BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wolverhampton

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations at the University of Wolverhampton is perfect for students who are curious about how the world works and want to make sense of global politics. You’ll explore political systems, international diplomacy, and policy-making, gaining both the knowledge and practical skills to understand and influence the world around you.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in politics and international relations. Core modules like Introduction to Politics, International Relations: Theory and Practice, and Comparative Politics will help you understand how governments operate, how countries interact, and the key ideas that shape political debates.

Year 2
The second year takes your learning deeper. Modules such as Political Ideologies, Global Political Economy, and Research Methods in Politics will allow you to examine different political theories, explore how economies influence politics, and develop strong research and analytical skills.

Year 3
In your final year, you’ll tackle advanced topics and complete independent research. Modules like International Security, Political Analysis, and your Dissertation give you the chance to investigate global issues in depth, form your own insights, and present original work that showcases your expertise.

Focus Areas: Global Politics, Political Theory, International Security, Comparative Politics, Political Economy

Learning Outcomes: Critical Thinking, Research Skills, Policy Analysis, Understanding of Political Systems, Communication Skills

Professional Alignment: This degree prepares you for careers in government, NGOs, international organizations, and policy research, giving you the skills and knowledge that employers in political and international fields value.

Reputation: The University of Wolverhampton is known for supporting employable graduates who go on to make an impact in politics, international relations, and related fields.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Wolverhampton, studying Politics and International Relations isn’t just about theory — it’s about experiencing politics in action. You’ll take part in interactive discussions, hands-on tutorials, and projects that connect classroom learning to real-world political and global issues. The program also gives you the chance to apply what you learn through a sandwich placement, letting you gain real professional experience, boost your employability, and see first-hand how political ideas work in practice.

To support your learning, the university offers a wide range of facilities and opportunities, including:

Interactive Learning Spaces – Seminar rooms with multimedia tools designed for lively debates, group projects, and collaborative learning.
Research Centres – Access to centres focused on international relations, political theory, and global security for independent research projects.
Library Resources – Extensive collections of books, journals, and online resources to support all your study and research needs.
Career Services – Guidance for finding internships, placements, and future job opportunities in politics and international relations.
Guest Lectures and Seminars – Hear from experts and practitioners in the field, bringing fresh perspectives into your studies.
Study Abroad Programs – Opportunities to gain international exposure and understand politics from different cultural viewpoints.
Student Societies – Join societies that organize debates, events, and networking opportunities to enrich your university life.
Digital Tools – Software and databases for political analysis, research, and data visualization to strengthen your technical skills.

These experiences are designed to make sure you leave university not only with knowledge but with practical skills and insights that employers value.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations program leave Wolverhampton ready to make an impact in the real world. With a solid grounding in politics, international affairs, and policy analysis, alumni often move into roles in government, NGOs, international organizations, or policy research. Typical career paths include:

Policy Analyst – Helping organizations evaluate and develop policies that make a real difference.
Diplomatic Service Officer – Representing a country’s interests abroad and building international relationships.
International Development Consultant – Advising on strategies to support social and economic growth in developing regions.
Political Risk Analyst – Assessing political trends to guide business and investment decisions.

The University supports you every step of the way to ensure you’re job-ready:

Career Services – One-on-one guidance on internships, placements, and job searches to connect you with employers in politics and international relations.
Sandwich Placement Option – Gain real-world experience through a year in the field, giving you a head start in your career.
Guest Lectures and Seminars – Learn from professionals and experts while building valuable industry contacts.
Study Abroad Programs – Explore different political systems and cultures, broadening your global perspective.

Graduate Outcomes

Around 75% of social sciences graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
Average starting salary is £24,000, with growth potential to around £29,500 within five years.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you could continue your studies with postgraduate programs such as a Master’s in International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, or Global Governance. These options allow you to specialize further, deepen your expertise, and open doors to advanced research, academia, or high-level policy roles.