Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of ExeterIf you’re curious about how politics really works—both in the UK and across the globe—this degree gives you the chance to dig deep into the big questions of power, justice, conflict, and change. Based at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, you’ll enjoy smaller class sizes, a close-knit academic community, and the freedom to shape your studies around the issues you’re most passionate about.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year sets the stage with the essentials: you’ll study modules like British Government & Politics, Key Concepts in Politics and International Relations, and Political Communication. At the same time, you’ll have the flexibility to choose from thought-provoking options such as Violence in World Politics, Modern Political Theory, or Power, Inequality and Global Justice, which let you start exploring your personal interests right from the beginning.
Year 2
In the second year, you’ll take on more advanced modules such as Political Analysis, Security Studies, and Political Economy—these give you the tools to evaluate global challenges with a sharper, more critical perspective. You’ll also be able to branch out into areas like Green Politics, Politics of Gender, or Comparative Politics, so you can tailor your learning towards the causes and themes that matter most to you.
Final Year
Your final year is where you really take the lead. You’ll complete a Dissertation on a topic of your choice, working closely with a supervisor to research and present your own findings. Alongside this, you’ll dive into specialist options such as Environment and Conflict in the Middle East, Party Politics, Voters & Elections in Britain, or Global Sustainability Challenges, helping you to graduate with both a deep academic grounding and a strong personal focus.
Focus Areas
“political theory · international relations · security and conflict · political economy · environment and sustainability · identity, power, and global justice”
Learning Outcomes
“develop sharp analytical skills · learn to research and argue independently · understand how international relations works in practice · build confidence in writing, debate and communication · apply political theory to real-world problems”
Professional Alignment
While the degree isn’t tied to a professional accrediting body, it is part of Exeter’s highly rated Politics and International Studies department, known for world-class research and strong links to current political debates.
Reputation
Exeter is consistently ranked among the UK’s best for politics: 14th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026) and 15th (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025). Its research in Politics and International Studies is also ranked in the UK top 10 (REF 2021)—a mark of quality that adds long-term value to your degree.
Studying Politics and International Relations at Penryn is all about learning by doing. Because the classes are smaller, you won’t just be another face in the crowd—you’ll join discussions, debates, and projects where your ideas really matter. You’ll also get plenty of opportunities to take your learning beyond the classroom, whether that’s through field visits, guest talks, or research projects that connect directly with real political and social challenges.
Here’s what makes the experience stand out:
Interactive seminars and debates where you practise presenting your arguments, sharpen your critical thinking, and build confidence.
Field trips and guest speakers that bring political issues to life and let you hear directly from experts working in the field.
Research-led teaching where your lecturers share their own current work on climate change, inequality, or identity politics, and you get the chance to explore those themes yourself.
Institute of Cornish Studies on campus, giving you hands-on access to projects about local politics, regional identity, and social change.
Environmental and Sustainability Institute (ESI), a cutting-edge research centre right at Penryn, where politics and environmental studies come together—perfect if you’re interested in green politics or global sustainability.
A close-knit learning community where staff know your name, you get tailored feedback, and there’s lots of space to collaborate with fellow students.
A degree in Politics and International Relations from Exeter opens doors to a wide variety of careers. Many graduates move into roles in government, policy, NGOs, and international organisations, while others find opportunities in media, research, or consultancy. Whatever path you choose, you’ll leave with the critical thinking, research, and communication skills that employers really value.
Here’s how Exeter supports your journey and what outcomes you can expect:
Dedicated careers support: Through Exeter’s Career Zone, you’ll get help with CVs, interviews, and applications, plus access to employer events, internships, and subject-specific career guidance in Politics & IR.
Strong graduate outcomes: Around 80% of Politics & IR graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with average salaries around £29,000.
Diverse career roles: Alumni have gone on to become Policy Analysts, Public Affairs Consultants, Research Officers, Political Caseworkers, and more.
Valuable connections: You’ll benefit from Exeter’s networks with government departments, NGOs, think tanks, and international agencies, as well as a supportive alumni community.
Respected qualification: While not tied to a formal accreditation, Exeter’s Politics & IR is well recognised nationally and internationally, backed by research that influences real policy debates.
Further Academic Progression:
If you want to take your studies further, Exeter offers a wide range of master’s and research options in fields like International Relations, Public Policy, Conflict and Security, and Political Theory. Many graduates also progress to PhD study, building on their undergraduate dissertation to launch a research career.
A-Level ABBIB 32/655Indian Curiculum minimum aggregate score of 80% (70% for the West Bengal Board Standard XII), while other regional board Standard XII exams are considered individually but usually require at least 85%.American Curriculum-AP 5,4,3, ACT 29, SAT 1340. GPA of 3.3IELTS 6.5 overall and no less than 6 in any sectionTOEFL 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, listening, readingPoliticansGovernment officialsPublic relations account executive and Member of parliament
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