Politics and International Relations

In today’s environment of rapid global, technological and cultural transformations, politics is one of the most relevant and exciting programmes of study. Studying politics or international relations at the University of Exeter takes you to the heart of issues where you’ll explore the political, historical, institutional, social, economic and cultural forces that mediate the exercise of power within and between nations. Whether thinking about issues such as the environment, security, elections, the nature of democracy or party politics, the discipline of politics has a high degree of relevance, and its study is applicable in a number of different kinds of careers.

Politics is an inclusive department with a diverse and lively student community and is committed to delivering high quality programmes, introducing a range of theories, countries and debates in ways that are intellectually stimulating and innovative. Our teaching is research led: notably all our third year options are specialist tutorial-based modules that reflect the research strengths of the academic course leader. Current research interests include international relations, Middle East politics, European politics, public policy and administration, climate change and sustainability, campaigns and elections, and political theory. Across these research activities, we have a collective interest in questions to do with explanation and interpretation in the social sciences, as well as a shared commitment to linking ideas to practices.

The department offers an exciting range of Single and Combined Honours degrees at the Streatham Campus in Exeter and at our Cornwall Campus near Falmouth, that combine grounding in the major sub-fields of politics and a broad level of student choice. You will receive strong tutorial support throughout your studies, produce impressive degree results and experience good post-graduation employment rates. We work closely with colleagues from other departments, particularly the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies: this brings a cosmopolitan and pluralist flavour to our teaching. We have a good international mix of staff and our high research standing means that we attract visiting lecturers from around the world.

Streatham Campus (E)

Politics and international relations are diverse, exciting and interdisciplinary subject areas. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of options throughout your degree. These range across time and space from, for example, the study of politics in Britain today, the ideals of democracy in ancient Greece, war and peace in the Middle East since the British Mandate, contemporary governance in the EU and America, the role of the media in contemporary politics and the politics of resistance and human rights in a globalised world. The core aim is to give you a wide scope to shape your degree in a way that suits your existing and emerging interests.

We aim to develop your analytical skills, help you become an independent and critical learner and ensure that you are aware of, and have the opportunity to study in-depth, the wide-ranging theories and concepts involved. You may also decide to extend your knowledge of a foreign language or experience a new culture by studying abroad or participating in a study trip and you’ll be expected to develop a variety of personal skills including IT and presentation skills.

We have particular research strengths in Middle East politics, international relations, political theory, European governance, electoral politics and public policy. We regularly host internationally renowned visiting speakers for departmental seminars and you will be able to join the Politics Society, which organises regular social events.

Numbers

Exeter

Entrants: 132
Applicants: 1332

Cornwall Campus (C)

As in Exeter, the content of our undergraduate programmes in politics is influenced by our research interests that are nationally and internationally recognised and positioned at the forefront of academic debate. Our specialisms include security studies, counter-terrorism, political psychology, electoral systems and accountability, campaigns and media, decolonisation, gender and race, politics of health systems and military services, political theory and geopolitics. You’ll benefit from this direct access to the latest thinking and will discuss the very latest ideas in seminars and tutorials.

As a student of politics in Cornwall you will also, if you wish, have the opportunity to develop your knowledge, understanding and interest in the environment and sustainability. Optional modules from a range of disciplines, particularly in your second and third years, will give you the chance to explore how politics engages with issues of sustainability.

Our Cornwall Campus, and the Politics department in particular, offers a welcoming atmosphere where it’s easy to make new friends and where staff and students know each other well.

Numbers

Cornwall

Entrants: 30
Applicants: 227