BA (Hons) International Relations with a Placement Year
Course
options
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 2026
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Why you should choose us
14th
UEA is ranked 14th overall for research quality Politics and International Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Our BA International Relations with a Placement Year degree immerses you in the dynamic world of global politics, where nations, organisations, and individuals shape our collective future. International Relations explores how countries interact, how power flows across borders, and how complex issues like climate change and security are addressed on the world stage.
Join a community where rigorous thinking meets real-world application. Our graduates don't just understand international relations—they actively shape it. Working alongside academics who actively shape international policy, you'll develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills. You'll analyse global power structures, explore how diplomatic relationships form and fracture, and examine the role of institutions from the UN to emerging regional powers in addressing worldwide challenges.
Take a climate change module, and you'll analyse real COP negotiations while developing policy papers alongside UN-experienced specialists. Study emerging technologies, and you'll engage with both theories of digital governance and their application to AI and cybersecurity today. We’re always aiming to connect your academic learning to possible career paths that you might pursue.
Gain hands-on experience through our internship program with international organisations, test diplomatic theories in simulation exercises, or spend time abroad to experience different political systems firsthand. Join study trips to institutions like the EU, and build networks through our speaker series featuring diplomats, NGO leaders, and policymakers. 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.
Our graduates thrive across diverse fields—from diplomatic service and international journalism to global business, humanitarian work, and technology governance. You'll develop crucial skills in analysis, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication that are invaluable in today's interconnected world.
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 learning will be progressive. In the first year of your International Relations degree, you’ll build a solid foundation through core modules introducing you to the study of global politics. You'll discover the core theoretical approaches to the dynamics of global politics and look at different international systems across history. You’ll also learn key concepts including sovereignty, the balance of power, international law, security, and globalization. You'll also begin to integrate modules of your choice, such as political communication.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)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
From your first year with us, you'll be taught in a range of environments. These cover traditional lectures through to small-group seminars where you and your peers can discuss, and debate topics covered in the module.
During this year, you’ll learn about the foundations of global politics, key concepts and topical debates, 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, helping 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. These include essays and other written assessments including mini-essays, portfolios, short critical summaries, and reading logs.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll develop analytical skills. You’ll cover the foundations of international relations theory and be introduced to the ways in which people interpret the world from various perspectives – liberalism, realism, constructivism, postcolonialism, gender studies, environmentalism, and so on. You’ll also acquire essential research methods skills, such as conducting interviews or running and analysing a survey. As you progress in your degree, you'll be encouraged to specialise in your studies by taking modules that focus on more specific topics, such as gender and power, global political economy, international security, or regions of the world, such as the United States or the Middle East. This allows you to help shape your expertise around topics about which you’re most interested. You’ll also have the occasion to study abroad in the spring semester of this year.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, 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)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
The second year moves beyond the foundations to explore different areas of global politics, both geographically and theoretically. You’ll have more opportunities to speak in front of your peers and tutors, developing key analytical, writing and presentation skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the physical spaces where power is exercised, such as the City of London, and Westminster.
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 choose from a wide range of modules with a range of assessment formats. Most assessments are at the individual level, made up of written coursework. You can take modules involving assessments by presentation, group projects, including group presentations, and a range of new types of writing including policy briefs.
Structure
Your third year will be spent on your placement, exposing you to the world of work as you learn to apply some of the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during the first years of your degree.
Compulsory Modules
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 your own placement, but you’ll be supported as you go by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. While on placement, you’ll have a placement mentor, who will regularly check in with you and review your progress. You’ll also have access to remote support from UEA to make sure everything goes smoothly.
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
In your final year, you become an expert. You’ll take modules from leaders in their fields. These modules will range from topics on dystopias, weapons of war, climate politics, the Indo-Pacific and political activism. With the support of a supervisor, you'll have the chance to conduct your own research on a topic of your choosing. Importantly, you’ll also have the chance to kick-start your career with employability skills, an internship or work placement and 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)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. You’ll write an individual dissertation or group research project, for which you'll select your own topic, question, and methodology, guided by one of our experts. You'll develop other skills such as reflective writing, drafting policy briefings, conducting research papers and submissions to select committees. You’ll fine tune crucial skills such as how to analyse information, how to develop and critique arguments, and how to speak in public.
Independent Learning
By year four, you'll be able to develop, research and present your own ideas on international politics.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 20%
- Independent Learning: 80%
Assessment
The final year gives you the opportunity to write 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 partake in activist campaigns, write reflective essays, as well reports and select committee submissions.
Employability
After the Course
With us your career development starts from day one. Build a professional portfolio through policy writing workshops, gain hands-on experience through our international internship networks, and develop leadership skills through diplomatic simulations.
Work directly with our dedicated careers team and industry-connected academics to convert your passion for international affairs into impactful career opportunities. Whether you're aiming for diplomatic service, global business, or humanitarian work, we'll help you build the professional network and practical experience to achieve your goals.
Careers
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.
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 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 at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall: Merit. Accepted Subject: Any.
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
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.
- 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 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: