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) Politics with a Placement Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L22P
- 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
14th
UEA is ranked 14th overall for research quality Politics and International Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Turn your passion for politics into power to shape real change. In UEA's BA Politics with a Placement Year, you'll combine rigorous academic analysis with hands-on experience to understand how political decisions affect everything from local communities to global climate action.
At its core, this degree in politics explores how power operates in society – who has it and how it can be transformed. You'll investigate diverse political systems, analyse international relations, and engage with pressing debates on inequality, human rights, and environmental governance. Our curriculum balances classical political thought with cutting-edge research on emerging trends like AI's impact on democracy.
On our BA Politics with a Placement Year 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.
You'll learn directly from academics who actively engage with governments, NGOs, and social movements to influence policy. Put theory into practice as you study politics across the US, Europe, and Indo-Pacific region through internships, our blog and podcast series, or a semester abroad. You’ll even have the opportunity to experience the workings of the UK Parliament first-hand.Every seminar builds real-world skills. Develop compelling arguments through debates, sharpen your analysis by interviewing visiting politicians, and navigate complex political landscapes through simulations. Join our speaker series featuring politicians and activists discussing urgent challenges.
Our graduates don't just understand politics – they shape it, whether drafting policy in the Civil Service, driving change through NGOs, or shaping public opinion in journalism. You'll graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to transform your interest in politics into expertise that employers value across government, international organisations, media, and advocacy.
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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
You’ll begin to study politics at university with compulsory modules that will help you build a strong foundation of knowledge. You’ll study political institutions and actors, political communication and the media, as well as politics on the international stage. You'll also explore the ideologies that structure our understanding of politics, such as liberalism, feminism, conservatism, and socialism.
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
We combine teaching methods, such as lectures, which will provide you with an overview of the topic, and small-group seminars, where you’ll debate the work you’ve been reading that week. Our teaching is focused, interactive, and up to date with current events. You’ll learn crucial skills, such as how to summarise and analyse information, how to develop and critique arguments, and how to speak in public. In your first year, you’ll learn about key events, concepts and topical debates, and the foundations of political ideas.
Independent Learning
You’ll prepare for your weekly teaching with guided tasks, such as preparing answers to seminar questions or completing small weekly writing tasks which will help you to develop 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 assessment. These include essays and other written assessment including mini-essays and critical summaries, literature reviews or reading logs.
Structure
In the second year, you'll take core modules that will give you analytical tools, enabling you to pursue your independent study and research. You’ll examine the political world systematically, by comparing political processes and forms of government from across the world.
You’ll also be encouraged to specialise by choosing modules that focus on more specific ideas, topics or geographic regions that interest you. This will help shape your expertise based on the things that you feel passionate about.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)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: 40)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 explore different areas of politics and begin specialising, both geographically and theoretically. You'll learn how to develop and answer your research questions.
Independent Learning
You’ll write longer pieces and start to develop your 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, and research reports.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 25%
- Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
You can choose from modules with a range of assessment formats. Most of our assessment is at the individual level and is written coursework. You can also take modules involving assessment by presentation, group projects, including 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’ll 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
In your final year, you’ll become increasingly independent in your learning. You'll be able to choose from a broad range of optional modules. In addition, supervised by our staff, you could write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, or undertake a group research project. The final year will provide you with the analytical, theoretical and methodological tools you’ll need to excel in your future career.
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)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. If you choose to write a dissertation, you'll select your topic and methodology, guided by one of our experts. You could also 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 ideas on politics. This could include writing a dissertation or external research project under the supervision of an academic expert.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 20%
- Independent Learning: 80%
Assessment
You’ll have the opportunity to write a dissertation of 8-9000 words or do a group research project. You’ll be under the guidance of an academic expert throughout this process.
Employability
After the Course
Transform your political insights into career impact across diverse sectors. Our Politics graduates don't just understand how power works – they actively shape policy, influence public opinion, and drive social change. Whether you're drafting legislation in Parliament, leading campaigns for international NGOs, shaping corporate strategy, or breaking political stories in journalism, you'll apply the strategic thinking and high-level communication skills that employers prize.
Throughout your degree, you'll build a professional portfolio that matters. Develop policy analysis through real-world case studies, gain hands-on experience through our parliamentary internship programme, and build your professional network through our connections with political institutions, media outlets, and advocacy groups. Your Politics degree isn't just about understanding power – it's about learning to use it effectively to create meaningful change.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Policy analyst
- Subject specialist/Researcher
- Lobbyist
- Communication officer
- Non-government organisations
- Activism
Discover more on our Career pages.
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
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.
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
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: