| UCAS code | L200 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | L240 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | L202 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
Overview
- You’ll gain a sound knowledge of the four principle areas of study: political thought, international relations, comparative government and public policy.
- Our flexible programme, with a wide range of optional modules, means you can tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions.
- Get involved with the Politics student society, meet like-minded people, attend socials, and hear from guest speakers.
- In a time of constant global change your understanding of complex political and cultural issues will be highly relevant to careers in both the public and private sectors.
- Opportunity to combine Politics with other subjects as part of our Combined Honours courses.
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
14th in The Complete University Guide 2026
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
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 B1. 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| POL1000 | Critical Skills for Politics and International Relations | 15 |
| POL1025 | Classical Political Thought | 15 |
| POL1029 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 15 |
| POL1047 | Global Sustainability Governance and Policy | 15 |
Optional modules
60 credits of optional modules from all other POL1* modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Politics Stage 1 SH Option Modules 2025-6 | ||
| POL1017 | Globalisation of World Politics | 15 |
| POL1018 | The Challenges of World Politics in the Twenty-First Century | 15 |
| POL1019 | Power and Democracy | 15 |
| POL1020 | Politics in Europe | 15 |
| POL1026 | Early Modern Political Thought | 15 |
| POL1045 | International Politics of the Global South | 15 |
| POL1046 | The State of the UK: Identifying Marginalised Identities and Addressing Inequalities | 15 |
| POL1048 | The Politics of Development | 15 |
| SSI1002 | Programming for the Social Sciences | 30 |
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data | 15 |
| SPA1002 | Population and Society | 15 |
| SPA1001 | Animal Politics | 15 |
| SPA1004 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 15 |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 | 15 |
| ARA1010 | Politics and Economy of the Contemporary Middle East | 15 |
| ARA1041 | Religious Communities of the Middle East: Culture, Endangerment and Survival | 15 |
Stage 2: 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POL2046 | The Economics of Politics | 15 |
| POL2059 | Political Thought of Modernity | 15 |
| POL2102 | Explaining Public Policies | 15 |
| POL2128 | Introduction to Research Design in Politics and International Relations | 15 |
Optional modules
60 credits of optional modules from all other POL2* modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Politics Stage 2 SH Option Modules 2025-6 | ||
| POL2020 | Contemporary Theories of World Politics | 15 |
| POL2026 | Political Analysis: Behaviour, Institutions, Ideas | 15 |
| POL2027 | The Politics of the World Economy | 15 |
| POL2047 | American Politics | 15 |
| POL2050 | Political Philosophy | 15 |
| POL2057 | Security Studies | 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 |
| 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 |
| HAS2010 | Work Experience: Building Skills and Unlocking Opportunities | 15 |
| HAS3010 | Work Experience: Building Skills and Unlocking Opportunities | 15 |
Stage 3: 60 credits of compulsory Dissertation and supporting module, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POL3100 | Dissertation | 45 |
| POL3101 | Futures of Politics | 15 |
Optional modules
60 credits of optional modules 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 Politics with Study Abroad
UCAS code: L240
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 Politics with Employment Experience
UCAS code: L202
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree offers you the option of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements, within the UK or abroad, 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 and country you choose to work in 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.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £24,950 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is 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, including deadlines, apply. See our website 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 graduate your understanding of complex political and cultural issues, often in continually changing environments, can be relevant to careers within the private, public and third sectors. Throughout your studies you will develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills including:
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Problem solving
- Discussion and group work
- Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
- Written and verbal communication
- Researching, judging and evaluating complex information
- Articulating ideas and constructing arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
Career paths
Below are a few examples* of initial jobs undertaken by Politics and International Relations graduates. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
Job title
- Management Consultant
- Parliamentary Caseworker and Researcher
- Civil Servant
- Film Production Coordinator
- Officer Cadet
- Analyst
- Trainee Insurance Broker
- Investment Assistant
- 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 from a Politics degree in Exeter. Below are a few examples* of further study undertaken. 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
- King's College, London
- University of Bristol
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.
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.
