BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations

Do you want to make sense of the post-truth world, encapsulated by events such as Brexit and the US Election? Are you interested in understanding how global powers interact, both in times of war and peace?

Would you like to know more about international organisations and their capacity to control and shape development around the world? Do you want to learn about political participation and become an active citizen, so that you can contribute to policy-making processes?

If you answer 'Yes' to any of these questions, then our International Relations course is for you.

Global politics has become increasingly turbulent, foundations and systems are being shaken, and relations between nations are being shifted and tested. There is a new demand for experts who are able to understand and work in this new political arena. With our innovative Politics and International Relations course we can equip you with the skills and knowledge to play an active role in this new world.

There has never been a more pressing and fascinating time to study and make a career in international politics.

Our foundation year course is perfect if you want a degree in International Relations but you don't have the standard entry requirements. First we prepare you for your degree during the Foundation year, bringing you up to speed with academic skills and a firm grounding in the subject. Then you can go on to do the full undergraduate degree.

On your International Politics course, you'll ask questions about who gets what at the international level and how decisions are reached when it comes to distributing power, wealth and resources. We will encourage you to develop your own perspective and give you the tools to express your opinions through a variety of formats. 

You'll study theory in modules such as Politics, International Relations, and Global Governance and you'll see it brought to life in fascinating modules such as Gender, Power and International Relations as you investigate how global political change has come about.

You'll also find modules to develop your particular interests or passions in politics such as African Politics, Politics of Global Powers, and Rethinking Security.

You'll be taught by authorities in their field such as Dr Aura Lounasmaa, who is an expert on forced migration and gender politics, and has carried out research on women's NGOs in Morocco, migrant access to higher education and political activism in civil society. 

• Tawjihi: 60% for Foundation
• 3 x AS Levels: Foundation
• US High School Diploma: GPA 2.0 for Foundation
• US High School Diploma: GPA 3.0 + SAT1 1070 for Direct Entry to Bachelor's
• International Baccalaureate (IB): 25 points with minimum 15 at Higher Level for Direct Entry to Bachelor's
• 3 x A Levels: Direct Entry to Bachelor's

You'll develop a range of skills, knowledge and insights that you can transfer to careers in public bodies such as central and local government, pressure groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or community organisations.

Your tutors place a strong emphasis on role-playing and simulation of real-life situations throughout the course. These will allow you to step into the world of work with confidence.

The variety of roles into which University of East London graduates go into is as wide as it is interesting. You could decide to move into the not-for-profit sector as a community organiser, a case worker or a civic engagement officer. Or how about becoming a project manager or a campaign organiser? Equally, you'll have gained the skills necessary to land a job as a communications officer or to specialise in research.

Not only is UEL at the forefront of research, it's also pioneering new fields of study. Among the many postgraduate courses on offer for those who decide to stay with us is the innovative Refugee Studies MA course – the first of its kind in the country.

Kathryn Perera, chief executive of Movement for Change, can vouch for the rich opportunities available to our undergraduates.

"Studying international relations at UEL offers students the opportunity to access state-of-the-art political training and work with inspiring mentors," she says.

Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.