Politics and International Relations with Foundation BA Honours

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Westminster

Program Overview

If you’re excited by global issues, political debates, and understanding how the world truly works, this degree gives you the perfect starting point. The Foundation year gently builds your academic confidence and critical thinking skills, and once you progress to the full BA, you’ll explore politics and international relations across local, national and global levels—right in the heart of London.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year – Building Your Academic Base

Your foundation year is designed to help you settle into university-level study while exploring themes that connect directly to politics and society. You’ll take modules like Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development, History, Memory and Belonging, Imagining Global Society and Politics, Intercultural Communication, Introduction to Academic Practice, and Rights and the Law. These subjects help you develop strong writing, analytical and communication skills, ensuring you’re fully prepared to succeed in the honours degree.

Year 1 – Understanding Political Systems and Global Issues

In your first honours year, you’ll dive into the core ideas and structures that shape political life today. Modules such as British Politics, Critical Perspectives on Global Politics, Democracy in Crisis, Dilemmas of International Development, Global Governance and Development, Introduction to International Relations, Political Ideas in Action, and The Politics of Migration introduce you to how governments operate, how global issues evolve, and how political ideas influence everyday life.

Year 2 – Deepening Your Global Perspective

Your second year takes you deeper into the realities of global change, conflict and cooperation. You’ll study modules like Democracy and Development in Asia and Africa, Geopolitics, Global Security, Governance in Europe, International Political Economy, Political Research and Practice, The Politics of Killing, and Theorising Politics and International Relations. This is where you begin to develop a more confident voice in analysing political systems, power struggles and international dynamics.

Year 3 – Shaping Your Expertise and Career Direction

Your final year lets you tailor your learning to your interests and future goals. You can choose between an academic or professional pathway and engage with modules such as American Power in a Multipolar World, Contested Sovereignty, Digital Politics, Humanitarian Intervention and International Relations, Foreign Policy and Diplomacy, Ethics, Morality and World Order(s), and The Politics of Protest. This year also includes your Dissertation or Research Report, where you explore a topic you’re passionate about with expert guidance.

Focus Areas

“Politics at local, national and global levels · political theory and practice · global governance and development · security, sovereignty and humanitarian intervention · migration, borders and non-state actors.”

Learning Outcomes

“You’ll graduate able to analyse complex political issues, communicate clearly, conduct independent research, understand global systems, and apply your knowledge to real-world challenges.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While the course doesn’t have a formal external accreditation, it offers strong professional preparation. You’ll have access to internships and industry connections—including opportunities with organisations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM)—and receive personalised career support through Westminster’s careers hub, Zone 29, which connects students with over 3,000 employers.

Reputation (Employability & Outcomes)

Graduates from this course report average salaries of around £26,000, 15 months after completing the degree.
Employment and/or further study rates are strong, at approximately 95%.
Studying in central London gives you access to government institutions, NGOs, international organisations and political centres, significantly boosting your networking and career opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the biggest strengths of studying Politics and International Relations at Westminster is that your learning extends far beyond the classroom. Because the campus is located in central London, you’ll constantly engage with real political institutions, global organisations, and cultural hubs that bring your studies to life. Whether you’re visiting Parliament, analysing current affairs through real case studies, or stepping into international policy environments through internships, you’ll graduate with practical experience that sets you apart. The programme also encourages global exposure through study-abroad and work-placement opportunities, helping you build the confidence and skills needed for a career in government, diplomacy or international development.

To give you a clear picture of what this looks like, here are the specific experiential opportunities the University of Westminster provides:

Visits to major political and cultural institutions such as the Houses of Parliament, government departments, NGOs and museums, turning London into your extended classroom.
Exclusive internship opportunities with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in locations like Geneva, Vienna, Dhaka and London—offering 3 to 9 months of real, mission-based international work experience.
Professional support through Zone 29, the university’s careers hub, where you’ll get mentoring, internship guidance, employer workshops and access to more than 3,000 organisations.
Opportunities for a study-abroad or international work year, giving you global exposure and helping you build a powerful international CV before graduation.
Access to specialist libraries, archives and the diverse networks of central London, allowing you to use real policy documents, research sources and global case studies in your work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

By the time you complete this degree, you’ll graduate with the knowledge, confidence, and global awareness needed for roles across government, NGOs, public affairs, research, and international development. Westminster students from this programme move into careers where strong analytical thinking, communication, and an understanding of global issues truly matter—roles like public affairs consultant, policy officer, NGO project coordinator, or research analyst.

What makes this pathway even stronger is the support you receive throughout your journey. Westminster blends academic learning with real-world experience, so you’re not starting from zero when you step into your career. Here’s how the university helps you build those opportunities:

Zone 29 Careers & Employability Hub connects you with over 3,000 employers, offering mentoring, personalised career coaching, workshops, internships, and networking events to strengthen your professional profile.
According to national data, an impressive 95% of graduates from this course are employed or in further study just 15 months after finishing their degree—a strong indicator of real career readiness.
The course benefits from active partnerships with global organisations, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), giving students the chance to complete internships in Geneva, Vienna, Dhaka, or London—a standout opportunity for anyone interested in global affairs or humanitarian work.
While there is no formal external accreditation, the programme is intentionally designed to help you develop valuable professional qualities—critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication—that employers consistently seek.

Further Academic Progression:

If you want to continue your studies, this degree gives you an excellent foundation for postgraduate pathways. You can advance to Master’s programmes in International Relations, Public Policy, Global Political Economy, Development Studies, Museum Studies, History, or related fields. Your dissertation and research training prepare you well for both taught Master’s programmes and future academic research.