Politics and International Relations [with Placement year]

Study the workings of society and governments around the globe, including questions of power, justice, democracy, empire, security, revolution, activism, and identity.

Gain insights into change and continuity in national and global governance, how leaders and politicians have influenced such processes, and how the directions and decisions of political parties and institutions affect people’s lives.

You’ll explore the impact of individual leaders like Tony Blair and Vladimir Putin alongside the role of international organisations and alliances.

With a curriculum that stretches across Africa, Asia and Europe, you'll also look at wider issues of international conflict and world peace, consumption and trade, crime and terrorism, and media and communication.


• Gain important transferable skills for your career, including research and data analysis.



• Take innovative assessments that include but also go beyond the traditional essay, like blogs, podcasts, presentations and letters.



• Learn from expert tutors including historians, sociologists and political scientists.



• Attend events with key political figures organised by our Labour History Research Unit.



• Study in Cambridge, with its impressive collection of museums, libraries, archives and political clubs.



Careers

Graduate equipped for a career in a political party, diplomacy and other areas of the civil service, or for international organisations.

Your use of data analysis and different sources from government documents to focus groups, as well as our innovative assessment methods, will all give you an impressive narrative to tell prospective employers.

You can also learn a language on our optional modules, boosting your employability internationally in areas such as UN conflict resolution and diplomacy.

You could go on to work in a variety of fields, including local government, charities, NGOs, European and international organisations and agencies.

You might also explore career paths in public service, the criminal justice system, future energy policy and planning, security, negotiation and peacekeeping, or communication and media.

Or you might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MA International Relations or MA International Development. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Teaching

Learn about the interlocking institutions that constitute politics, and explore ideological constructs that underpin political change.

You’ll also get to grips with digital methods, learning valuable skills in the digital humanities.

From Year 2 you’ll explore key issues like migration and war, as well as your own interests on optional modules, and build your research skills.

Finally, you’ll complete an independent project on a topic of your choice, and learn methods to communicate your research, while other modules will include exploring how social media facilitates both political activists and ‘bad actors’.

At ARU, you’ll be supported from day one with wellbeing services, money advice and careers guidance to help you through university and beyond.

Their courses are built around the skills and experience employers value. ARU are proud to be in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality (TEF 2023), and ranked #1 in the East of England, and #8 in the UK, for UG graduates in senior roles 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). You'll have access to fantastic facilities thanks to £95m of investment - think SuperLabs, TV studios, law courts, mock hospital wards, gaming studios and more.

Wherever you're heading, ARU will help you get there.