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 and Politics
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L290
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
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
Our BA International Relations and Politics degree explores how power operates both within nations and across global systems. This dynamic intersection is crucial because today's biggest challenges—from climate change to technological disruption, from economic crises to security threats—require solutions that bridge domestic policies and international cooperation.
Politics examines how governments function, how decisions are made within societies, and how citizens influence these processes. International Relations explores how nations interact, how global institutions shape world affairs, and how power flows across borders. Together, these disciplines provide a comprehensive toolkit for understanding our complex world.
Throughout your International Relations and Politics degree, both your personal adviser and our dedicated career specialists will help you convert your passion for politics and international affairs into meaningful professional pathways. You'll study with academics at the forefront of both fields, examining political systems of major global players while investigating what causes conflicts and how they might be resolved. You'll explore thought-provoking questions: How do values like human rights influence politics at home and abroad? What motivates political participation? How do media shape both domestic politics and foreign policy?
Your learning extends beyond theory through study trips, simulations, and internships with organisations ranging from the UK Parliament to NGOs. Opt for a semester abroad to experience firsthand how political systems operate in different cultural contexts and develop crucial cross-cultural competencies. Graduates pursue diverse careers in diplomatic service, international journalism, humanitarian work, political campaigning, civil service, and global business. You'll develop highly transferable skills in critical analysis, persuasive communication, and strategic thinking—exactly what employers value in today's interconnected world.
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Study Abroad
You can participate in outgoing study across the globe for one semester (in the second semester of your second year) at one of UEA’s partner universities. Opportunities abroad enhance your academic experience, increase your employability prospects, help you build a network of contacts with other students – and are fun!
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your undergraduate degree in International Relations and Politics will begin with an overview of the key questions and debates within the disciplines of international relations and politics. You’ll also explore different understandings of key issues within domestic and global politics, from democracy, to war, conflict and security through to issues around gender, environmental politics and migration.
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
From the first year of your International Relations and Politics degree, you’ll be taught in a range of environments from traditional lectures through to small group seminars where you’ll debate your week’s work. Our teaching is focused, interactive, and up to date with events around the world. You’ll learn crucial skills such as how to summarise and analyse information, how to develop and criticise arguments, and how to speak in public. In year one, you’ll learn about the foundations of domestic and 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 which will help 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, with some group assessments. These include essays and other written assessments including mini-essays and critical summaries, literature reviews, or reading logs.
Structure
As you progress in your degree, you'll continue to solidify your understanding of the complex world of politics and international relations through studying core modules. You’ll also acquire essentials research methods skills, such as conducting interviews, or running and analysing a survey. You’ll be encouraged to specialise in your studies by taking modules that focus on more specific topics or regions of the world. This will allow you to shape your expertise around your passions and shape your potential career path.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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: 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
You’ll move beyond the foundations to explore different areas of domestic and global politics, both geographically and theoretically. You'll have more opportunities to speak in front of your peers and tutors, developing key skills.
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 can choose from a wide range of modules with a range of assessment formats. Most of our assessment is at the individual level and is written coursework. You’ll 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.
Structure
You’ll have the opportunity to write a dissertation or group research project on a topic you’ve chosen. You’ll also have the chance to kick-start your career with employability skills, an internship, or work placement, as well as specifically dedicated career events.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(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 third year is about specialisation: focusing on the topics that you want to explore. You’ll write a dissertation or research project, for which you'll select your own topic, question and methodology, guided by one of our experts. You'll also have the opportunity to develop other skills, such as writing policy briefings, research papers or submissions to select committees.
Independent Learning
By year three, you'll be able to develop, research and present your own ideas on international politics. This will include writing a dissertation or research project on a topic of your choosing 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 or group project. You'll select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert.
Employability
After the Course
Graduate with versatile skills sought by employers across sectors. Our alumni thrive in international agencies, parliaments, political parties, NGOs, think-tanks, civil and diplomatic services, and research organizations. Many also excel in business, marketing, media, or education, while others pursue advanced degrees.
Our Careers Service smooths your transition into professional life through targeted events like "Working in Politics and Government," "Working in Charities and NGOs," and "Working in Westminster and Whitehall." These valuable networking opportunities connect you with successful graduates who share insider knowledge and industry connections from their own career journeys.
Careers
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
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
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 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 Subjects: 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
32 points overall.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB or above.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC 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
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 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: