Combine the study of politics and global affairs to develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and respond to contemporary political challenges.
During this course, you'll deepen and develop your understanding of politics at local, domestic, regional and international levels.
You’ll also gain the skills needed to critically analyse contemporary international and domestic socio-political challenges, from political polarisation to climate change. This will give you an effective platform to respond to key political factors that impact everyday life.
In Year 1, you’ll study topics such as political theory and analysis, international relations and British politics. You'll study the latter from a global and comparative perspective.
In Year 2, you'll increase your knowledge of political theory and international relations, and advance your skills in research design and data analysis. A range of optional units will give you the opportunity to specialise in areas such as foreign policy analysis or technology and politics.
In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation. You’ll also choose from a range of optional units, giving you the freedom to explore topics that interest you and prepare you for your potential future career. Optional units may cover areas like economic crises, war and peace or electoral politics.
You’ll learn from teaching staff with diverse backgrounds and expertise in different areas of politics and international relations. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.
We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study. These include
Many of our politics graduates have gone on to careers in both the private and public sectors, working in the banking and finance industries, media, public administration, and European and international political institutions.
Examples of where our recent graduates have gone on to work include:
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
This course lasts 4 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2029. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.
5 credits
15 credits
15 credits
5 credits
20 credits
10 credits
10 credits
10 credits
10 credits
20 credits
60 credits
20 credits
40 credits
You can choose to do a professional placement or study at one of our overseas partner institutions during Year 3. This is an opportunity to enhance your CV, gain new skills and expand your professional network.
Doing a professional placement in Year 3 allows you to use what you've learnt in a practical context and enhance your CV.
You’ll find out about the organisation you join and how it works, while learning more about potential future careers. Our students have worked in the UK and overseas. Some have been offered graduate roles following placements.
You’ll develop skills like planning, problem-solving, decision making and project management.
Employers often value placements, so you could gain an advantage in the job market.
Previous students have done placements with organisations in the public and private sectors. These include:
Some have also worked in local UK political party offices, NGOs, political think tanks and international development consultancies.
Placement opportunities can’t be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our dedicated placement team to help you secure a placement.
Read more about doing a professional placement.
If you decide to study abroad in your third year, you will spend time at one of our agreed partner institutions. You will study a course that complements your existing learning and experience a new culture.
Taking part in study abroad is dependent on good academic performance in Year 1. Some funding may be available but isn’t guaranteed.
Study abroad opportunities are limited and are subject to availability at our partner institutions.
Read more about studying abroad as part of your undergraduate degree.
For each option, you’ll receive support from various university teams, as well as your Director of Studies.
You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 8 and 12 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 23 to 32 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example, you may do a final year project in the final year.
You will be assessed in a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge.
55% - 75% of your course will be assessed through coursework. The balance of the assessment by examinations and assessment by coursework may depend on the optional units you choose.
The final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 32% and 68% respectively.
You will primarily be assessed individually, but may also be assessed as part of a group.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
‘The more you put in, the more you will get out. Do not be afraid to engage with your lecturers – be curious!’
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for politics or international relations. This might include relevant reading, involvement in political or debating societies, voluntary work for charities, or activism for a political party or an NGO.
You do not need to have studied Politics before to be suitable for this course, and your relevant experiences and interests are more important than which subjects you have previously studied.
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
AAA or A*AB in three A levels.
Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level (unless studied alongside A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics alone). Read more about our approach to this qualification.
ABB in three A levels.
Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level (unless studied alongside A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics alone). Read more about our approach to this qualification.
We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
AAB in three A levels plus one of:
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:
AABB in three A levels and the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.
36 points overall and 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.
If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
36 points overall and 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects.
Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) in a relevant subject area.
We prefer the above qualifications to be in a relevant subject area and are unable to consider qualifications in Public Services, Uniformed Protective Services, Travel and Tourism and other less relevant disciplines. If we make you an offer, we may specify particular units in which you will need to achieve Distinctions.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route may be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.
D overall with grade A* in the core component in the Legal Services T Level.
We are able to consider the above T Level technical qualification in Legal Services only.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part the admissions process.
AA in two Advanced Highers.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AAAAB in their Highers.
Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
A pass in the Access to HE Diploma with at least 36 credits achieved from units achieved at Distinction and 3 credits achieved at Merit or above.
Although we do not specify any particular subjects or units, we expect at least one of your subjects to include academic essay writing.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.
You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
We accept the Indian 12th Standard and our entry requirements are listed under the 'India' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall average of 18 with 18, 18, 18 in three subjects.
Your subject grades will be taken as an average of your school results and external exams where relevant.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Due to the variety, structure and grading of these qualifications, applications are welcomed from students with these qualifications but we consider them on on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in applying, please contact us on admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice. Please provide copies of your school reports within your email for our consideration.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
18.5 in the Apolytirion plus AA in two A levels
We can often consider applications from students taking the Apolytirion in public schools in Cyprus without any additional A levels. This will depend on your subject stream and the advanced level subjects you are taking. Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk to find out more about our requirements.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
A score of 8.8 overall.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
19 in the Apolytirion plus AA in two A levels.
We cannot accept the Apolytirion unless it is studied alongside A levels. We do not accept Pan Hellenic examinations in place of an A level.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
77766 in five subjects.
We do not accept Life Orientation as one of these five subjects.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
H1, H1, H2, H2, H3, H3 in six subjects from the Irish Leaving Certificate.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5 in all subjects with 80% in two Higher subjects.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
AAA in three H2 level subjects.
3.4 overall.
We accept GCE and International A levels and the IB Diploma whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
CGPA of 80% with 85% in an essay based subject from the final year.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
1.4 overall.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider a Foundation Year or if you are located here in the UK, explore the qualifications that may be available to you.
Please contact us for further advice on admissions@bath.ac.uk
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall score of 90% in the classical, languages or scientific pathway with 9, 9, 9 in three subjects from your final report card.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
86% overall with 9.0 in one subject.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An average of 4.2 in the common core subjects and an average of 4.8 across six optional programme courses.
These requirements are for the Specialisation in General Studies programme. Please contact us if you are taking a different programme
We consider your grades in final assessment for each subject, or in examinations where you do not have a final assessment for that subject.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
85, 85, 85 in three extended subjects.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Pass with A in 1000 credits and B in a further 1000 credits.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
9.0 overall with 9.0, 9.0, 9.0 in three subjects .
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
A weighted average mark of 10.
We may be able to consider your application if you are taking the Højere Handelseksamen (HHX), Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX), Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF). Please contact us to discuss our requirements.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5, 5, 5 in three elective subjects or 5, 5 in two elective subjects plus 5 in core English or Mathematics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
15 overall with 15 in one speciality subject in the final year or 14 overall with 15, 15 in two speciality subjects in the final year
14 overall with 15 in one speciality subject in the final year or 13 overall with 15, 15 in two speciality subjects in the final year
By speciality subjects, we mean the subjects studied as 'enseignements de spécialités' as part of the General Baccalaureate. The grade we require is the grade awarded in the speciality subject from the written examinations taken in your final year.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
9.0 overall with 90, 90, 90 in three state exams.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
We are reviewing our typical requirements for these qualifications for this course and will publish new information soon.
If you have any questions, please contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Level 3 Diploma achieved with Merit including three Level 3 subjects with 14 credits at Excellence (E).
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
AAA in three subjects.
We do not accept General Studies as one of these three subjects. We do not accept grade A- in place of grade A.
CGPA of 3.4.
Diplomas are accepted case-by-case depending on your profile. Please contact us for further advice.
A2 in 6 subjects.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
We accept this programme for direct entry and our requirements are the same as for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. These are listed in the 'Canada' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An average of 80% across four subjects with 85% in one subject.
We do not accept Physical Education as one of these four subjects. Other subjects with a less academic focus may also be excluded. Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your subject choices.
These requirements are for the CBSE and CISCE boards. Please contact us if you are taking this qualification with a different board.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
85% average across 5 or 6 grade 12 subjects
The number of grade 12 subjects we require will depend on your province or territory. Subjects with a less academic focus may be excluded.
85% average in a pre-university programme
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5.6 overall with 5.8 in a state matriculation exam (excluding Bulgarian).
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5, 5, 5 in three Advanced Placement Tests.
We accept no more than one Calculus AP as one of these subjects. AP Seminar and AP Research are not accepted as one of these AP subjects.
We assess applications from students taking AP examinations on an individual basis.
When assessing your application, we will also be looking for evidence of a high academic standard across a breadth of study, for example through additional AP Tests, your wider school curriculum and SAT or ACT scores if you have taken them.
If you would like advice about your own set of qualifications, please email admissions@bath.ac.uk
If you are unable to take the Advanced Placement tests required above, we may be able to consider your application if you can demonstrate a high level of academic achievement through honours, dual enrolment or equivalent ‘advanced’ level classes on a case-by-case basis. Typically, we would be looking for one honours, dual enrolment or equivalent ‘advanced’ level class in place of each Advanced Placement test.
When assessing your application, we will also be looking for evidence of a high academic standard across a breadth of study, for example through your wider school curriculum and SAT or ACT scores if you have them.
Please send a copy of your high school transcript and details of any pending classes to admissions@bath.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your application.
3.4 GPA
We consider applications from students with Associate Degrees on a case-by-case basis and will carefully review the content of the classes you have studied. We will be looking for a high standard across a breadth of academic study.
Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk with a copy of your university and high school transcripts and details of any pending classes if you would like to discuss your application.
We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Fees and funding information for Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons) with professional placement or study abroad
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusFee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansYou could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsYou can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsYou will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa. Please read the information about [planning your finances for your placement year](If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa. Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma or a BTEC Extended Diploma, you may be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process .
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
Learn more about living and studying at Bath
Visit our undergraduate virtual experienceGain the essential skills required for the study of political phenomena.
Starting from the question of 'what it is we do when we study politics', you will learn practical skills, such as how to read academic articles, how to research around political topics, and how to produce an academic essay on political questions.
You'll study this unit in tandem with the two introductory units of Politics and International Relations.
Explore the history, theories and issues that define the agenda in world politics. Examine world events from new angles and apply what you have learned.
You will be introduced to core theoretical frameworks and apply this analytical toolkit to issues such as war, peace, trade, international cooperation, and diplomacy as well as to contemporary case studies that are regularly updated in line with the latest developments in international politics.
Enhance your knowledge of the essential concepts and analytical approaches that shape politics and political analysis and develop a sophisticated understanding of the building blocks of political life.
You’ll cover a range of political concepts and study different analytical perspectives, from power and liberty to climate and race.
How do we construct good questions to ask about politics? And how do we provide good answers to those questions?
With a focus on how to integrate theory and empirics when solving these puzzles, we will use real-world examples to understand the basic elements of research design in the study of politics. You’ll do so by exploring theory and assumptions, measurement, identification, and how to build an argument about something that is happening in the political world.
Learn about the main issues in (international) politics from a UK perspective, examining Westminster politics, elections, and sub-state nationalism.
You'll deal with issues such as race, gender, and climate, and how the UK compares internationally. You will also explore Britain's place in the world - from its membership of international institutions such as NATO and the UN; to its relationship with Europe and the United States, and the legacy of Empire and colonialism.
Explore the field of comparative politics, defined as the study of political institutions, processes, and outcomes across and within countries. Comparative politics is a broad field, but study in this area is united by a commitment to testing theories using comparisons and answering questions, for example: Why do transitions to democracy succeed in some countries but not others? Does the representation of women and minority groups in politics matter to policy outcomes?
Analyse the research, theories and practice of security, conflict, and peace-making.
You'll learn about the historical trends in conflict, and explore main concepts and theories in conflict analysis and security studies.
Finally, you'll examine current conflicts, involving you in coursework that applies analytical tools taught in the unit.
Gain the practical skills needed to address specific research problems.
You'll learn about using various techniques and types of data, and be guided through the process of empirical research. This will help you to:
You’ll go through these during in-class exercises and practical applications.
Exploring the key philosophical traditions upon which contemporary politics is based, you will engage with key political thinkers and topics such as political violence, justice, and democracy. You’ll have the opportunity to develop a capacity to contextualise and evaluate current political disagreements, from arguments over freedom of speech to the role of the state, considering ongoing debates in political thought and theory.
In Year 2, you will study 20 credits of optional units. You’ll select at least one all-year option worth 10 credits.
Options cover a range of topics, such as foreign policy making, international political economy, the politics of technology, and UK Parliamentary democracy.
You can choose to go on a professional placement or study at one of our overseas partner institutions. This is an opportunity to enhance your CV, gain valuable new skills, try out a career option, or experience life in a different cultural environment.
For your dissertation you’ll design and conduct a research project under supervision in an approved topic in politics (this may include related political aspects of related subjects such as social policy, media, etc.).
In the final year, you will study 40 credits of optional units.
Options cover a range of topics, such as emerging powers, peacebuilding, the politics of culture and national identity and contemporary UK politics.
You’ll study these optional units alongside your dissertation.