Politics and International Relations

Politics and international relations is a discipline that examines how power operates within and between states, how political institutions are structured and how they function in practice, and how the international system of states, organisations, and non-state actors shapes global affairs. It draws on political philosophy, empirical social science, history, and international law to develop graduates who can analyse political phenomena rigorously and communicate about them clearly.

At the University of Surrey, this three-year full-time programme gives you a thorough grounding in political theory, comparative politics, and international relations, alongside an understanding of how digital tools and data are increasingly shaping political analysis and professional practice in the field. You will study democratic institutions, foreign policy, global governance, security, development, and the major theoretical traditions in international relations, while also developing the research methods skills needed to engage with evidence critically and conduct original inquiry. Surrey emphasises preparing graduates for the digital dimensions of professional life, building analytical capabilities that employers across many sectors find valuable.

Graduates of politics and international relations programmes pursue careers in the civil service, diplomacy, international organisations, journalism, NGOs, research and policy institutes, politics, public affairs, legal practice, and management. The analytical and communicative skills the degree develops are valued across many professional sectors, and the international dimension of the programme opens doors in organisations with global reach. Further study in international relations, political science, law, or public policy is a well-established route for those who wish to develop specialist expertise or pursue research.