International Relations and Politics

International relations and politics examines how the world is organised, how power is exercised within and between states, and how the processes of governance, conflict, and cooperation play out at both the national and international level. It is a discipline that matters directly to how our lives are shaped, from the economic policies that affect employment and prosperity to the security decisions that determine whether conflicts escalate or are contained. Studying international relations and politics develops analytical skills that are as relevant to understanding today's news as they are to the historical and theoretical foundations of the discipline.

At the University of Salford, this three-year full-time programme engages with the forces that shape government policy and affect the prospects of people across the world. You will study the role of states and international organisations in an increasingly interconnected world, examining theories of international relations alongside contemporary issues in global politics. The programme includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study in a different political and cultural context, which deepens your understanding of how international dynamics are experienced differently from different vantage points.

With a typical entry tariff of 104 UCAS points, the programme is accessible to students with a genuine interest in world affairs.

International relations and politics graduates are well placed for careers in the civil service and foreign office, international organisations, think tanks, journalism, NGOs, human rights and advocacy organisations, political research, and the private sector in roles that require understanding the political dimensions of international business and investment. The combination of analytical rigour and international perspective that this degree develops is also valued in graduate positions across government, finance, and the third sector. Postgraduate study in international relations, security studies, global governance, or political theory is a natural continuation for those who wish to specialise.