| UCAS code | L250 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | L251 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | L257 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
Overview
- Gain a solid grounding in international issues with the opportunity to specialise in a particular region or special subject – for example, transnational crime or globalisation.
- You’ll learn how to analyse, interpret and evaluate world political events using a range of concepts, approaches and theories.
- Enhance your degree by joining our active Politics Society, getting involved with Model EU and Model UN and taking part in student/staff co-organised events.
- Our small class sizes allow you to actively discuss and debate your ideas and work closely with academic staff.
- Our strong focus on career-related experience and skills will help you achieve your future career aspirations.
- Opportunity to combine International Relations with other subjects as part of our Combined Honours courses and our BA/BSc Flexible Combined Honours course.
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
14th in The Complete University Guide 2026; 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 100 in the world for Politics
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
We are Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research
Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
Top 150 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2024
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
14th in The Complete University Guide 2026; 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 100 in the world for Politics
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
We are Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research
Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
Top 150 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2024
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB | N/A |
| IB | 34/665 | N/A |
| BTEC | DDD | N/A |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| 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
The BA (Hons) International Relations degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
Depending on your programme you can also take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.
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.
Stage 1: 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POL1017 | Globalisation of World Politics | 15 |
| POL1018 | The Challenges of World Politics in the Twenty-First Century | 15 |
| POL1045 | International Politics of the Global South | 15 |
| POL1000 | Critical Skills for Politics and International Relations | 15 |
Optional modules
60 credits from all other POL1* modules.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations Stage 1 SH Option Modules 2025-6 | ||
| POL1019 | Power and Democracy | 15 |
| POL1020 | Politics in Europe | 15 |
| POL1025 | Classical Political Thought | 15 |
| POL1026 | Early Modern Political Thought | 15 |
| POL1029 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 15 |
| POL1046 | The State of the UK: Identifying Marginalised Identities and Addressing Inequalities | 15 |
| POL1047 | Global Sustainability Governance and Policy | 15 |
| POL1048 | The Politics of Development | 15 |
| ARA1010 | Politics and Economy of the Contemporary Middle East | 15 |
Stage 2: 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POL2020 | Contemporary Theories of World Politics | 15 |
| POL2057 | Security Studies | 15 |
| POL2027 | The Politics of the World Economy | 15 |
| POL2128 | Introduction to Research Design in Politics and International Relations | 15 |
Optional modules
60 credits from all other POL2* modules.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations Stage 2 SH Option Modules 2025-6 | ||
| POL2026 | Political Analysis: Behaviour, Institutions, Ideas | 15 |
| POL2046 | The Economics of Politics | 15 |
| POL2047 | American Politics | 15 |
| POL2050 | Political Philosophy | 15 |
| POL2059 | Political Thought of Modernity | 15 |
| POL2076 | Rising Powers, Peace and Conflict | 15 |
| POL2079 | Contemporary Public Debate in an Age of 'Anti-Politics' | 15 |
| POL2081 | Thinking about Race: Perspectives from the Biological and Social Sciences | 15 |
| POL2082 | Changing Character of Warfare | 15 |
| POL2098 | What is Law? Jurisprudence from Stone Tablet to Brain Imaging | 15 |
| POL2102 | Explaining Public Policies | 15 |
| POL2107 | Gender and Comparative Public Policy | 15 |
| POL2115 | British Foreign Policy | 15 |
| POL2122 | The Politics and Policies of Youth Engagement | 15 |
| POL2130 | Comparative Electoral Systems | 15 |
| POL2131 | Environmental Governance | 15 |
| POL2132 | Decolonising Global Justice | 15 |
| POL2164 | The Politics of Humanitarian Emergencies | 15 |
| POL2165 | Foreign Policy Analysis | 15 |
| POL2166 | Gendering World Politics | 15 |
With Study Abroad
Stage 3: 120 credits of compulsory modules
Students will spend the third year of their studies in a partner university. The year abroad comprises 120 credits and assessment is based on the credits gained at the partner institution.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SSI3999 | Year Abroad | 120 |
With Employment Experience
Stage 3: 120 credits of compulsory modules
Students will spend the third year of their studies on a work placement.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SSI3020 | Employment Experience (UK and Abroad) | 120 |
Stage 3: 60 credits of compulsory Dissertation and supporting module, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POL3102 | Futures of International Relations | 15 |
| POL3100 | Dissertation | 45 |
Optional modules
60 credits from all other POL3* modules.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations and Politics Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6 | ||
| POL3054 | Nuclear Weapons in International Relations | 15 |
| POL3069 | Globalisation and the Politics of Resistance | 30 |
| POL3090 | Politics and Conflict in Deeply Divided Societies | 15 |
| POL3136 | Political Psychology | 30 |
| POL3168 | War and its Aftermath: Interventions and Contemporary Conflict | 30 |
| POL3180 | Latin American Parties, Politics and Elections | 30 |
| POL3196 | Democracy in the European Union | 30 |
| POL3234 | Religion, Politics and Policy in Europe | 30 |
| POL3240 | Women in the Criminal Justice System: Law, Policy and Institutions | 15 |
| POL3247 | Politics of Biology | 15 |
| POL3248 | Marxism(s) and International Relations | 15 |
| POL3250 | Environmental Policy in Times of Crisis | 15 |
| POL3256 | Trumping the Mainstream: The Populist Radical Right and Democratic politics | 30 |
| POL3259 | Climate Justice | 30 |
| POL3260 | Russian Foreign Policy | 15 |
| POL3263 | Political Economy of Development | 15 |
| POL3274 | Money, Lobbying, and Policymaking | 15 |
| POL3284 | Realism and Its Critics: Debating and Applying International Relations Theory | 15 |
| POL3291 | Disrupting Western and Neo-Liberal Policing of the Global and the Local | 30 |
| POL3292 | LGBTQ+ Policies and Politics in the UK | 15 |
| POL3293 | The Political Economy of Chinese Development | 15 |
| POL3294 | Land, Power and Politics: a critical problem-based approach | 15 |
| POL3296 | Political Economy of Populism | 15 |
| POL3297 | Comparative Political Economy: Varieties of Capitalism | 15 |
| POL3302 | Elections, Public Opinion and Parties in Britain | 15 |
| POL3303 | Protest, Activism and the Environment | 30 |
| POL3304 | Political Philosophies of Power | 15 |
| POL3306 | Contemporary Chinese Diplomacy and Foreign Policy | 15 |
| POL3307 | International Politics of the Body | 15 |
| POL3310 | War in the 21st Century | 30 |
| POL3311 | Brexit: Causes, Interpretation and Implications | 15 |
| POL3312 | The Transformation of Politics in the Global Age | 15 |
| POL3316 | Empire and Hierarchy in Russia and Eurasia | 15 |
| POL3317 | Authoritarian Resilience in the Global South | 15 |
| POL3318 | Transformation of Social and Political Realities through Smartphones | 15 |
| POL3319 | The Politics of Place | 15 |
| POL3320 | Politics Online | 15 |
| POL3321 | The Politics of Economic Policymaking | 30 |
| POL3322 | Artificial Intelligence and Democracy | 30 |
| POL3323 | International Relations in Global History | 30 |
| POL3324 | War, Culture and Society | 30 |
| POL3325 | Understanding Public and Nonprofit Management | 15 |
| POL3326 | International Politics of the Body | 30 |
| POL3327 | Strategy and Psychology in Foreign Policy | 15 |
| POL3328 | Surveys and Experiments: Design Implementation and Analysis | 15 |
| HAS3010 | Work Experience: Building Skills and Unlocking Opportunities | 15 |
| POL3213 | Feminist Political Theory | 15 |
Course variants
BA International Relations with Study Abroad
UCAS code: L251
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.
Are there any academic requirements to study abroad?
Yes. If you wish to study abroad as part of this degree course, you must achieve an overall grade of at least 60% (a 2:1) for your first year of study. This applies to all students, even if you are registered on the 'with Study Abroad' variant from the start of your degree.
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.
BA International Relations with Employment Experience
UCAS code: L257
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.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,950 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter 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.
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
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- 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?
We use a range of assessment methods including many designed to reflect the skills required by employers:
- Exams
- Essays
- Projects
- Individual and small group presentations
- 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 specified subjects, you may have the words 'with proficiency in’ added to your degree title when you graduate.
Your future
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
- Discussion and group work
- Written and verbal communication
- Articulating ideas and arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
- Assertiveness and enterprise
- Commercial awareness
- Communication and leadership
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in the Exeter Award and 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.
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) Surveys 14/15, 15/16, and 16/17. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.)
Occupations
- Management consultant
- Parliamentary Caseworker and Researcher
- Civil Servant
- Film Production Coordinator
- Officer Cadet
- Analyst
- Trainee Insurance Broker
- Investment Assistant
- Estate Agent
- Communications Officer
Organisations
- Accenture
- National Health Service
- Barclays 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
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.
Combine this subject with another through our Flexible Combined Honours course
Shape your degree to match your interests and goals with our BA/BSc Flexible Combined Honours (FCH).
This unique programme lets you study two or three subjects - even across departments - for example 'Archaeology and Geography' or 'English and Biological Sciences'.
You’ll benefit from a varied learning environment, with the chance to meet and collaborate with a wide range of peers. You can also follow a themed interdisciplinary pathway to deepen your understanding of a specific topic.
