UWE Bristol - BA Hons Politics and International Relations

UWE Bristol

BA Hons Politics and International Relations

BA(Hons) Politics and International Relations at UWE Bristol is an applied, engaged, and forward-looking programme, 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 aims to analyse and address political challenges on local, national, and global levels.

You can expect to gain a unique set of skills on this course, which can lead you to 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 alive through our teaching. You'll learn through a combination of lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities, for example role plays, debates, and policy analysis, all supported by state-of-the-art 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 have 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 where possible, we will also offer many opportunities for you to engage in workplace learning through placements. By the end of the course, you will have developed the skills and knowledge to understand and engage with political questions and current affairs.

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

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.

Entry Requirements

  • Tariff points: 112
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as alternatives to GCSEs.
  • English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component.
  • A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.

Career Prospects

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.

Course Details

Study exchange (if applicable) 

If you choose the study exchange option, you'll spend the first and/or second semester of Year two studying at another university

If you study on the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work or study placement after Year two.

Depending on which you choose, you'll either complete a placement learning or learning and development module.

Year 1

International Relations
Politics, States and Resistance
Politics of Crisis and Change
Critical Thinking and Political Theory

Year 2

Nature and Use of Research (Politics and International Relations)
Politics at Work.

Optional modules
Theories of Politics and International Relations
US Foreign Policy: From Cold War to Terror War
Global Political Economy
International Development
Beyond Human Rights: The Politics of International Law
Comparative Politics
Gender and Global Politics.

Placement year

Final Year

Politics and International Relations Project and Placement module.

Optional modules
The Berlin Republic
Sciences Placement Year
Britain after 'Brexit'
Gender and Security
Identity, Agency and Violence in South Asia
Crimes and Criminality in World Politics
Critical Reflections on Security and Strategy
Democracy in Theory and Practice
Development and Resistance in Latin America
Europe Reloaded
Exploring the International Relations of Southeast Asia
From Terror to Trauma: Politics in the Aftermath of Violence
Global Governance
Perspectives on Global Migration
Climate Politics
Public Policy and Decision Making
Religion and Politics
Violence and the International Order: Law, Ethics and Politics
Terrorism, Security and Migration in Europe.

*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.

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