Politics and International Relations

Politics and international relations address two of the most important questions in public life: how power is organised and exercised within societies, and how states, peoples, and institutions interact across national borders. Politics examines the structures of government, the behaviour of political actors and parties, the formation of public policy, and the social movements that challenge and transform political orders. International relations explores the dynamics of the international system, from diplomacy and trade to conflict, human rights, and the governance of global challenges.

This three-year, full-time programme at Roehampton includes a foundation year for those who benefit from an additional year of preparation, as well as a placement year that gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in a professional political or international context. You will investigate how governments make decisions, how nations interact, and how social movements transform societies, exploring the world's most urgent challenges, from climate change and global inequality to conflict and migration, and developing the analytical tools to think clearly about what political ideas imply for real-world policy. The placement year connects your academic study to professional practice, which is valuable in a field where practical experience is often as important as theoretical knowledge.

Graduates move into careers in government, the civil service, international organisations, diplomacy, non-governmental organisations, journalism, advocacy, and public affairs. The analytical and communication skills developed by the degree are also valued in law, consulting, education, and the private sector. The programme's focus on applying political ideas to real-world issues means you leave with both intellectual rigour and a practical orientation.

Further postgraduate study in politics, international relations, public policy, or law is a common pathway for those who wish to develop specialist expertise or pursue research.