Politics and International Relations

Politics and international relations together provide the analytical tools to understand how power operates at every level, from the local council to the United Nations. Politics examines the structures, institutions, ideologies, and behaviours through which decisions are made in domestic settings, asking how democracies function, how parties compete, and how policy is made. International relations scales these questions up to the global level, examining how states interact, how international institutions emerge and function, and how globalisation, conflict, and interdependence shape the world.

At Sheffield Hallam University, this three-year full-time BA with a foundation year develops the skills to formulate and defend complex ideas and to think clearly and objectively about political phenomena at every scale. A foundation year provides the academic preparation needed before the main programme begins. The programme draws on well-connected, global experts and is designed to prepare you for careers that make a difference across local, national, and international policy contexts.

A sandwich year and work placement opportunities are built into the degree, giving you professional experience in politically relevant organisations. The typical entry tariff is 104 points.

Politics and international relations graduates are found across a remarkable breadth of careers: the civil service, local government, political parties, journalism, think tanks, NGOs, international organisations, law, the foreign office, and development agencies. The analytical and communication skills developed through the degree are valued in any context requiring clear thinking about complex social and political questions. Postgraduate study in politics, international relations, public policy, security studies, or law is a natural continuation.