Politics with International Relations BA (Hons)

Course overview:

Politics with international relations is an incredibly diverse and varied subject. At Teesside you explore vital issues such as political violence, international relations, political ideologies, gender and politics, political communications, revolution, fascism, social movements, and electoral and parliamentary politics in the UK and US.

You gain transferable skills, experience and knowledge to understand and influence the world around you for careers in frontline politics, the civil service, international organisations, local government, law, accountancy, social work, librarianship, journalism, public relations, teaching, retail management and the third sector.

You develop high level communication skills in a range of verbal and written forms, critical thinking, analysis and time-management. You learn frameworks and concepts to be able to explain and practice politics with international relations in the outside world.

The teaching team are widely published academics and current politicians, meaning you study contemporary events alongside historic ones. You are assigned a personal tutor, undertake practical skills sessions, and can take a bespoke employability module with the option of work-experience in a politics field with an external partner.

Top reasons to study this course
1. Staff are research active and widely published, which underpins their teaching, and means you gain a contemporary, authentic learning experience.
2. Build up your general interest in politics and international relations to specialise in your final year on your own piece of research.
3. You matter – and will be part of a community which encourages you to find your voice, with professional and personal supervision, and support specific to your needs.
4. We host a number of political archives including The Green Party Archive, The Fascism Collection, and The Tom Sawyer Archive (former Labour Party General Secretary, 1994-98).

After the course:
A variety of career paths will be open to you, including local, national and international politics, local government, law, accountancy, social work, librarianship, journalism, public relations, international organisations, teaching and retail management.

Choosing Teesside University means joining a modern, ambitious university that puts students first. Named Modern University of the Year 2026 (Daily Mail University Guide 2026) and recognised for its outstanding student experience, Teesside combines award-winning teaching with the support you need to succeed.

Based in Middlesbrough, the university has invested millions into creating a vibrant campus packed with industry-standard facilities, study spaces and social hubs. You'll also have access to Adobe Creative Campus tools, helping you build valuable digital skills alongside your degree.

From day one, you'll be part of a welcoming student community with excellent support services, societies, sports clubs and opportunities to boost your career prospects. If you're looking for a university that helps you achieve more and make the most of student life, Teesside could be the perfect fit.