BA 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. 

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. 

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. 

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: 

• 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