
Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)
BA Politics and International Relations looks at political ideas and processes, as well as global issues such as war and security, diplomacy and development.
You will gain a solid foundation in politics, the history of international relations and IR theory, studying subjects such as democracy, decolonisation, democratisation, international organisations, foreign-policy making, human migration and human rights. As you progress through the degree, the flexible nature of the course allows you to specialise in those aspects of domestic politics, political theory and internation...
BA Politics and International Relations looks at political ideas and processes, as well as global issues such as war and security, diplomacy and development.<br/><br/>You will gain a solid foundation in politics, the history of international relations and IR theory, studying subjects such as democracy, decolonisation, democratisation, international organisations, foreign-policy making, human migration and human rights. As you progress through the degree, the flexible nature of the course allows you to specialise in those aspects of domestic politics, political theory and international relations that most interest you.<br/><br/>By combining Politics and International Relations, you will gain an advanced understanding of how individuals, groups and states interact across borders, and how political institutions and ideas differ around the world. As you progress through your studies, you will engage with important contemporary challenges, including, for example, the recent global economic crisis, changes in the European Union, human migration and the threats posed by terrorists and new communications technologies.<br/><br/>The Department of Politics and International Relations has a strong commitment to high-quality, cutting-edge research, all of which informs our teaching. We are a research community that applies various theories and methods to the study of domestic, transnational, regional and global politics. We have expertise in African, British, Chinese, European, Middle East, North American and South Asian politics, and our research covers areas such as security, democratisation, youth politics, international diplomacy and political communication, as well as contemporary and radical theories of democracy and power.<br/><br/>Learn how to approach problems in a rigorous and analytical way.<br/><br/>Gain a solid foundation in politics, the history of international relations and IR theory.<br/><br/>Our graduates pursue roles in many sectors including the civil service, public affairs and law.<br/><br/>Consider contemporary challenges, such as terrorism, climate change and refugees.<br/><br/>Work placement opportunities at MPs’ offi ces, NGOs and local government.
Course Information
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
21/09/2026
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
L290
Institution Code
R72
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
A,A,B,B,B
Access to HE Diploma
D:27,M:18,P:0
Access must be in a related subject area. Please note that the Access to Higher Education Diploma will only be acceptable if the applicant has had a considerable break from education
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32
Grades 6,5,5 at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overall
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM
BTEC must be in a related subject
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2,H2,H3,H3,H3
At Higher level.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
We require at least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9 - 4 including English and Mathematics.
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
DD
BTEC must be in a related subject plus one A-Level grade B.
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
DDD
BTEC must be in a related subject
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
BTEC must be in a related subject plus one A-Level grade B.
Scottish Advanced Higher
A,B,B
B,B,B
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
Plus two A-Levels graded B,B
A level
A,B,B
B,B,B
- Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. - Socio-economic factors which may have impacted an applicant’s education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Requirements are as for A-levels where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate
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Fees and funding
Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £26,800 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |