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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of ExeterIf you’re fascinated by how politics shapes our lives and how countries interact on the world stage, Exeter’s BSc in Politics and International Relations is designed for you. The degree combines fresh thinking on global issues with practical research and data skills, giving you the tools to understand power, policy, and change in today’s world.
Curriculum structure
Year 1
Your first year gives you the essentials: you’ll build your critical thinking through modules like Globalisation of World Politics and Power and Democracy, while also developing practical skills with Introduction to Social Data and Data Analysis in Social Science 1. Optional topics, such as Politics in Europe or International Politics of the Global South, allow you to explore the areas that excite you most from the start.
Year 2
By your second year, you’ll step up to more advanced study. Modules like Research Design in the Social Sciences and Data Analysis in Social Science 2 help you get confident with the tools that professionals use to understand politics. Alongside this, you’ll choose from fascinating areas such as Security Studies, Political Philosophy, or The Politics of the World Economy, so you can begin tailoring your degree to match your career interests.
Final year
In your final year, you bring everything together. You’ll complete a dissertation where you dive into a topic you’re passionate about, backed by strong data analysis. Alongside that, you can take advanced options like War in the 21st Century, Political Psychology, or Environmental Policy in Times of Crisis. It’s your chance to really specialise, preparing you for the kind of role or postgraduate path you want to take.
Focus areas (in a string):
“Political theory and philosophy, international relations, comparative politics, public policy, security and conflict, political economy, data-driven research”
Learning outcomes (in a string):
“Develop the ability to evaluate political ideas and global challenges critically, apply both qualitative and quantitative research methods, interpret real-world data, and communicate arguments with clarity and confidence”
Professional alignment (accreditation):
Although this course doesn’t carry a specific professional accreditation, it’s closely aligned with careers in government, NGOs, policy-making, diplomacy, international organisations, and research—ensuring your skills are directly relevant to employers.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Exeter is consistently ranked among the UK’s best universities for Politics—14th in The Complete University Guide 2026 and 15th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. The subject is also placed among the top 100 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings, so you’ll graduate with a degree recognised and respected across the globe.
At Exeter, your degree goes far beyond lectures—you’ll be putting theory into practice from the very beginning. Whether it’s handling real political data, working on group research projects, or gaining professional experience through placements, the course is designed to help you build the skills employers look for. You’ll also benefit from the University’s specialist Q-Step training, which gives you hands-on experience with data analysis and computational tools that set you apart in the job market.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Work placements and internships – opportunities to gain experience in think tanks, NGOs, or government agencies, with dedicated support to help you secure relevant roles.
Q-Step training – specialist workshops in social data analysis, where you’ll learn to use statistical software and computational tools on real-world datasets.
Group projects – collaborative assignments that mirror professional teamwork, often focused on current political challenges and real case studies.
Research opportunities – access to the Centre for Computational Social Science, where you can engage with cutting-edge political research and see how academics tackle global issues.
Year abroad or placement year – the option to spend a year working in industry or studying overseas, giving you international experience and networks before you graduate.
Facilities and resources – full access to Exeter’s extensive library collections, digital archives, and online Q-Step resources designed to support your data and research skills.
Graduating with a Politics and International Relations degree from Exeter sets you up for an exciting range of careers. Many students move into roles where they influence decision-making, shape policies, or manage communication for high-profile organisations. Popular career paths include becoming a civil servant, political researcher, management consultant, or communications officer with NGOs, think tanks, or international agencies.
And the great news is: Exeter doesn’t just leave you to figure it out on your own — the university actively supports you to step into these opportunities:
Career Zone support – access tailored workshops, employer events, recruitment fairs, and one-to-one career guidance to sharpen your applications and meet recruiters.
Special employability awards – the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award help you build skills through volunteering, internships, and training so your CV stands out.
Study Abroad & Employment Experience options – take part in a placement or spend a year overseas to add international experience and professional connections.
Research-linked learning – get involved with initiatives like the Centre for Computational Social Science, where cutting-edge data analysis meets real-world politics.
Strong graduate outcomes – alumni have gone on to work with organisations such as Accenture, the NHS, Barclays, and in government and communications roles.
Employers value Exeter’s Politics graduates for their analytical training, global outlook, and strong research skills. Starting salaries in this field are often in the £28,000–£35,000 range, with plenty of room to progress as you gain experience.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, Exeter graduates are well-placed to progress into a wide variety of master’s degrees — from Public Policy and Global Governance to Security Studies or International Relations. Many also choose research pathways such as an MRes or PhD, while others combine their political training with professional qualifications in areas like data analytics or public administration.
A-Level AABIB 32/655Indian board minimum aggregate score of 80% (70% for the West Bengal Board Standard XII), while other regional board Standard XII exams are considered individually but typically require at least 85%.American Curriculum AP 5,4,3. ACT 30, SAT 1370. GPA of 3.3IELTS 6.5 overall and no less than 6 in any sectionTOEFL 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, listening, reading and speakingPoliticansGovernment officialsPublic relations account executive and Member of parliament
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