**Course details**
The study of politics and international relations combines two fascinating and complementary disciplines. Politics is a rapidly evolving field. It touches every area of our lives, covering issues from national security and inequalities in society to the climate crisis.
With international relations you’ll develop an understanding of many of the relationships that shape our complex and interconnected world. The degree will equip you with a systematic and rigorous understanding of the two disciplines while developing many transferable skills that are valued b...
**Course details**<br/>The study of politics and international relations combines two fascinating and complementary disciplines. Politics is a rapidly evolving field. It touches every area of our lives, covering issues from national security and inequalities in society to the climate crisis.<br/>With international relations you’ll develop an understanding of many of the relationships that shape our complex and interconnected world. The degree will equip you with a systematic and rigorous understanding of the two disciplines while developing many transferable skills that are valued by employers. <br/>You can further tailor your course by applying to add a year-long work placement, or an international dimension with an overseas study year. If you are selected this will increase the course from three years to four.<br/><br/>**Why Durham University?**<br/>Our courses address some of the biggest global political issues from multiple perspectives. We aim to develop the knowledge and understanding that will help you impact the world in a positive way.<br/>You will be taught by academics with a genuine passion for their subject, whose areas of expertise include government, political theory, political economy and international relations.<br/>The School of Government and International Affairs is home to several research centres and institutes, and many lecturers are actively engaged in research. This innovative work is fed into the BA, so you can be sure the curriculum is informed by contemporary political debate. <br/><br/>**Rankings**<br/>**World Top 100** in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2024<br/>**3rd** in The Guardian University Guide 2025<br/>**3rd** in The Complete University Guide 2025<br/>**Top 10** in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025<br/><br/>**Career Opportunities**<br/>We offer a series of employment-related events which include talks from visiting speakers who explore the range of careers open to politics and international relations students, and offer advice about applying for jobs. <br/>Graduates are equipped with an academic and practical skill set that will take them into a wide range of fields including local and national government, newspaper and broadcast journalism, the charity sector, business and finance, publishing, law, manufacturing, teaching and academia, and the armed forces. <br/>They have gone on to achieve great success in the political arena and beyond, with roles including Chief Operating Officer for the GB Equality and Human Rights Commission, Head of Defence Inquests and Disclosure in the Ministry of Defence and Political Officer in the British Embassy Mogadishu.
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
29/09/2025
Campus
Durham City
29 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
L253
Institution Code
D86
Points of Entry
Year 1
Not Accepted
A,A,A,A,B
Departments will normally make offers based on Advanced Highers. In the absence of 3 Advanced Highers, where these are not offered by the applicant’s school, offers comprising of Advanced Highers and Highers or a number of Highers may be made on a case by case basis. General information on subjects/grades required for entry: Grade A at AH level in an accepted social science or humanities subject.
D:30,M:15
We require 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3 (or equivalent). Applicants may be required to meet additional subject-specific requirements for particular courses at Durham. General information on subjects/grades required for entry: Sufficient credits in at least one accepted social science or humanities subject. Due to the range of qualifications available we are unable to specify a specific amount of credits to meet this requirement, however if you would like more information please contact us with your application ID, or module list, so that we may advise appropriately.
37
666 in higher level subjects, including a social sciences or humanities subject.
DDD
Must include A Level in a social science or humanities subject.
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2
General information on subjects/grades required for entry: Grade H2 at Higher Level in an accepted social science or humanities subject.
DDD
Must include A Level in a social science or humanities subject.
A,A,A
General information on subjects/grades required for entry: Grade A at AH level in an accepted social science or humanities subject.
D3,D3,D3
General information on subjects/grades required for entry: Grade D3 in an accepted social science or humanities subject.
Not Accepted
A,A,A
Including a social science or humanities subject. Specific subjects excluded for entry: General Studies and Critical Thinking. Information: Please see the website for a list of accepted social science and humanities subjects.
At Durham we welcome applications from students of outstanding achievement and potential from all educational backgrounds. We will consider applicants studying T level qualifications for entry to many of our courses. Where a course requires subject specific knowledge and this is not covered within the T level being studied, you may need to supplement your T level studies with a suitable qualification to meet this requirement, for example at A level. Where this is needed this will be clearly stated in our entry requirements.
Not Accepted
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Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £27,000 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |