Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons)
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...
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. <br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>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). <br/><br/>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 <br/><br/><strong>Key features of this course:</strong> <br/><br/><br/>• You will learn the core foundations of British politics, comparative politics, political theory, and research methods. <br/><br/><br/><br/>• 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. <br/><br/><br/><br/>• 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. <br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>Student Support</strong> <br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>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. <br/><br/><strong>Further information</strong> <br/><br/>The department is based at Highfield Campus, our oldest and largest campus, located close to Southampton Common. Its the academic heart of our University and home to social events, sports facilities, and our Students Union. <br/><br/>Our BSc Politics and International Relations course is three years. You can find further information on our course page.
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 - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
L260
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4
Access to HE Diploma
D:30,M:15
Typical offer: 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32
Typical offer: Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3,M2,M2
Typical offer: D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subject Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Extended Project
A
The University of Southampton values the Extended Project Qualification. Applicants taking the EPQ in addition to three A levels, may also be made an alternative offer one grade below the standard offer, conditional on an A grade in the EPQ. For more information on the University of Southampton’s EPQ Admissions Policy, please see our EPQ Admissions Policy webpage.
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
A level
A,B,B
Typical offer: ABB If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: BBB to include grade A in the EPQ
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B
ABB from three A levels or AB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
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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 | £26,000 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
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