About this course

This BSc Politics and International Relations degree includes the study of traditional disciplines of political theory and comparative politics. You'll develop a grounding in the theory and practice of global politics. This will give you an in-depth understanding of the contemporary political world.

You'll learn the theory of politics and then specialise in areas of current political importance. These include globalisation, public policy, constitutional politics, security studies and migration. You'll study current problems and explore how to address them.

In this course, you can:

study political theory, global politics, public policy, and political analysis
examine the conventional wisdom about international relations and gain a more critical understanding of this important field
learn from hands-on activities such as public engagement and field trips to Whitehall and Westminster
learn about foreign and security policies of key states such as the USA, and principal institutions such as the UN and the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
choose from a wide array of topics through optional modules, including political topics relating to the UK, the EU or the US, and modules in criminology, economics or ethics

A BSc Politics and International Relations degree from the University of Southampton will:

develop your critical thinking skills
hone your analytical capacity
train you in a range of research skills that are highly valued by employers

You'll develop transferable skills such as:

effective oral and written communication
problem solving
data analysis

This degree gives excellent training for a range of careers, including roles in:

the civil service and international organisations
NGOs, advocacy and lobby groups
political campaigning
journalism
a broad range of business sectors

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Download

ODT

Download 2025-26 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

ABB

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from two A levels

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus B from one A-level

DDM in the BTEC National Extended Diploma

Additional information

The University aims to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds who we believe have the potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging programmes. We are committed to fair admissions and strive to ensure we give equal consideration to all applicants who possess the necessary knowledge and skills.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

A-levels

ABB

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from two A levels

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus B from one A-level

DDM in the BTEC National Extended Diploma

Additional information

The University aims to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds who we believe have the potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging programmes. We are committed to fair admissions and strive to ensure we give equal consideration to all applicants who possess the necessary knowledge and skills.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

In year 1, you'll study a range of foundational modules. These cover British and comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. In year 2, you’ll specialise in comparative politics and international relations, as well as choose from a range of optional modules. You'll learn the skills you need to support your study in other modules and prepare you for your dissertation. In year 3, you'll be able to develop specialist interests by choosing from a wide range of optional modules. You'll also complete a research dissertation.

You’ll also be able to broaden your experience by selecting:

Along with these options, our Curriculum Innovation Programme allows you to take optional modules outside your core disciplines.

You do not need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

Year 1 overview

You'll study political systems, analysing the differences between democracies, semi-democracies, and authoritarian regimes. You'll also study important concepts within contemporary political theory.

You can choose from optional modules from politics or from related disciplines. For example, you can study micro-economics, ethics, or even study an introduction to mathematics for economics.

Year 2 overview

In year 2, you'll develop more advanced skills in research and review major theoretical ideas of political theory. This can range from Thucydides through to the writings of classical political economists in the 19th century. You'll gain an understanding of how international relations, political theory, and comparative politics have informed each other.

You'll also be able to choose from a broad range of optional modules. These include Chinese politics, the future of Europe, ethics and social policy.

Year 3 overview

In your year 3 dissertation, you’ll research a politics or international relations topic of your choice. You'll be able to demonstrate your independent research, analysis and communication skills.

You'll choose optional modules on topics within politics such as:

Partisans
Public Opinion and Elections
Politics and Protest
Reinventing Democracy
Politics and Governance of the EU

You can also take optional modules in other departments.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. 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. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

A (Dis) United Kingdom? An introduction to British Politics

Set on the background of Brexit, a Scottish independence referendum, and the rise of new parties, the years since 2010 have seen a coalition government, three referendums, four elections, the highest and lowest ever two-party vote share, and several other...

Comparative Politics

Are you curious about politics around the world? Have you ever wondered why countries develop such different political systems—why some build strong democracies while others face democratic backsliding? At the same time, why do global political trends, li...

Crises of the 21st Century

Engaging Political Ideas

Students should gain a knowledge of how political ideas - such as freedom, equality, justice, or democracy - have been understood in different and incompatible ways, and how those different understandings have been the occasion for ideological or normativ...

Foundations of Modern Politics

A deep dive into foundational texts, themes and ideas that have shaped the study of modern politics in all its dimensions.

Global Dilemmas: Reading Contemporary Politics

In this module, you will explore some of the most pressing political challenges shaping the world today by engaging with a range of carefully selected texts. Through discussions with your lecturers and fellow students, you will develop your ability to thi...

Introduction to International Relations

Explore the forces that shape our world by studying the structures, actors, and policy-making processes of international relations. This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to assess and apply competing theories of world politics, and to ...

Simple Liars, Damned Liars and Experts: the use of empirical research in social science

A key skill of a social scientist is to be able to assess the quality of evidence presented based on strong methodological foundations. We need to understand what constitutes evidence, including how it can be produced, agreed, disputed, disseminated and m...

Understanding the Social World

This module lays down the foundations for conducting social research in any discipline within the social sciences, focused around criminology, international relations, politics, population sciences, social policy and sociology. The module will present a r...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

20%

Scheduled learning & teaching

80%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
dissertations
essays
group essays
individual and group projects
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

31%

Written exam

59%

Coursework

10%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

John Glenn is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Communication
Teamwork
Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

local,

national and international charities,

Citizens Advice,

global development bodies,

human and civil rights organisations such as,

environmental and conservation organisations,

political campaigns and political parties,

banks,

Charities,

Intergovernmental organisations,

international businesses,

Law Firms,

local and national government,

media companies,

Non-Governmental Organisations.

Careers directly related to this course:

Diplomatic service officer
Government social research officer
Intelligence analyst
International aid worker
Policy officer
Political risk analyst
Public affairs consultant

Wider career opportunities:

Armed forces operational officer
Border force officer
Broadcast journalist
External auditor
University lecturer
Risk manager
Solicitor

Example job titles of Southampton BSc Politics and International Relations graduates*:

Army officer
Channel partnerships coordinator
Operations manager
Content creator
Internal communications account executive
Management consultant
Lecturer
Policy lead
Technical analyst
Strategy specialist

Job prospects for BSc Politics and International Relations graduates

£29k

Average professional salary

83%

In a skilled profession or further study

95%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Year in employment

You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £24,200.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: L260
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Politics and International Relations (BSc) is a course in the Politics and international relations subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

i

BSc

International Relations

l

BA

Liberal Arts

m

BA

Modern History and Politics

BA

Modern History and Politics with Year Abroad

p

BA

Politics and International Relations (BSc)

About this course

Learn more about this subject area