Politics & International Relations and Philosophy

Politics, international relations and philosophy is a combination that brings rigorous empirical and theoretical analysis of political systems together with the philosophical traditions of argument, ethics and the study of reason. Politics examines how power is distributed and exercised, how institutions function, how policy is made and how different ideologies have shaped governance and social life. International relations extends this to the global level, examining how states, international institutions and non-state actors interact.

Philosophy introduces tools of conceptual analysis and ethical reasoning that are directly relevant to both: what is justice, what legitimises state authority, how should we evaluate competing claims about rights and interests?

At Royal Holloway this three-year, full-time degree combines politics, which makes up half the course, with philosophy, giving you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of political questions through ancient philosophy and the tools of reason, argument and persuasion. You will study political theory, comparative politics, security studies and international relations alongside logic, ethics, philosophy of mind and political philosophy, developing complementary analytical vocabularies that enrich your engagement with both disciplines. The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and work placements, giving you direct professional experience and an international perspective on the questions you are studying.

Royal Holloway's location close to London provides access to the political and philosophical institutions of the capital.

Graduates pursue careers in the civil service, public policy, law, journalism, international organisations, think tanks, education, NGOs, political research and the many fields where the ability to analyse power, argue clearly and reason about values is a professional asset. Many continue to postgraduate study in politics, international relations, philosophy or law, building on the combination the degree provides.