Why don’t democratic countries go to war with each other? Why don’t young people vote? Who should pay for climate change? Why do oil-rich states have worse human rights records? These are the kinds of questions addressed in our BA Politics & International Relations.
Based in one of the most prestigious government departments in Europe, this course enables you to learn how politics works within countries and between countries. We provide a thorough grounding in all major areas of political science and international relations and widen your awareness of the world system, whil...
Why don’t democratic countries go to war with each other? Why don’t young people vote? Who should pay for climate change? Why do oil-rich states have worse human rights records? These are the kinds of questions addressed in our BA Politics & International Relations.<br/><br/>Based in one of the most prestigious government departments in Europe, this course enables you to learn how politics works within countries and between countries. We provide a thorough grounding in all major areas of political science and international relations and widen your awareness of the world system, while training you in the research and critical thinking skills that are prized by employers.<br/><br/>With this course you can explore a very wide range of topic areas, including:<br/><br/><br/>- Human rights and global justice<br/><br/><br/>- Elections, referendums and the psychology of voters<br/><br/><br/>- Civil war and international peacekeeping<br/><br/><br/>- The politics of natural disasters<br/><br/><br/>- Protest, revolution and democracy<br/><br/><br/>- Aid, trade and development<br/><br/><br/>Studying Politics & International Relations at Essex will train you to question everything with confidence, to support opinions with strong evidence and have the courage to challenge others. We encourage you to be daring and bold, and to support your thinking with the broadest range of facts and ideas.<br/><br/>Our Department of Government has an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication. We are rated top in the UK for research (REF 2014), and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began. We are also ranked 7th in the UK for Politics and International Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021.
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Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
10/2025
Campus
Colchester Campus
29 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
L226
Institution Code
E70
Points of Entry
Year 1
112
120
Offers will be made from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
D:6,M:39
We can only accept QAA approved Access to HE Diplomas
29
30
Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar
DDM
Offers will be made in the range of DDM to DMM or 120-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels Entry requirements for students studying BTEC qualifications are dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
B,B,B
Offers will be made in the range of BBB to BBC or 120-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels
D
We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.
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Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,250 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £21,525 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |