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Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons)

3 years, starting in September 2026

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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.

Informed teaching to advance your learning

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.

Develop your professional skills

We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study. These include

  • critical and analytical thinking
  • presentation and communication skills
  • data analysis
  • adaptability and resilience.

Prepare for your future

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:

  • Bath Welcomes Refugees
  • Barclays
  • Cabinet Office
  • Center for International Policy
  • House of Commons
  • KPMG
  • Women’s Equality Party
Find out what our graduates go on to do

2026/2027 Academic Year

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.

Course structure

This course lasts 3 years. It starts in September 2026 and ends in 2029. Welcome week starts on 21 September 2026.

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.

Units

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.

Year 1

Compulsory units

  • Essential study skills in politics

    5 credits

  • Introduction to international relations

    15 credits

  • Politics: key concepts and analysis

    15 credits

  • Solving puzzles about politics

    5 credits

  • “Global Britain”? the UK’s place in the world

    20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory units

  • Comparative politics

    10 credits

  • Peace, conflict and international security

    10 credits

  • Qualitative and quantitative research methods

    10 credits

  • Thinking the world politically

    10 credits

Options

  • Year 2 Options

    20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory units

  • Dissertation

    20 credits

Options

  • Final Year Options

    40 credits

Study abroad or placement

We also offer this course with a professional placement or study abroad option in Year 3. This allows you to take advantage of our links with a range of organisations in different sectors, experience a new culture, or even combine the two.

A professional placement is a great way to get insights into the career path you want; contribute to projects and services; have fun, make friends and build your professional network; and even earn a salary.

If you decide to study abroad, you will spend time at one of our partner institutions across the globe. During this time, you will study a course that complements your existing learning while experiencing a new culture.

Learning and assessment

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.

Learning

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Examinations

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.

Learning and teaching

Contact hours

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.

Independent learning

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.

Assessment breakdown

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.  

Recognition of professional qualifications

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.

‘One of the main reasons I chose Bath was the placement. Having done my placement at 5654 & Company, I was thrilled to be offered a job here after my graduation.’
— Alice Bailey BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations graduate (Graduating year, 2024)

Entry requirements

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:

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

GCSE requirements

  • GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)

Read more about how we consider GCSEs.

A level Typical offer

AAA or A*AB

AAA or A*AB in three A levels.

Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

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.

A level Contextual offer

ABB

ABB in three A levels.

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.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

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.

A level Alternative offer

AAB

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:

  • grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
  • grade B in a Core Mathematics qualification
  • grade B in AS level Mathematics or Statistics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
  • grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Mathematics or Statistics
  • an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise

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.

Read more about how our alternative offers work.

International Baccalaureate Typical offer

6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

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.

International Baccalaureate Certificates

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.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.

International Baccalaureate Contextual offer

6, 5, 5 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects.

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.

Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer

DDD

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)

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.

BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates

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.

T Level Typical offer

Distinction and A*

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.

Scottish Highers Typical offer

AA in Advanced Highers

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

Access to HE Diploma Typical offer

36 credits at Distinction

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.

Combinations of qualifications Typical offer

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.

English language requirements

Category C

If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
  • TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
  • Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
  • Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 120, Conversation 120, Production 120
  • LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons)

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.

Find out more about student fees

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

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 loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You 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 scholarships

Other payment options

You 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 options

Budgeting

You 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 which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.

Application information

Selection process

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.

Course enquiries

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