Politics, International Studies and Global Sustainable Development BASc

At Warwick, this course is built around doing, not just listening. You won’t just study politics and sustainability in theory — you’ll actually test ideas, solve real problems, and work alongside classmates on projects that mirror the challenges faced by communities, governments, and organisations around the world. From local projects to international study abroad, you’ll have plenty of chances to put your knowledge into action.

Here’s how you’ll gain those hands-on experiences:

• Work on real projects early on: In your first year, the Global Sustainable Development Project takes you out of the textbook and into the real world, applying sustainability principles to live case studies that affect communities.

• Learn through practice, not just exams: Many of your modules are assessed through projects, case studies, policy reviews, and presentations — helping you build communication and problem-solving skills that employers really value.

• Create your own research in the final year: Your dissertation or long project lets you dive deep into a global challenge you’re passionate about, whether that’s climate policy, human rights, or food security.

• See the world from a new perspective: You’ll have the opportunity to study abroad at Monash University in Australia, experiencing sustainability and politics in a different cultural and academic setting.

• Boost your employability with certificates: Alongside your degree, you can earn additional qualifications like the Carbon Literacy Certificate or Digital Literacy Certificate, plus hands-on training in consultancy and professional communication.

• Engage with cutting-edge research: The Institute for Global Sustainable Development (IGSD) connects you to world-leading research on climate change, governance, and inequality, giving you a front-row seat to how ideas translate into action.

• Access outstanding resources: From Warwick’s state-of-the-art library to the Modern Records Centre’s rich archives of political and social history, you’ll have access to some of the best research facilities in the UK.

A degree like this opens doors to meaningful careers where you can make a real difference. Warwick graduates go on to work in roles such as policy analyst, sustainability consultant, international development officer, and advisers in government or NGOs. With your mix of political knowledge and sustainability expertise, you’ll be well-prepared to shape policies and projects that tackle today’s biggest challenges.

And Warwick makes sure you’re supported every step of the way:

• Dedicated Careers Service: From CV advice to mock interviews and networking events, Warwick’s Careers & Employability team helps you find the right internships, placements, and graduate jobs.

• Strong outcomes: Most Politics and International Studies graduates from Warwick are in work or further study within 15 months, earning an average salary of around £30,000 soon after graduation, with many progressing to £40,000+ within a few years.

• Professional recognition: Your GSD degree is accredited by the Institute for Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), giving you a credential that employers in sustainability and environmental fields value highly.

• Industry and research links: Through the Institute for Global Sustainable Development (IGSD) and Warwick’s partnerships, you’ll be connected to organisations and projects that influence real-world policy and practice.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students also choose to continue their studies after this degree. You could pursue a Master’s in areas such as International Development, Public Policy, Environmental Governance, or Political Theory, or even go on to research (MRes/PhD) with Warwick’s strong global development and politics institutes.