BA Hons Politics and International Relations

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Greenwich

Program Overview

This degree is perfect if you’re curious about how governments work, why countries behave the way they do, and how global issues shape everyday life. At Greenwich, you’ll study politics from multiple angles — international relations, culture, global challenges, security — while also having the option to learn a language and build skills that are genuinely valued in public service, diplomacy, and global careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces you to the foundations of political life. You’ll explore how political systems operate through core modules like Introduction to Politics and International Relations and Comparative Politics, which help you understand power, leadership, and decision-making across different countries. You’ll also take Europe without Borders: Cultures in Contact, a module that connects politics with culture and society, helping you see how identities and ideas influence global relationships.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll start thinking more critically and engaging with deeper political questions. Modules such as Liberalism: Freedom & Toleration and Approaches to Development push you to examine global inequality, democracy, justice, and the philosophies that underpin political action. You’ll have the flexibility to continue language study or choose optional modules that broaden your global perspective.

Year 3 (Final Year)

Your final year focuses on applying political theory to real-world events. You’ll study modules like International Relations and International Security, where you analyse global conflict, security issues, and the behaviour of international actors. You also have the opportunity to take a work placement in regional or local political settings, giving you hands-on experience and a direct link between your studies and future career paths.

Focus areas:

International relations, comparative politics, global issues, political theory, language & culture.

Learning outcomes:

You’ll graduate able to analyse global events, understand political systems, communicate across cultures, build strong arguments, and apply political knowledge in practical settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

While not tied to a specific professional body, the programme aligns strongly with careers in government, public service, international organisations, NGOs, policy research, journalism, and global communications.

Reputation (employability rankings):

The University of Greenwich is rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), recognising the strength of its teaching quality and graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What makes this degree exciting is how much of your learning happens through real experiences. At Greenwich, you won’t just study political theory — you’ll debate live global issues, work on real case studies, learn from experts who analyse current events, and even have the chance to take a work placement in a political or public-sector environment. The programme is designed to help you build confidence, practical skills and professional awareness long before you graduate.

Here’s how your learning comes to life throughout the degree:

Work placement or sandwich year option, giving you the chance to work in local or regional politics, public service, or even within London-based political organisations and interest groups.
Interactive modules like International Relations and International Security, where you analyse real conflicts, participate in group discussions, and build case-based projects.
Support from the Careers & Employability Service, offering CV help, internship guidance, networking support and employer events tailored to politics students.
Access to excellent library and digital learning facilities, consistently rated highly by students for political research, essay writing and accessing global political sources.
Small-group seminars and debates that encourage you to present arguments, collaborate with peers and develop the communication skills employers look for.

Progression & Future Opportunities

This degree gives you the kind of global awareness and analytical confidence that employers genuinely look for. Greenwich graduates go on to shape policy, support political leaders, work with international organisations and contribute to communities at both local and global levels. Many step into roles such as policy analyst, diplomatic services officer, parliamentary assistant, or project coordinator in international NGOs.

And the university does a great job of helping you get there:

The Careers & Employability Service offers personalised support — from CV guidance and interview prep to connecting you with internships and employer events relevant to politics and public service.
Salary data shows strong early career progression, with graduates earning around £25,500 within a few years of completing the degree.
You have the opportunity to take a work placement in your final year, often with local government teams, London-based interest groups, or political offices — giving you valuable real-world experience.
The long-term value of the programme comes from its combination of political insight, research skills and global perspective — qualities that stay relevant throughout your career, whether you work in government, NGOs, communications, or consultancy.
Many graduates move into public service, teaching, local and central government, and roles in information and communications, showing strong and diverse career outcomes.

Further Academic Progression:

If you choose to continue your studies, this degree provides an excellent foundation for master’s programmes in International Relations, Public Policy, Diplomacy, Global Development, Political Communication or related areas — helping you specialise and advance into more senior or research-focused roles.