BA (Hons) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND POLITICS
BA (HONS) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND POLITICS
It’s almost impossible to separate a single country’s politics from the interconnected world of international relations. So many of the world’s big issues – from economic crises, to terrorism, to climate change, to transnational crime – are problems for domestic governments and for the international community alike. In this course you’ll explore the close links between domestic and international politics. You’ll be encouraged to think about who has power in the world today, and how to understand, explain and critique national and international events and processes.
You’ll have the chance to be taught by leading experts in the field. In the most recent Times Higher Education REF Analysis (2021), UEA was ranked 14th overall for research quality in Politics and International Studies.
About
On your BA International Relations and Politics degree you will engage with the key issues and debates in politics and international relations. Among others, these include: the rise and fall of powerful countries such as the United States, China, Russia or India; the causes and significance of different types of conflict; and the role of the media in shaping domestic politics and foreign policy.
But International Relations and Politics is not only about issues – it’s also about ideas. What role do norms or values such as human rights or gender equality play in domestic and global politics? Do our moral responsibilities extend beyond the borders of the country into which we happened to be born? Why should you vote – or fight, or protest, or campaign? And what should you vote, fight, protest or campaign for: freedom, equality, justice, democracy?
This course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and study skills to gain a sophisticated understanding of the interconnection between domestic and international politics. You’ll be taught by academic staff who are active in research and experts in their field.
During the course you’ll have the opportunity to take part in study trips, internships and placements in the UK and Europe. You’ll also have the option of a semester abroad in your second year.

We’re 14th for research quality!
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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll have the option of applying to study abroad at one of UEA’s partner universities for one semester of your second year.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.

We’re 14th for research quality!
After the Course
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills for a range of careers. These might include working for different political organisations such as international agencies, parliaments or political parties. You could work with charities, non-government organisations (NGOs), think-tanks, universities or other research organisations, or even with bodies like the civil or diplomatic service or armed forces. You could also go into business, marketing, media, or teaching. Alternatively you could continue your studies with a postgraduate degree.
To help you make the transition from student to working life, our Careers Service organises a range of popular events, such as Working in Politics and Government, Working in Charities and NGOs, and Working in Westminster and Whitehall. Here you’ll have the chance to make valuable contacts and get advice and insights from successful UEA alumni.
Career destinations
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Political careers, such as working in Parliaments or for political parties
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International organisations
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Charities and NGOs
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Think tanks and other research careers
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Civil Service
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Armed forces

We’re 14th for research quality!
Assessment for Year 1
Our assessments are predominantly at the individual level, with some group assessment. These include essays and other written assessment including mini-essays and critical summaries of around 500 words, literature reviews or reading logs.
Assessment for Year 2
As you progress through your degree, you can choose from a wide range of modules with a range of assessment formats. The majority of our assessment is at the individual level and is written coursework. Students will 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.
Assessment for Year 3
You will have the opportunity to write a dissertation of 8-9000 words. You will select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert.
The Course Director can support up to 40 credits off profile over the course of your degree. Students who wish to take Language modules cannot take more than 40 credits of languages across their degree without seeking approval from the Course Director.
Assessment for Year 1
Our assessments are predominantly at the individual level, with some group assessment. These include essays and other written assessment including mini-essays and critical summaries of around 500 words, literature reviews or reading logs.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.The Course Director can support up to 40 credits off profile over the course of your degree. Students who wish to take Language modules cannot take more than 40 credits of languages across their degree without seeking approval from the Course Director.
Assessment for Year 2
As you progress through your degree, you can choose from a wide range of modules with a range of assessment formats. The majority of our assessment is at the individual level and is written coursework. Students will 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.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.The Course Director can support up to 40 credits off profile over the course of your degree.
Assessment for Year 3
You will have the opportunity to write a dissertation of 8-9000 words. You will select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
BBB or ABC or BBC with an A in the Extended ProjectT Levels
No acceptable pathways for 2022 entry.BTEC
DDM. Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business AdministrationScottish highers
AABBBScottish highers advanced
CCCIrish leaving certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3Access course
Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway preferred. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3European Baccalaureate
70%International Baccalaureate
31 pointsAdditional entry requirements
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 Politics (with a Foundation Year).
INTO UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA
If you do not meet the academic and or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed 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:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture
International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Alternative Entry Requirements
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your 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.
Students for whom english is a 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) for year 1 entry
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Gap year
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.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

We’re 14th for research quality!
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
See our Tuition Fees page for further information.
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.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
View our information about Additional Course Fees.

We’re 14th for research quality!

We’re 14th for research quality!

We’re 14th for research quality!
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