BSc (Hons) International Relations with Foundation

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) International Relations with Foundation Year at the University of Plymouth gives you a smart start to understanding how the world really works — from global politics and diplomacy to law, human rights, and sustainability. The foundation year is perfect if you need extra academic preparation, helping you build confidence before moving into the full degree.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year
This year helps you transition smoothly into university life. You’ll take modules like Discovering Your Inner Academic to strengthen your study and writing skills, Human Rights and Social Justice to explore how fairness and freedom shape societies, and an Individual Project where you research a topic you care about. It’s a supportive step that builds your academic foundation for the years ahead.

Year 1
You’ll dive into the big ideas and issues shaping our world. Courses like Discovering World Politics and International Relations Since 1945 uncover the forces behind wars, peace, and cooperation, while One Planet? Society and Sustainability challenges you to think about climate change and inequality. By the end of the year, you’ll understand how global decisions are made — and who holds the power.

Year 2
Now you’ll apply your knowledge to current global challenges. In Global Governance and the United Nations, you’ll learn how countries collaborate (and sometimes clash); Global Political Economy explains how politics and trade intersect; and International Security Studies explores threats, terrorism, and peacekeeping. You can also take a placement or study abroad to gain real-world international experience.

Final Year
Your final year is about taking ownership of your learning. You’ll complete a Dissertation in Politics and International Relations on a topic that matters to you — whether it’s global security, the UN, or Middle Eastern politics. Optional modules like NATO after the Cold War and The Politics of the Middle East let you specialise further. You’ll graduate ready to make a difference in international policy, diplomacy, or global affairs.

Focus Areas

Global politics, diplomacy, international security, governance, and sustainable development.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll gain the confidence to analyse world events, think critically about power and policy, and apply your insights to solve real-world international challenges.

Professional Alignment

While not tied to a specific accrediting body, this degree is shaped for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, policy analysis, global NGOs, and government. You’ll also have opportunities for internships and professional networking throughout your studies.

Reputation & Employability

The University of Plymouth holds a TEF Gold rating for teaching excellence, and graduates from this course have gone on to roles with the United Nations, UK Parliament, and global NGOs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Plymouth, studying BSc (Hons) International Relations with Foundation Year isn’t just about theory — it’s about understanding how the world works through real experiences. From the very first year, you’ll take part in projects, debates, and research that help you think and act like a policy analyst, diplomat, or global leader. You’ll also have access to inspiring academic mentors, modern study spaces, and opportunities to take your learning beyond the classroom.

Here’s how Plymouth turns your studies into hands-on learning:

Design your own research project: In your Foundation Year’s Individual Project module, you’ll explore a topic you’re passionate about while developing research, organisation, and presentation skills.
Step into a diplomat’s shoes: Join Model United Nations events and student-led political societies that let you debate global challenges and sharpen your communication and negotiation skills.
Access world-class resources: Use Plymouth’s Learning Development Centre and extensive library network filled with political science databases, journals, and multimedia resources.
Study abroad opportunities: Experience international politics firsthand by joining a semester exchange at one of the university’s partner institutions around the world.
Real-world assessments: Instead of just exams, you’ll work on policy briefs, group projects, and case studies — exactly like those used in government, NGOs, and think tanks.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in BSc (Hons) International Relations with Foundation Year from the University of Plymouth sets you up for a truly global career. Whether you dream of shaping international policy, working for the United Nations, or driving change through global NGOs, this course gives you the academic grounding and real-world skills to make an impact. Graduates often move into roles such as Foreign Service Officer, Policy Analyst, International Development Specialist, or Communications and Research Officer within global organisations.

Here’s how Plymouth helps you get there:

Career support that lasts: The university’s dedicated Careers Service provides one-to-one coaching, employability workshops, and exclusive networking events — and it’s available to you for life, even after graduation.
Strong employment outcomes: Around 90% of Plymouth graduates in politics and international relations are employed or in further study within 15 months, with an average early-career salary of around £24,000.
Real-world connections: Through partnerships with government departments, NGOs, and global think tanks, you’ll gain insights into how international policy and diplomacy work in practice.
Practical focus: From policy projects to simulation exercises, you’ll graduate with tangible skills that employers value in fields like governance, advocacy, and public affairs.
Reputation for excellence: Backed by the University of Plymouth’s TEF Gold award for teaching quality, this degree gives you a strong platform for long-term success in international careers.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, you can advance your studies with postgraduate degrees such as the MA International Relations: Global Security and Development at Plymouth or pursue specialist master’s programmes in Public Policy, International Development, Global Business, or Diplomacy — further strengthening your expertise and global career prospects.