Politics and International Relations at UEA
Find out more about studying Politics and International Relations at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (Hons) International Relations and Modern History with a Placement Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- LV2P
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Ever wondered why global politics works the way it does today? International relations scholars examine how our world functions now, while historians unravel the past to illuminate the present. Together, these complementary disciplines offer you the most complete understanding of global politics across time. On this version of the course, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year in a work placement, gaining invaluable real-world experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
Our BA International Relations and Modern History with a Placement Year is an exciting journey that takes you from the origins of our modern global system to today's breaking headlines. You'll develop skills that employers value while exploring questions that truly matter. Throughout your degree, you'll receive personalised support from your academic adviser and a dedicated career specialist who'll help you identify, and access opportunities aligned with your passions and goals.
At UEA, you'll dive into current global issues like what causes wars to break out and why economic crises spread across borders. Simultaneously, you'll develop the historical perspective needed to truly understand these challenges—seeing how today's system of separate nations evolved over more than three centuries.
You'll discover how today's pressing challenges—from climate change cooperation to growing competition between world powers and conflicts from Europe to the Indo-Pacific—all have deep historical roots that explain why they're so difficult to solve.
Taught by leading experts from two prestigious UEA Schools known for outstanding teaching and research, this course prepares you for diverse career paths. Many graduates pursue rewarding careers in politics, diplomacy, journalism, think tanks, international business, and non-profit organisations making real differences in the world.
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Placement Year
This version of the degree gives you the opportunity and support to greatly enhance your employability by securing and undertaking a 9–12 month placement in the third year of your degree. You'll be expected to source your own work placement with the support of UEA's CareerCentral Service and your School.
Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our Placement Years in Arts and Humanities page.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your degree will begin with an overview of the key questions and debates within the disciplines of International Relations and History. You’ll explore different ways of thinking about the world, as well as key issues within global politics, from war, conflict and security through to economic, environmental and social issues. You’ll learn and develop the skills of historians and international relations scholars and have the chance to think about how they relate to one another.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Throughout your degree, you’ll be taught in a range of environments from traditional lectures through to small group seminars where you’ll debate your week’s work. Our teaching is focused, interactive, and up to date with events around the world. You’ll learn crucial skills such as how to summarise and analyse information, how to develop and criticise arguments, and how to speak in public. At the same time, you’ll learn about the worlds of global politics and history.
In your first year, you’ll learn about the foundations of domestic and global politics, key concepts and topical debates. You’ll learn how to see the world from the perspectives of both international relations and history, setting you up for your second year.
Independent Learning
You’ll prepare for your weekly teaching with a series of guided tasks, such as preparing answers to seminar questions, or completing small weekly writing tasks which will help you to develop key study skills. You'll also complete longer assessments like essays, presentations and projects.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 25%
- Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
Our assessments are predominantly at the individual level, with some group assessments. These include essays and other written assessments including mini-essays and critical summaries of around 500 words, literature reviews, or reading logs.
Structure
As you progress in your degree, you'll be encouraged to specialise in your studies by taking modules that focus on more specific topics or historical periods. This will allow you to shape your expertise around your passion.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional G Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
This year, you’ll move beyond the foundations to explore different areas of history and global politics, both geographically and theoretically. You'll have more opportunities to speak in front of your peers and tutors, developing key skills.
Independent Learning
You'll write longer pieces and start to develop your own research skills and areas of interest. You’ll have the opportunity to take modules with a range of different assessments including writing policy briefs, reflective essays or literature reviews.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 25%
- Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
As you progress through your degree, you can choose from a wide range of modules with a range of assessment formats. Most of our assessment is at the individual level and is written coursework. You'll also have the opportunity to take modules involving assessment by presentation, group projects, including group presentations, and a range of new types of writing including policy briefs, reports and select committee submissions.
Structure
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying some of the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. You'll be responsible for securing the placement, supported by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. During your placement, you’ll be supported by a placement mentor, who will regularly monitor and review your progress with you, and you’ll have access to remote support from UEA, too, to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of your experience.
Assessment
You'll be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you’ve learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
You’ll become increasingly independent in your learning, taking on the challenge of writing a dissertation on a topic you’re passionate about under the expert guidance of an academic member of staff. You’ll also have the chance to kick-start your career with employability skills, taking part in an internship or additional work placement, as well as attending specifically dedicated career events.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 30)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 30)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 30)Optional G Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your final year is about specialisation: focusing on the topics that you want to explore. In writing an individual dissertation or group research project, you'll select your own topic, question and methodology, guided by one of our experts. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop other skills, such as writing policy briefings, research papers or submissions to select committees.
Independent Learning
By year four, you’ll be able to develop, research and present your own ideas on international politics. This will be achieved by writing a dissertation or research project on a topic of your choosing under the supervision of an academic expert.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 25%
- Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
You’ll test your skills and knowledge in a substantial research project which consists of writing a dissertation or group project. You'll select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert. There are also opportunities to take part in activist campaigns, write reflective essays, as well as reports and select committee submissions.
Employability
After the Course
Graduates of this course pursue diverse and impactful careers across political organisations, international institutions, charities, NGOs, think-tanks, diplomacy, civil service, and beyond. Many enter business, media, or teaching, while others continue with postgraduate studies.
Our dedicated Careers Service connects you with successful alumni through popular events like "Working in Politics and Government" and "Working in Charities and NGOs," providing real-world insights and valuable networking opportunities that help transform your academic achievements into professional success.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Political careers, such as working in Parliaments or for political parties
- International organisations
- Charities and NGOs
- Think tanks and other research careers
- Civil service
- Armed forces
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
Contextual offer: BCC
BTEC
DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3.
Contextual offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall: Merit.
Foundation Year Options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BA (Hons) Politics (with a Foundation Year)
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall.
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AABBB or above.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC or above.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: