Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

Our Joint Honours Politics and International Relations degree is designed for students who are interested in domestic politics (including the study of political theory, states, elections, and parliaments) as well as politics between countries (with a focus on international relations theory, security studies, and conflict). The degree allows you to develop expertise in both areas and to explore topics (such as environmental politics, global political economy, and global politics) where they intersect.<br/><br/>The course is designed to give you a strong grounding in both politics and international relations in the first year, before allowing greater specialisation as well as increasing focus on the domestic/international intersection in the second year. During the final year the focus is on self-directed learning, allowing you the flexibility to choose topics and areas that you wish to focus on. The opportunity to intern with a Member of the Senedd in our Senedd/Welsh Parliament module in the final year provides a chance to learn first-hand how parliaments and parliamentarians work. You also have the opportunity to participate in the British Parliamentary Studies module, partly delivered by expert staff from the Houses of Parliament.<br/><br/>There is a strong emphasis on employability and skills across the degree. You will typically develop excellent communication skills across a variety of formats, and learn to present ideas in a range of formats (e.g., briefing paper, policy analysis, case studies, podcasts), along with strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.<br/><br/>Our stunning Singleton Park Campus will keep you grounded and offer the perfect environment for taking a break in the park, and enjoying the views across Swansea Bay on the edge of the beautiful Gower Peninsula.<br/><br/>You will study in one of the few departments in the UK to offer the British Parliamentary Studies module, where you will be taught by our specialist academic staff and Members of the Houses Parliament. This module includes a visit to the Houses of Parliament and engagement with a Member of the House.<br/><br/>You will also have the competitive option of undertaking a work placement module with the Senedd/ Welsh Parliament, assigned to and working closely with the team of a Senedd Member.<br/><br/>Politics at Swansea is ranked:<br/><br/>• 7th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2025)*<br/>• Top 15 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)<br/>• Top 20 in the UK for Academic Support (NSS 2025)*<br/>• In the Top 250 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)<br/><br/>*based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.<br/><br/>International Relations at Swansea is ranked:<br/><br/>• 12th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good university Guide 2026)<br/><br/>*Based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.