BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations

BA(Hons) Politics and International Relations at UWE Bristol is an applied, future-focused course, which emphasises the importance of theory, policy, and practice in political and global affairs.

Why study politics and international relations?

We live in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, where local issues are closely linked to global processes. In this changing context, politics impacts our lives in multiple ways. Our course focuses on the connection between politics and international relations and analyses and addresses political challenges on local, national, and global levels.

You'll gain a unique set of skills in this course, which can lead you to confidently pursue exciting career opportunities, both inside and outside the political world.

Why UWE Bristol?

BA(Hons) Politics and International Relations at UWE Bristol is an exciting course, focused on delivering high-quality, practice-based teaching and an outstanding student experience, informed by academic research. We offer you a wide range of modules, covering topics such as human rights, gender and sexuality, ethics, race, religion, foreign policy, international security, and public policy. These modules are delivered with a strong emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to practical solutions to local, national, and global challenges.

Our experienced and dedicated teaching team is passionate about our subjects and brings them to life through our teaching. You'll learn through a combination of lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities, such as role plays, debates, and policy analysis, all supported by modern technology. We design our classes to strengthen your academic, writing, and presentation skills, including activities that will develop your ability to think both independently and critically.

We've embedded practice-orientated learning at all levels of the course. You'll get involved in activities such as live briefs, simulation exercises, and conflict resolution games, and we'll also offer opportunities for you to engage in workplace learning through placements. By the end of the course, you'll have developed the skills and knowledge to understand and engage with political questions and current affairs.

We have created an active learning community where students and academic staff exchange ideas in research seminars, roundtable events, and guest lectures. Regular events include field trips and careers sessions, including 'meet-the-employer' opportunities with speakers from the Civil Service, NGOs and local and international businesses. These events give you a clear view of how politics is researched and practised, inspiring you to apply the skills you've gained in your degree.

Where can it take me?

Politics and International Relations graduates are in demand across a wide range of professions and many of our graduates have secured employment in government, the civil service, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), accountancy, human resources, media and journalism.

Many of our graduates also choose to deepen their skills and knowledge and get involved in research or education or specialise further in postgraduate study.

At UWE Bristol we empower you to make a choice. To choose a university that challenges itself as much as you. To choose a passion that gives you purpose. To choose a community that leads the way, encouraging you to question everything, and to become the best you can be.

Change the world

At UWE Bristol, we’re focused on solving future global challenges through outstanding learning, world-leading research and a culture of enterprise.

Here, we empower our students to make a choice. To choose a university that pushes itself as much as it pushes them. To choose a community of original thinkers - breaking new boundaries and leading the way.

From our enterprise support programmes to industry masterclasses. Professional mentoring to business incubators. World-leading research facilities to work experience opportunities across the globe. We give our students the tools they need to act on their ideas and make them happen.

Each of our pioneering courses has been created in partnership with industry professionals. And over 150 come with professional accreditation from industry bodies. Coupled with world-class teaching, they’re designed to equip students with the most in-demand skills, and the kind of mindset that employers want and need. So that when you graduate from UWE Bristol, you’re ready to take on the world.

Our mindset

We believe that it’s only when you ask 'what if?' that you discover 'why not?'. That’s why we’re not afraid to ask difficult questions – and tackle the big issues head-on. It’s our way of continuing to make a real difference in the way we learn, analyse and contribute to the world we live in.

Our values

Ambitious

We’re not afraid to shape, challenge and tackle the big issues, to take the initiative and pave the way.

Inclusive

We make UWE Bristol a supportive and inspiring place to learn and work – somewhere where diversity of experience and perspective is encouraged, and learning and research are shared and accessible.

Innovative

We create new opportunities for the people who work and study with us. We embrace different ideas and pioneer new and sustainable ways of doing things.

Collaborative

We have strong connections locally and globally. We help people and organisations be the best they can, building trust throughout our university community and beyond.

Enterprising

We instil a thirst for new knowledge, its creation and application, empowering our students and staff to demonstrate a creative questioning approach, a 'can-do' confidence, and the ability to navigate uncertainty.