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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 with a Placement Year
Key details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L25P
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
14th
UEA is ranked 14th overall for research quality in Politics and International Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Are you curious about how the world works? Do you wonder how we can find a collective response to urgent global issues such as climate change, conflict and warfare, emerging technologies, global inequality, and racism? If so, then you are already on your way to thinking like an international relations student. And studying international relations with us is a sure way to gain a deeper understanding of these global issues.
Our international relations undergraduate degree will help you better understand the dynamics of a constantly changing world. You’ll explore global issues and theories, learn how to challenge, collect and analyze information, construct arguments, and communicate your ideas in different ways. This will be done through core modules providing you with theoretical and applied foundations in international studies, as well as through a large choice of optional modules helping you tailor your course to your own interests and goals. On BA International Relations with a Placement Year, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year in a placement, gaining invaluable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
At UEA, you’ll be taught by cutting-edge specialists in International Relations. You’ll develop the ability to think critically about regional, national, and international politics from Europe to the Indo-Pacific, to understand international issues such as combating climate change and the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and to interrogate structures such as the historical racial hierarchy of the modern world.
Our BA International Relations with a Placement Year course prepares you for a variety of career paths in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Your personal adviser and dedicated School career adviser work with you to help you obtain the knowledge and skills you need to pursue your passion and make a difference. We also offer opportunities to take part in study trips, internships and placements, as well as an extended period of study abroad.
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Placement Year
Are you interested in graduating with practical experience? As part of this course, you'll typically spend 9-12 months on a work placement during your third year, enabling you to acquire valuable skills and enhance your employability in a field of your choice. While you'll be required to find your own placement, you'll receive support from UEA’s Career Central Service and your School, starting as early as your first year and tailored to your specific needs.
The industry in which you complete your placement will depend on your interests, and preparatory workshops will assist you in clarifying these interests, values, and potential career paths. Graduates of international relations pursue careers in a wide range of sectors, allowing placements in areas such as heritage, business, the public sector, creative industries, and more. However, it's essential that the tasks you undertake meet the necessary learning outcomes and provide you with the opportunity to develop a diverse set of skills applicable to your final year of study and beyond.
Do you have a business idea you're passionate about? If so, you may have the option to turn your Placement Year into a ‘Year in Enterprise’. Our team will evaluate your idea, motivation, and academic record to assess your suitability. If approved, you'll receive structured support to launch your business venture, including access to training courses and mentorship.
Please note that if you're studying with us on a Student Visa, you're currently unable to pursue a Year in Enterprise due to Visa regulations.
Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- International organisations
- Political careers, such as working in Parliament
- Charities and NGOs
- Think tanks and other research careers
- Civil service
- Armed forces
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
Our degree in International Relations will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. You'll graduate with a wide range of transferable skills such as research, critical thinking, analysis, and team working.
Popular career destinations for our graduates include the civil and foreign service, local government, the charity sector, international organisations, teaching, business, and the armed forces. This course also provides a good foundation for further studies at Masters level.
We work alongside you to develop your career skills at every stage of the course. UEA Career Central offers guidance, workshops and experiences that enable students to explore possible career pathways and the realities of job progression.
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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
Contextual offer: BCC
BTEC
DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Not accepted
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) International Relations and 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(opens in a new window) applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- 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
BBB
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(opens in a new window).
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA 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(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
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:
- 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(opens in a new window) applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of 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. (opens in a new window)
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: