organisations.
A future-focused curriculum that carries long-term value, supported by UEL’s growing national reputation and strong performance in subject rankings.
Real stories of graduates who have moved into meaningful roles in government, humanitarian organisations, political research and non-profit leadership.

Further Academic Progression:

If you decide to continue your studies, this degree prepares you well for Master’s programmes in International Relations, Global Governance, Public Policy, Human Rights, Development Studies, or related fields — helping you build deeper expertise and open doors to academic or diplomatic career pathways.