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Politics and International Relations BA(Hons)

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Intro

On this degree you will examine major contemporary political and international affairs such as Brexit, the rise of China and other great power rivalries, the changing role of the UN, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The course has the flexibility for you to explore your specific interests too – you might want to explore anarchism, international political economy, political research methods, or human rights and humanitarian intervention.

You will develop skills in negotiation, critical analysis and debate which will be vital if you are keen to pursue a career in politics, the civil service, diplomacy or foreign affairs. The Politics in Practice module provides opportunities to participate in community activism and the non-profit sector in Brighton.

You’ll be joining a community of courses which reflect Brighton’s forward-thinking politics, with opportunities to address issues of racial and gendered inequalities, climate change, and legacies of empire and colonialism.

As well as learning from a team of expert lecturers, you will benefit from hearing from visiting national and international speakers.

We offer four other undergraduate courses within our politics subject area:

  • Politics BA(Hons)
  • Politics, Sexuality and Gender BA(Hons)
  • Politics and Social Change BA(Hons)
  • Environmental Politics BA(Hons)

See our upcoming events

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code L290

Full-time 3 years

Apply now with UCAS for 2023

Our politics degrees are for you if you want to be able to use your knowledge to tackle the serious challenges we face today. Brighton, with its reputation for political radicalism, is an ideal place to study this subject.

Professor Mark Devenney, Professor of Critical Theory and Co-Director, Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics

Course content

Year 1 

In your first year, you will study six modules that introduce you to politics and international relations and help you to develop the skills central to your course.

Modules

  • Comparative Political Systems

    On this module you will be introduced to some of the key features of politics including institutions, political actors and political processes. You'll identify the most important political hallmarks, for example: the legislature, the executive, political parties, and electoral processes, in at least two contemporary states that illustrate democratic, partially democratic, or/and authoritarian political systems. You'll also be introduced to political concepts, such as power and the state, in order to analyse and compare those political systems.

  • Foundations in World Politics

    This module will introduce you to a critical historical perspective on the modern international political system. You will examine how the peoples and governments of the world came to be linked through an imperial system by exploring major world events and processes of global history. By taking a long view of modern politics, the module is an opportunity for you to place world politics in its historical context. The key topics you will explore include the origins of the international political system, slavery, imperial and colonial expansion, anti-colonial resistance and liberation, global governance, controversy and historiography.

  • Globalisation, Conflict and the Environment

    This module introduces key concepts, theories and questions in international relations and global studies. You will interrogate and evaluate the political implications of different approaches for the study of key aspects of our contemporary world. You will explore how concepts and theories are applied to contested global issues, such as environmental sustainability and war/conflict. 

  • Introduction to the  Global Challenges Lab

    Supported by a tutor, you'll design and conduct a research project that addresses one of the global challenges identified by the UN’s sustainable development goals. You'll learn how to create blogs, podcasts and short films to communicate your research and ideas to a non-academic audience.

  • Political Ideas

    This module gives a broad overview of the academic study of politics. You'll focus on core concepts of political science and political theory, and then apply those to political processes, institutions, ideologies and the nature of political change. You'll cover the core conceptual material needed for more advanced study in politics, and also be introduced to ideas and approaches that can be applied in other social sciences.

  • Politics in Practice

    This module introduces ideas about how politics is practiced by state and non-state actors at local, national, and international levels. You'll take part in fieldtrips, Q+As with political actors and engagement with political communications. You'll also be introduced to methods of data collection, as well as forms of qualitative and quantitative analysis.

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Year 2

In year two, you build your knowledge of the subject, exploring British politics and theories of government and policy, and focusing on international relations theories and key international institutions like the UN and the EU. You'll begin to specialise in the subjects that interest you most through choosing option modules.

The community engagement module is an opportunity to undertake a voluntary work placement with a local not-for-profit organisation. You'll gain practical work experience while contributing to the wider community.

Modules

  • Colonialism in the Contemporary Global Order
  • Researching Politics
  • Debating Contemporary International Relations
  • International Institutions

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Options*

  • UK Politics
  • Community Engagement
  • Authority, Justice and Democracy
  • Nations and Nationalism
  • Global Resistance: Social Movements and Mobilisation

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Final year

In your final year you will further develop your knowledge, skills and specific interests in politics and international relations through options.

You also write a dissertation on a topic in politics, international relations or both. The dissertation is an opportunity for you to develop an idea independently, with the support of an academic supervisor throughout.

Modules

  • Race and International Relations
  • Dissertation

Options*

Choose two from:

  • Radical Political Economy and Anarchist Politics
  • Global Social Policy
  • Global Environmental Politics

Choose two from:

  • Human Rights and Humanitarian Intervention
  • Politics in the Middle East
  • Feminisms
  • The Politics and Ethics of Global Society

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Meet the team

Dr Francesca Burke, course leader

Francesca's research and teaching centres on politics and international relations in the Middle East and, in this regional context, in particular on: activism in repressive contexts; student movements and the political role of universities; and transnational solidarity.

She teaches on modules focused on citizenship and nationalism, as well as teaching research methods in the social sciences. Her research-led teaching engages students not only through published academic research but also through extensive use of primary sources including political graffiti and posters, manifestos, political speeches, materials from citizen assemblies, interview transcriptions, archived news footage and televised government statements.

Francesca leads the University of Brighton's Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics' Social Movements and Radical Global Politics strand. Read Francesca's full profile.

Other staff who teach on the course include: Dr Clare Woodford, Dr Heba Youssef, Dr Chris Wyatt, Prof Mark Devenney, Dr Robin Dunford, Dr German Primera Villamiza, Dr Chrystie Myketiak and Dr Zoe Sutherland.

Dr Francesca Burke

Our latest news

Meet us at our postgraduate events

Meet us at our postgraduate events

There’s no better way to explore your future study opportunities than by meeting lecturers and researchers at a postgraduate event.

Join us for a Humanities and Social Science Explorer event: Wed 19th April, 10am – 2.30pm

Join us for a Humanities and Social Science Explorer event: Wed 19th April, 10am – 2.30pm

Come and see what it’s like to study Humanities and Social Science subjects at university.

Join actor, singer and playwright Tayo Aluko for an event at the University of Brighton on 3rd November, 6-8pm

Join actor, singer and playwright Tayo Aluko for an event at the University of Brighton on 3rd November, 6-8pm

Nigerian-born Aluko is based in Liverpool, UK, where he worked previously as an architect, and he’ll be joining us to present Tayo Aluko – Art as Weapon: Some Pan Africanist Examples, survey of artists from the African Diaspora who use their arts in the fight against oppression.

Dr Sophie Lewis workshop and lecture on new book Abolish the Family (Fri 7 Oct)

Dr Sophie Lewis workshop and lecture on new book Abolish the Family (Fri 7 Oct)

Dr Lewis of the Brooklyn Institute for Social Research teaches courses on feminist, trans and queer politics and philosophy – join us at the University of Brighton for an afternoon workshop with her (2-5pm), followed by a lecture at 6pm.

Read more from our blog

Careers

Prepare for your career

In your career you’ll need a combination of knowledge, skills, personal qualities and relevant experiences – which you’ll get from studying one of our politics courses. 

As a student on the politics programme you have the opportunity to develop wide-ranging subject knowledge throughout your studies and expertise in an area of your choice through your final year dissertation. 

You will be challenged and encouraged to become a skilled communicator, in writing and when speaking, confident in presenting work on your own and as a member of a group. 

You will be able to see beyond the obvious, to analyse and dig beneath the surface to the root of any problem.

You will leave with transferable skills including the ability to: 

  • identify, analyse and present information from a wide range of sources 
  • critically examine arguments and develop original responses 
  • listen, present and debate effectively. 

In your final year, your dissertation tutor will discuss your career possibilities. Outside of the course you will have opportunities to get involved in subject-related conferences and events as part of our busy annual calendar of expert speakers, debates and events. 

Graduate destinations

The range of skills you’ll develop – knowledge, practice and project-based – will prepare you for work in fields such as:

  • local, national and international politics
  • policy-making
  • quangos
  • national and international non-governmental organisations
  • public relations
  • charities
  • think tanks
  • law
  • academia and teaching
  • media and journalism
  • business management.

Further study

Studying politics also opens up a range of postgraduate study options. At Brighton, for example, you could progress on to:

  • Globalisation: Politics, Conflict and Human Rights MA
  • War: History and Politics MA
  • Journalism MA

You could also choose to complete your PhD at Brighton alongside our researchers.

Employment demand for social science graduates

The British Academy has compiled a report (May 2020) quantifying the demand for arts, humanities and social science (AHSS) skills in the workplace. It helps to answer the legitimate question of what the economic return is on undertaking a degree, both in time and money. 

According to the report:

  • As arts, humanities and social science (AHSS) graduates progress through the first ten years of their career they are able make strong progress up the career ladder into roles attracting higher salaries
  • Arts, humanities and social science (AHSS) graduates are employed in some of the fastest growing sectors including financial services, education, social work, the media and creative industries
  • Of the ten fastest growing sectors, eight employ more graduates from AHSS than other disciplines

This makes AHSS graduates at the heart of some of the most exciting, productive, largest and fastest-growing sectors of the UK economy.

Future skills demand

According to the report:

  • With the challenges the world is facing – climate change, global pandemics, the growth of populism – the UK needs the insights of the arts, humanities and social sciences (AHSS) as much as those from science, technology and engineering (STEM)
  • Evidence within the report shows that Arts, humanities and social science (AHSS) graduates are central to these challenges and changes – they will be vital in giving us the tools to examine and explain human behaviour, understand how society functions, learn from the past and apply those lessons to the present, and analyse the drivers and implications of a changing world and how different countries, places and cultures interact.

Supporting your employability

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

  • Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
  • Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
  • Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
  • Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
  • Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
  • Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more...

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Entry criteria

Flexible admissions

When you apply to Brighton we want to hear about who you are. Grades are never the whole picture; we're interested in things like creativity, resourcefulness, persistence and the capacity to think big and find new ways of doing things. And we recognise that not everyone has the same background. That's why we treat everyone who applies as an individual. We recognise many qualifications and we care about all of your achievements and the experiences you've had that set you apart.

Find out more

Graphic with the text 'Potential + possibility'

Entry requirements

A-levels or BTEC
Entry requirements are in the range of A-level BBB–BCC (120–104 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DMM–MMM. Our conditional offers typically fall within this range.

International Baccalaureate
26 points, with three subjects at Higher level.

Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits overall. Humanities, history or politics courses preferred. At least 45 credits at level 3.

English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 15,300 GBP

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Humanities and Social Science in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

  • For some assessments you may be required to print large format posters for presentations at a cost of £5–£10 per poster.
  • Most coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes and should budget up to £100 for printing.
  • Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £200 to buy your own copies.
  • Some courses include an optional placement module for which students will need to cover the costs of travel to and from the placement and DBS checks as required.
  • For the Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counselling PGDip and Psychotherapeutic Psychodynamic Counselling PGDip, the following course-related costs are not included in the tuition fee:
    • Supervision fees: £1,170 for each full year. Estimated based on £45 per hour with fortnightly meetings. In some agencies, supervision will be provided at no cost. Where students have to pay, the cost will only begin when supervision begins.
    • Personal counselling/therapy: £2,000–£2,800 over the course. Estimated based on £40 per hour.
  • For a number of courses you will have the opportunity to attend field trips and off-site visits. These are optional and are not required to pass your course but under normal circumstances we would expect a budget of approximately £150 per year will cover the costs of particular trips. The amount spent would be based on location and number of trips taken.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2023–24.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Over the last four years Moulsecoomb has undergone a major transformation, planned with accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability in mind.

Over 900 students live here in our halls, Moulsecoomb Place and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

On campus you’ll find professional-standard facilities and learning resources for all of our subjects and a brand new academic building Elm House, alongside the library, student centre, fitness facilities and the Students’ Union.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

Two people walking past Mithras halls

Accommodation

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • Moulsecoomb campus is linked to Mithras halls and Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
  • Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent, and there’s a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Halls

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Park

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Students eating at the Hub

Students eating at the Hub

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Students talking in a social area

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

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Stay in touch

See our upcoming events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Find out about Brighton student life at our social sciences blog.

Statistics

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked below). You can find out also about the support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Course and module descriptions on this page were accurate when first published and are the basis of the course. Detailed information on any changes we make to modules and learning and assessment activities will be sent to all students by email before enrolment, so that you have all the information before you come to Brighton.

Discover Uni

Discover Uni enables you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Discover Uni data on their website.

Programme specification

The programme specification is the approved description of each course. They give a detailed breakdown of the content and structure of the course, and are updated following course changes.

Programme specification

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