Politics and International Relations

At the University of Southampton, we are as passionate about politics as you are. With a BSc Politics and International Relations degree, you can help shape the world and make a difference.

We want you to enjoy your degree, learn valuable skills and knowledge, and go on to do amazing things in your career. Alongside teaching you all the skills and knowledge you need to succeed, we have also developed career initiatives to give you a head start. These include PAIR (Politics and International Relations) specific internships, which offer you the opportunity to work with one of our academics on their groundbreaking research projects.

We are proud to say that due to this, and other initiatives, we are ranked 11th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide, 2026).

Furthermore, as part of the Russell Group, our rigorous scientific research feeds directly into your modules – into the skills and knowledge you learn in lectures, seminars, and computer labs

Key features of this course:


• You will learn the core foundations of British politics, comparative politics, political theory, and research methods.



• You can choose to specialise in our areas of specialism – such as understanding public opinion, migration and human rights, democratic innovations, or the politics of ethics – or choose from other modules in the Faculty of Social Sciences such as criminology, economics, or statistics.



• Our staff are world-leading researchers and lecturers, publishing their research in the best academic journals, driving real impact, and bringing this directly to the modules you learn.



Student Support

Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will be there to help guide you throughout your time at Southampton, offering career advice and guidance, as well as signposting to pastoral services if needed. Every lecturer you have will also have ‘office hours’, where you can come and ask any questions you need.

With connections and experience across international organisations across the World, UK-based think tanks, councils and government, our academics have real-world knowledge to help guide your career choices.

Further information

The department is based at Highfield Campus, our oldest and largest campus, located close to Southampton Common. It's the academic heart of our University and home to social events, sports facilities, and our Students' Union.

Our BSc Politics and International Relations course is three years. You can find further information on our course page.

As a founding member of the Russell Group, the University of Southampton is renowned for their research impact. You’ll have access to top-class teaching and lecturers. You’ll be taught by the people who are solving some of the world’s most complex problems.

You'll also be put in good stead for the future, as they’ll kick start your career with incredible opportunities. They’re targeted by the top employers, with industry placements and world-class research facilities.

And they're committed to making sure you have everything you need to reach your potential, from guaranteed accommodation in Clearing to 24/7 wellbeing support, 365 days a year (*for accommodation apply by 17th August, see website).

Do you want to study in a buzzing city on the south coast? Join a dynamic global community of 26,000 students, including 9,000 international students from 140 countries.With over 370 clubs and societies to explore, you’ll find endless opportunities to connect and thrive.