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Undergraduate Study

BA Politics and International Relations (Cornwall) - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code 4519
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2025
Campus Penryn Campus
Discipline Politics and International Relations
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 723192

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: ABB
IB: 32/655
BTEC: DDM

Contextual offers

A-Level: BBC
IB: 28/554
BTEC: DMM

Overview

  • You’ll learn about some of the biggest political challenges facing the world today and how to apply political theories and systems to world events and the issues setting the modern political agenda
  • Our intentionally small class sizes will allow you to actively discuss and debate your ideas and work closely with academic staff
  • Our wide range of optional modules give you the opportunity to customise your degree according to your own interests and career ambitions
  • You’ll be encouraged to get out of the classroom to gain a bigger perspective and experience how politics operates in practice giving you real world experience that will be valued by future employers

View 2024 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open days and visiting us

How to apply

Politics in Cornwall

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

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Top 15 in the UK for Politics

11th in The Complete University Guide 2025

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Top 100 in the world for Politics

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

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We are in the Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research*

* Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021

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Opportunities to study abroad

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level ABB N/A
IB 32/655 N/A
BTEC DDM N/A
GCSE 4/C Grade 4/C in English language
Access to HE 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade N/A
T-Level Distinction N/A
Contextual Offer

A-Level: BBC
IB: 28/554
BTEC: DMM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

Course content

Full-time undergraduates need to take 120 credits each year and choose from modules worth 15 or 30 credits, with students having more choice and more opportunity to study in-depth the topics that interest them most in Years 2 and 3. Core modules are mainly designed to develop applied research skills and include a third year dissertation on a subject of your choice.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
POC1003 British Government and Politics 15
POC1021 Key Concepts in Politics and International Relations 15
POC1033 Political Communication 30

Optional modules

Select a further 60 credits of optional modules from the HASS Penryn modules here (at least 45 credits must be Stage 1 Politics modules (POC1xxx)  Penryn Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=hass-cornwall

45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
POC2124 Political Analysis 15
POC2087 Security Studies 15
POC2131 Political Economy 15

Optional modules

Select a further 75 credits of optional modules (of which at least 45 credits must be Stage 2 Politics modules)

 

 

CodeModule Credits
Politics-IR Penryn Stage 2 Options 24.25
POC2120 Power and Democracy 15
POC2114 Green Politics in Theory and Practice 15
POC2131 Political Economy 15
POC2103 Introduction to Postcolonialism 15
POC2130 Political Behaviour across Generations and the Life Course 15
POC2098 Comparative Politics 15
POC2005 American Politics 15
POC2108 Political Geographies: Local to Global 15
POC2151 Parliamentary Studies 15
POC2088 Understanding Israel and Palestine: One Land, Two People 15
POC2152 Representing the People 15
POC2124 Political Analysis 15
POC2087 Security Studies 15
POC2018 National and Community Identity 15
POC2041 The Political Psychology of Elites 15
POC2123 Politics of the Middle East 15
POC2150 The Making of Democratic Politicians: Comparative Political Recruitment 15
POC2047 Work Placement 15

120 credit compulsory placement module

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
HAS3999 Study Abroad (HASS) 120

In stage three (Level 6) you will carry out a piece of independent research and write a dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff from Politics. You will also choose from a number of optional 15 and 30 credit Level 6 modules (coded ‘POC3’) that are taught in weekly two hour seminars, or involve a field course. You must take a minimum of 90 credits and a maximum of 120 credits from the POC3 programme. A further 30 credits of elective modules may be taken subject to you having the correct pre-requisites and the course convenor’s consent.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
POC3040 Dissertation 30

Optional modules

Select a further 90 credits of optional modules (of which at least 60 credits must be Stage 3 Politics modules):

 

CodeModule Credits
Politics-IR Penryn Final Stage Options 24.25
POC3095 Environmental Knowledge Controversies 15
POC3136 Field Trip 30
POC3130 Controversies in American Politics 15
POC3105 Negotiating Postcoloniality: History and Politics of Independent India 15
POC3023 Entangled Life: Radical Democracy in Theory 15
POC3141 Displacement and Migration in the Middle East 15
POC3153 Global Palestine and the Politics of Solidarity 15
POC3103 The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse? 15
POC3151 Parliamentary Studies 15
POC3152 Representing the People 15
POC3128 Post-Soviet Politics and Societies 15
POC3146 Party Politics, Voters and Elections in Britain 15
POC3148 Political Psychology and Society 15
POC3120 Political Thinkers of the Early Twentieth Century 15
POC3147 Politics of Work 15
POC3142 Social and Islamist Armed Movements 15
POC3140 Religion, Conflict and Reconciliation 15
POC3094 Global Policy Challenges 15
POC3133 Chinese Politics and Society 15
POC3149 Is Politics More than Human? Cornwall, California, and the Local to the Global 15
POC3154 Environment and Conflict in the Middle East 15
POC3150 The Making of Democratic Politicians: Comparative Political Recruitment 15

Course variants

UCAS code: L925

Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.

Why Study Abroad?

Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.

Where can I Study Abroad?

We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.

Does it count towards my degree?

Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. 

How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?

For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. You will continue to receive a maintenance loan if you are eligible for this whilst on your Study Abroad year.

UCAS code: L256

Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.

Why choose to include Employment Experience?

Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.

Where will I do my work placement?

The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.

How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?

For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £24,700 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

The help and advice that I have received from my lecturers during my time at Penryn has been exceptional. In particular, my tutor was of immense help in advising me on how to cope with my deadlines and which career paths to consider.

The fact that the department is of a limited size also means that you get to establish a personal relationship with your lecturers, and you are not treated like another face in the crowd.

Read more from Bettina

Bettina

BA Politics and International Relations with Study Abroad, Penryn

Learning and teaching

How will I learn?

We use a wide range of teaching methods as well as encouraging independent study with an increasing emphasis on seminar discussion and project work in your second and third years. Teaching includes:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Practical exercises, project and group work
  • Independent study

You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.

How will I be assessed?

  • Essays
  • Individual and group presentations
  • Projects
  • Exams
  • Dissertation in your final year

You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

  • A Foreign Language
  • Data Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation
  • Law (Penryn Campus only)
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

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Politics in Cornwall

Politics and International Relations programmes in Cornwall are part of a world-class research institution. We are committed to creating a diverse and thriving student community. We believe that this is achieved by providing a supportive learning environment, which nurtures our students through-out your time with us and helps you make the transition from school to university. In addition, in Cornwall, students will benefit from a bespoke learning experience within a diverse cohort of students and an unrivalled commitment to excellence in teaching.

Politics in Cornwall is characterised by its focus on some of the biggest political challenges facing the world today such as inequality, climate change, the global financial crisis, conflict, and the depletion of natural resources, public disillusionment with politics, and the changing balance in world power. We’ll teach you about political systems and theories and apply these to world events and the major issues setting the modern political agenda, giving you real world skills valued by employers.

Find out more on our dedicated Cornwall pages.

Your future

Develop skills valued by employers

As a Politics and International Relations graduate you will have an understanding of complex political and cultural issues, often in changing environments which will be valued by employers in both the public and private sectors. Alongside this you will gain a range of academic and professional skills including:

  • Analytical, critical and independent thinking
  • Independent research
  • Problem solving
  • Discussion and group work
  • Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Articulating ideas and constructing arguments
  • Organising, planning and time management

Career paths

The University has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market. Below are a few examples of the positions or organisations our graduates have gone onto*:

(* This information has been taken from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey)

Occupations

  • Management Consultant
  • Parliamentary Caseworker and Researcher
  • Civil Servant
  • Film Production Coordinator
  • Officer Cadet
  • Analyst
  • Trainee Insurance Broker
  • Investment Assistant
  • Estate Agent
  • Communications Officer

Organisation

  • Accenture
  • National Health Service
  • Barclays Bank PLC
  • Ogilvy and Mather
  • Treehouse PR Ltd
  • Easton Aerospace
  • Orchards of London
  • Cornells
  • Arcadia Group

Further study

Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation. Below are a few examples of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes. Please note that, due to data protection the subjects of study and institutions are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.

Subject area

  • MA Crisis Management
  • MSc Public Policy
  • MA EU Politics
  • MA Globalisation and Communications
  • MA International Relations in the Middle East
  • MA Public Policy and Administration

Institution

  • University of Leicester
  • University of Exeter
  • Kings College London
  • University of Bristol
  • London

Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award

Many of our students participate in The Exeter Award and The Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.

Developing your skills and career prospects

We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.

The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.

 

Video features the song "Everything is a Jawn" by EVA (https://joshlis.bandcamp.com/) which is available under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/). Edited for length.

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