Aberystwyth University United Kingdom

BA Politics and International Relations

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA Politics and International Relations at Aberystwyth University offers you a comprehensive exploration of political systems, global institutions, and the dynamic forces driving worldwide change. You will delve into the fundamental concepts of power, democracy, and citizenship, examining how these are contested in contemporary political discourse. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are keen to understand the complexities of globalisation, international security, environmental challenges, and global health, equipping you with the analytical tools to grapple with the most pressing issues facing the international system today.

You will study this Bachelors Degree full-time on campus over three years, engaging with core modules such as 'Behind the Headlines' and 'International Relations: Perspectives and Debates', alongside a wide array of optional subjects like 'Climate Change Politics' or 'Terrorism & Counter Terrorism'. Your final year culminates in a significant independent dissertation, allowing you to pursue your specific interests in depth. You will graduate with a robust understanding of political theory and international politics, prepared for diverse career paths in government, NGOs, journalism, and international organisations.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA Politics and International Relations program offers a comprehensive exploration of political systems and global affairs. Across three years, students will delve into foundational concepts of politics and international relations, examine contemporary global challenges, and develop critical analytical skills. The curriculum covers diverse topics such as political theory, comparative politics, international security, and the dynamics of globalization, culminating in a dissertation in the final year.

1 YEAR 1

Behind the headlines Compulsory
Exploring the international 1: central concepts and core skills Compulsory
Politics in the 21st century Compulsory
Globalization and global development
The making of the modern world: war, peace and revolution since 1789
War, strategy and intelligence

2 YEAR 2

International relations: perspectives and debates Compulsory
People and power: understanding comparative politics today Compulsory
A war on the mind: propaganda and secret intelligence from the great war to the 21st century
Capitalism and international politics
Climate change politics
Climate change and international politics in the anthropocene
Contemporary latin america
Devolution and wales
International politics and global development
Intervention and humanitarianism
Militaries and crisis: where strategy meets society
Political theory
Politics in diverse societies
Questions of international politics
Russian intelligence from lenin to putin
Science, technology, and international relations
Strategy, intelligence and security in international politics
Terrorism & counter terrorism in the modern world: policing, intelligence & war
The brics in world politics
The european union: politics, policies, problems
The governance of climate change: simulation module
The second world war in europe
Total war, total peace
Trade wars and the liberal order
War crimes
Warfare after waterloo: military history 1815-1918

3 YEAR 3

Dissertation Compulsory
A war on the mind: propaganda and secret intelligence from the great war to the 21st century
Capitalism and international politics
Climate change politics
Contemporary latin america
Devolution and wales
Intervention and humanitarianism
Militaries and crisis: where strategy meets society
Political theory
Politics in diverse societies
Questions of international politics
Russian intelligence from lenin to putin
Science, technology, and international relations
Terrorism & counter terrorism in the modern world: policing, intelligence & war
The brics in world politics
The european union: politics, policies, problems
The second world war in europe
Total war, total peace
Trade wars and the liberal order
War crimes

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

10% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,256.00 USD 25,939.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 75,134.00 USD 77,817.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 689.00 - USD 1,322.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Penglais campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationAerospace Engineering & DesignAgricultural Marketing & SalesCorporate Training & DevelopmentDefense & Military AviationElectrical & Mechanical InstallationFinancial Technology (Fintech)Fisheries & AquacultureJournalism & ReportingPrivate Equity & Venture Capital

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Council

Department for Business and Trade

Environment Agency

European commission

Kings College London

Why Study BA Politics and International Relations at Aberystwyth University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Aberystwyth University in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA Politics and International Relations at Aberystwyth University

Can I work while studying?

As a degree student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you need to meet specific scores: TOEFL overall 93, IELTS overall 6.5, or PTE overall 59. Ensure you achieve the required listening, reading, speaking, and writing scores as well.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as political analysts, diplomats, international relations specialists, policy advisors, or civil servants.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course covers key concepts such as power, democracy, and the international challenges of globalisation and security. You'll study various political systems and explore the effects of cultural changes on global politics.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Politics and International Relations course has an intake in September. Make sure you're prepared for the application deadlines leading up to that month.
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