University of Hertfordshire - BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations

University of Hertfordshire

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations

How can we make sense of Brexit and the election of Trump? Should the international community intervene in Syria? Why do gender stereotypes and racial discrimination still determine opportunities in our society?

On the BA in Politics and International Relations you’ll study the central challenges that politics faces in the 21st century. You’ll develop the skills to understand, analyse, and critically debate the issues and arguments that shape national and international politics today. Our Politics and International Relations degree allows you to take your interest in politics and add the knowledge and training to turn it into a successful career in the world of local and global politics, the media or business.

Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or do a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about but will also give your CV a boost. If you’d rather go straight to your final year, that’s absolutely fine too. 

Entry Requirements

UCAS pointsA LevelBTECIB requirement
112 - 120BBC - BBBDMM - DDM112 - 120 points

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/D Mathematics

Access Course Tariff: An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band

Career Prospects

The skills in research, critical analysis and communication you’ll develop on this course lend themselves to many different industries. Usually Politics and International Relations graduates work in one of the following professional fields:

  • Media
  • Marketing and public relations
  • Civil service
  • Consultancy
  • Political advocacy for think-tanks and NGOs such as Amnesty International
  • Parliamentary research
  • Business
  • Teaching

After you graduate, you'll get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers Office as you advance in your career.

Course Details

The BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations has been designed to build your skills, knowledge and confidence through a balance of core modules, which cover key skills and concepts in the field, and a selection of optional modules, which allow you to specialise in your own areas of interest.

Our BA in Politics and International Relations is taught through:

  • Live lectures recorded for flexible learning
  • Seminars where you can discuss and apply what you learned in small groups
  • Workshops to develop and practice research skills

One of the main differences between school and university is how much control you have over your learning. At university, as well as spending time in classes, you’ll do lots of independent study with support from our staff.

On the course you will be assessed through innovative assignments including:

  • A cabinet crisis simulation
  • A critical intervention into a political issue of your choice
  • A research poster presentation

Year 1

Comparing Political Systems
Power, Citizens and the State
The Art of War: An Introduction to Strategic Studies
Anarchy, Order and Beyond: Studying International Relations

Year 2

Graduate Skills
Modern Political Philosophy
Comparative Perspectives in Political Research
Westminster Under Strain: Issues in Contemporary British Politics

Optional modules
Propaganda in 20th century War and Politics A
Global Energy Politics and Governance
Security and Governance
We, the People: Democratic Theory and Practice
The State in the 21st Century
Postcards from the Empire: Experiences of British Imperialism
The Age of the Cold War, 1945-1991

Year 3

Political Dissertation

Optional modules
International Organisations
Politics of the European Union
Peacebuilding and Statebuilding
Post-Colonial Theory and Non-Western Philosophy
Terrorism and Security
The Politics of Gender
International Political Economy
Popular Protest, Riot and Reform in Britain, 1760-1848 B
Human Rights
Public International Law

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

Are you ready to start building your future?

Contact our admission counseller and get a free consultation.