BA(Hons) Politics and International Relations (with Foundation Year)

BA(Hons) Politics and International Relations at UWE Bristol is an applied, future-focused course, which emphasises the importance of theory, policy, and practice in political and global affairs.

Why study politics and international relations?

We live in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, where local issues are closely linked to global processes. In this changing context, politics impacts our lives in multiple ways. Our course focuses on the connection between politics and international relations and analyses and addresses political challenges on local, national, and global levels.

You'll gain a unique set of skills on this course, which can lead you to confidently pursue exciting career opportunities, both inside and outside the political world.

Why UWE Bristol?

BA(Hons) Politics and International Relations at UWE Bristol is an exciting course, focused on delivering high-quality, practice-based teaching and an outstanding student experience, informed by academic research. We offer you a wide range of modules, covering topics such as human rights, gender and sexuality, ethics, race, religion, foreign policy, international security, and public policy. These modules are delivered with a strong emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to practical solutions to local, national, and global challenges.

Our experienced and dedicated teaching team is passionate about our subjects and bring them to life through our teaching. You'll learn through a combination of lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities, such as role plays, debates, and policy analysis, all supported by modern technology. We design our classes to strengthen your academic, writing, and presentation skills, including activities that will develop your ability to think both independently and critically.

We're delighted to be one of the UK universities selected to deliver the prestigious Parliamentary Studies optional module to third year students from the 2024 academic year. The Parliamentary Studies module is formally approved by the Houses of Parliament and is co-taught by university tutors and Houses of Parliament officials. Students will gain a detailed knowledge of how Parliament works, both in theory and practice, as well as the first-hand experience of visiting and working with colleagues at Westminster.

We've embedded practice-orientated learning at all levels of the course. You'll get involved in activities such as live briefs, simulation exercises, and conflict resolution games, and we'll also offer opportunities for you to engage in workplace learning through placements. By the end of the course, you'll have developed the skills and knowledge to understand and engage with political questions and current affairs.

We've created an active learning community where students and academic staff exchange ideas in research seminars, roundtable events, and guest lectures. Regular events include field trips and careers sessions, including 'meet-the-employer' opportunities with speakers from the Civil Service, NGOs and local and international businesses. These events give you a clear view of how politics is researched and practiced, inspiring you to apply the skills you've gained in your degree.

Find out more about our academic staff, their teaching expertise and research interests.

Where can it take me?

Politics and International Relations graduates are in demand across a wide range of professions and many of our graduates have secured employment in government, the civil service, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), accountancy, human resources, media and journalism.

Many of our graduates also choose to deepen their skills and knowledge and get involved in research or education, or specialise further with postgraduate study.

Careers / Further study

Politics and international relations students graduate with the skills to build fulfilling careers in many fields.

You could go on to work in government, the civil service, NGOs, research organisations or education. You'll also be well equipped to go into areas such as marketing, HR, industrial relations, PR, finance and investment, accountancy or journalism.

Postgraduate study is another option to you, where you can specialise in a particular area or do a professional qualification to move into a career like law.

Get inspired

Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.

We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.

Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.