Integrated Master in Politics: Politics and International Relations (Including Year Abroad)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Essex

Program Overview

If you’re the kind of student who questions how governments make decisions, why countries go to war, or how global issues like climate change and migration are handled, this course is built for you. The Integrated Master’s in Politics and International Relations lets you study politics in-depth from your very first year and seamlessly progress to master 's-level study—without needing a separate application.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Political Foundations

You start by exploring the big ideas that shape political life and international affairs. Core modules like Introduction to Politics, Introduction to International Relations, and Contemporary Debates in World Politics help you understand power, states, and global issues such as war, poverty, and democracy. This year is all about discovering how the world really works.

Year 2 – Theory meets Real-World Issues

In the second year, you go deeper into political thought and international relations theory. You’ll study modules such as International Relations: Theories and Approaches and Conflict Analysis, where you discuss how wars begin, why peace sometimes fails, and how international organisations like the UN operate. You also get more flexibility to choose topics that interest you.

Year 3 – Study Abroad or Placement Year

This is your chance to take your learning beyond the classroom. You can either spend a year studying at a partner university abroad or take up a work placement in a political, diplomatic, NGO, or policy-setting space. It’s a chance to experience politics firsthand—living in another country or working within real political institutions.

Year 4 (Master’s Level) – Advanced Research and Specialisation

You return to Essex to study master s-level topics, take advanced seminars, and complete a major research project or dissertation on a political issue you care about—whether it’s European diplomacy, climate politics, elections, human rights, or global security. This year prepares you for careers in government, international organisations, research, policy-making, or further academic study.

Focus Areas (string)

Political theory, conflict and peace studies, diplomacy & international organisations, political communication & media, human rights & global justice, democracy & elections, development and global inequality.

Learning Outcomes (string)

Critical understanding of political and international systems; ability to analyse conflicts, policy decisions, and international relations; strong research and debate skills; ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world political challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is taught by the University of Essex’s Department of Government—one of the most respected political science departments in the UK. While there is no formal accreditation body in this field, the department has global recognition and strong industry and policy links.

Reputation & Employability

Essex is Top 10 in the UK for Politics and International Studies (REF 2021 research rankings).
Their politics graduates go into roles in government, embassies, international NGOs, policy think tanks, journalism, diplomacy, and more.
The department has been ranked No.1 in the UK for research excellence in Politics for several national assessments.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This isn’t a course where you just sit in lectures and take notes. At Essex, you’ll be actively debating, analysing real political data, using specialist research tools, and even testing political behaviour in live experiments. You’ll learn in environments that replicate real-world decision-making — from political simulations to research labs, placements, and a full year abroad if you choose.

And because this is an integrated master’s, your final year focuses on advanced research and professional skills — meaning you graduate one step ahead, with both Bachelor's and Master’s-level training.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience:

You’ll work with real tools, real institutions, and real-world problems:

Political Research Labs (ESSEXLab): A dedicated experimental lab where students and academics run live political behaviour and decision-making studies using participants — just like professional researchers.
Specialist Computer Labs & Data Software: Access to networked computing suites equipped with software for political data analysis, election modelling, surveys and statistical research (used in modules like research design and quantitative politics).
Group Simulations & Debates: Take part in Model United Nations, diplomatic role-play, crisis simulations, cabinet decision-making exercises, and policy negotiations with classmates.
Year Abroad or Placement Year: Spend your third year at a partner university overseas or work within a government office, NGO, think tank, or political organisation — supported by the university’s dedicated Placements Team.
Student-Led Political Societies: Join the Politics Society, Model UN, Debate Club or become part of the Essex Politics Blog and write/comment on global issues.
Research with Academics: Essex is ranked among the UK's top departments for Politics research — you’ll have opportunities to assist in real academic projects or produce a master’s-level dissertation using advanced research methods.
Digital Learning & Archives: Access tools like the UK Data Archive (based at Essex), British Parliamentary Papers, election data, geopolitics databases and the Albert Sloman Library’s extensive political resources.

Facilities You Will Use:

ESSEXLab (experimental political science lab)
Networked political data labs and specialist software
Albert Sloman Library – political archives, journals, international treaties, Hansard records
UK Data Archive (Europe’s largest repository of social and political data)
Student media spaces: Rebel newspaper, Rebel Radio & TV
Employability & Careers Centre for placements and internships

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this integrated master’s don’t just leave with a degree — they walk away with both bachelor’s and master’s-level training, international experience, and real research skills that employers genuinely value. Essex politics graduates go on to work in government departments, international organisations, NGOs, political consultancy, and research firms. Typical roles include:

Policy Analyst or Civil Service Officer
Diplomatic or International Relations Officer
Political Consultant / Campaign Manager
Researcher for think tanks, NGOs, or media organisations

What makes this degree stand out is how well it prepares you for work beyond university — and here’s the proof:

Career Support from Day One: The Employability & Careers Centre helps you refine your CV, prepare for interviews, connect with employers, and access internships — all with tailored support specifically for politics and international relations students.
Strong Graduate Success Rates: According to the UK’s Graduate Outcomes data, 100% of Essex politics students were in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, with average early-career earnings around £26,500.
Real Links to Government and Global Organisations: Students often progress into roles in the UK Civil Service, United Nations-related bodies, non-profits like Amnesty International, market research firms, and political media platforms.
Reputation That Travels With You: Essex is consistently ranked among the top 10 in the UK for politics and international relations research, which means your degree carries academic and professional weight — especially for roles that require analytical thinking and policy expertise.
Long-term earning potential: Politics graduates from Essex typically earn £32,000–£33,000 five years after graduation (DiscoverUni data).

Further Academic Progression:

If you choose to stay in academia, this course sets you up perfectly. Because it's an integrated master’s, your final year already trains you at postgraduate level — meaning you’re well-prepared to go on to:

MA or MSc programmes such as International Relations, Political Economy, Diplomacy, Human Rights or Conflict Resolution
PhD / Doctoral Research in political science, global affairs, public policy or related fields
Competitive academic scholarships and research centres like the Essex Politics Department, Human Rights Centre, or the UK Data Archive (based on campus)