Politics and International Relations

Politics and international relations brings together the domestic and the global, asking both how political systems within countries work and how states, international organisations, and other actors interact across national borders. Politics examines political theory, comparative government, and the institutions and processes through which power is organised and exercised within societies. International relations examines the forces that drive conflict, cooperation, trade, diplomacy, and global governance, asking how the international order is maintained, challenged, and transformed.

At the University of Exeter, this three-year full-time degree develops your analytical and research skills across both disciplines, giving you the conceptual tools to understand both the internal dynamics of political systems and the wider global forces that shape them. You will study political theory, British and comparative politics, international relations theory, foreign policy, and global governance, developing the analytical and writing skills that characterise rigorous social science. The programme includes a sandwich year with a year abroad and work placement, giving you international experience and professional exposure.

Entry typically requires around 136 UCAS tariff points.

Politics and international relations graduates work in government, the civil service, the diplomatic service, international organisations, think tanks, journalism, non-governmental organisations, law, finance, and a wide range of roles in which political and international understanding is valued. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in politics, international relations, law, or public policy.