POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS BA

Programme overview

Why choose this programme?

Prepare to lead, inspire, and make a difference in global affairs with our Politics and International Relations BA. This combination deepens your understanding of power, diplomacy, and global systems, equipping you with critical thinking and real-world insights to thrive in today’s interconnected world.

Join your passion for how states, cultures, and societies interact with political theory and practice to prepare for a dynamic future. This course empowers you to engage with global issues, develop language proficiency, and build critical skills, shaping you into a confident leader ready to thrive in diplomacy, policy, and beyond. This degree shapes your future by building skills that employers demandâ€"critical thinking, problem-solving, and global awareness.
Course highlights

- #1 in the UK for being most frequently targeted by the country’s top employers. High Fliers Research 2024
- #9 in the UK for research power in Politics and International studies. REF 2021
- #15 out of UK institutions. The Complete University Guide for 2026

Reasons to study at Birmingham

- Develop the essential skills for success including critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication through active learning, preparing you for diverse, successful careers in today’s competitive job market.
- Engage in real-world diplomacy at Model NATO events in Washington DC, London, and Lisbon, developing your global perspective and decision-making skills in an international setting.
- Tailor your degree by choosing from a wide selection of optional modules, allowing you to specialise in areas that align with your interests and career goals.
- Study with a department known for its cutting-edge research, benefiting from the latest political and international relations insights and enhancing your academic and professional growth.
Our Politics and International Relations BA is your gateway to a world of opportunities. This dynamic course builds the skills employers actively seek, from analytical thinking to global awareness. You¿ll gain real-world experience through Model NATO, international exchanges, and customisable modules that set you apart from the competition and make you bring a unique set of expert skills to the table. As you graduate, you¿ll be equipped and confident to excel in diverse roles across government, NGOs, global organisations, and more¿ready to shape the future on the world stage.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.