Politics and International Studies with Chinese BA

At Warwick, this course is designed to take you far beyond the classroom. You won’t just study political theory and language from textbooks — you’ll actively practise Chinese, debate global issues in seminars, and even spend a year living and studying in China. From small group teaching to hands-on research and access to world-class resources, every part of the program is built to give you real, practical experience.

Here’s how you’ll learn by doing:

• Year Abroad in China – your third year is spent at one of Warwick’s partner universities in China, giving you full cultural and language immersion while experiencing Chinese society and politics first-hand.

• Language Labs and Support – you’ll develop your Chinese through specialist teaching in the School of Modern Languages & Cultures and Warwick’s Language Centre, with interactive classes, labs, and one-to-one practice.

• Debates and Seminars – politics isn’t just taught through lectures; you’ll take part in small-group discussions, debates, and presentations that sharpen your critical thinking and communication skills.

• Research Skills Training – you’ll gain hands-on experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, learning to use political science tools to analyse data, case studies, and real-world issues.

• World-class Libraries and Digital Resources – Warwick gives you access to extensive political science, East Asian studies, and international relations collections, plus a huge range of online journals and databases to support your projects and dissertation.

Graduates from this course leave Warwick with a rare combination of political knowledge and advanced Chinese skills — something highly valued by employers worldwide. Many go on to careers as policy analysts, diplomats, researchers in think-tanks, or take up roles in international business and NGOs where an understanding of China and global politics is essential.

And the benefits don’t stop there:

• Dedicated Careers Support – Warwick’s Careers Service runs tailored guidance for politics students, connecting you with internships, networking events, and employers in government, public policy, and international organisations.

• Strong Graduate Outcomes – Around 82% of Politics & International Studies graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months. The average salary sits at about £30,000, showing the market value of this degree.

• Year Abroad Advantage – Spending a year in China gives you unique cultural insight and language immersion, helping you stand out in sectors that demand cross-cultural fluency.

• Transferable Skills – From critical analysis to research, communication, and intercultural competence, you’ll develop abilities that employers consistently look for across industries.

Further Academic Progression:

Many students also continue their studies after graduation, moving on to master’s degrees in International Relations, East Asian Politics, or Security Studies. Others pursue postgraduate research or even PhDs, setting themselves up for careers in academia, policy advising, or specialist consultancy.