BSc Politics and International Relations

At Exeter, studying Politics and International Relations means you’ll get far more than just lectures and textbooks. From your first year, you’ll be applying what you learn in real-world settings, using specialist tools, and even stepping into professional roles. The programme is designed so that by the time you graduate, you’ll have hands-on experience in research, data analysis, and workplace environments—skills that employers and international organisations actively look for.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• In your final year, you’ll carry out a Quantitative Dissertation—an independent research project where you tackle a real political or global question using professional data analysis tools.

• Throughout the degree you’ll study modules like Introduction to Social Data and Data Analysis in Social Science, which give you the chance to work directly with datasets, run surveys, and interpret results like a social scientist.

• You can take a Work Experience module in your second year, where the university helps you secure placements or internships so you can test your skills in real political, policy, or NGO settings.

• Exeter’s internship schemes (SBP, SCP, A2I) open doors to paid roles both on campus and with external organisations, giving you the chance to build your CV while you study.

• Small-group seminars and group projects mean you won’t just sit exams—you’ll debate ideas, simulate negotiations, and collaborate on policy reports with classmates.

• You also have the option of a year abroad or an employment experience year, so you can gain international exposure or longer work-based learning.

A degree in Politics and International Relations from Exeter opens doors to exciting global careers. You’ll graduate with strong research, data, and communication skills that make you stand out to employers. Many alumni step into roles such as policy advisor, foreign affairs analyst, diplomat, political consultant, or work with international NGOs and media organisations.

Here’s how Exeter supports your journey:

• The Career Zone gives you one-to-one career guidance, CV workshops, and access to exclusive internships and employer networks.

• 15 months after graduating, Politics and IR students report an average salary of around £29,000, with roughly 80% in work or further study.

• You can build experience through Exeter’s Work Experience module and internship schemes, plus the option of a year in industry or study abroad.

• Exeter’s reputation and focus on quantitative research skills mean graduates often earn above the national average in the years after graduation.

• Strong graduate outcomes: many secure skilled roles in government, NGOs, consultancy, or go on to further postgraduate study.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you can progress to master’s degrees in areas like International Relations, Political Theory, Public Policy, or Global Governance. Many also pursue research at MPhil or PhD level, or add professional training in data science, diplomacy, or international development to strengthen their career path even further.