International Relations and Politics BA (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The International Relations and Politics BA (Hons) at the University of Northumbria Newcastle offers you a comprehensive exploration of the political dimensions shaping our interconnected world. This undergraduate degree is ideal for students eager to understand the complex dynamics of global governance, international conflict, and contemporary political theory. You will delve into core subjects like Democrats and Dictators, Global Governance, and Theories of International Relations, developing a critical understanding of the forces that drive political events and shape societal structures across the globe. This course provides a robust academic foundation for those aspiring to careers in international affairs, diplomacy, or policy analysis.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over four years, including an optional work placement year, allowing you to gain invaluable practical experience. The curriculum is structured to build your knowledge progressively, from foundational concepts in Year One to advanced topics such as Critical Security, Genocide, and Decolonial Politics in later years, culminating in a core dissertation. Throughout your studies, you will engage with applied research methods and have opportunities to explore areas like foreign policy analysis and media power. You will graduate with the analytical skills and global perspective necessary to pursue diverse career paths in government, non-governmental organisations, and international business.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) in International Relations and Politics provides a comprehensive exploration of global affairs and political systems. Across four years, students will engage with core modules covering international conflict, cooperation, democracy, and political theory, alongside research methods and critical analysis of global governance. Optional modules allow for specialization in areas such as foreign policy, human rights, security studies, and political violence, culminating in a dissertation and opportunities for work experience or study abroad.

1 Year One

Britain, Europe and the World Core
Democrats and Dictators Core
International Conflict and Cooperation Core
Researching International Relations and Politics Core
Thinking Globally Core
Thinking Politically Core
Academic Language Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences Core – for International and EU students only

2 Year Two

Social Sciences Study Abroad Optional
Applied Research Methods Core
Theories and Practice of Democracy Core
Global Governance Core
Politics Work Experience Optional
Theories of International Relations Core
UK Politics Beyond Westminster Core
Foreign Policy Analysis Optional
From Bastille to Strasbourg - A Journey through Human Rights Optional
Representing Political Violence Optional
Academic Language Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences Core – for International and EU students only

3 Year Three

Social Sciences Work Placement Year Optional

4 Year Four

Active Citizens Core
Critical Security Core
Dissertation Core
Genocide Optional
Media Power and Propaganda Optional
Politics of Oil and Global Warming Optional
Terrorism Optional
War Games – Negotiating Security through Simulations Optional
Decolonial Politics Optional
Academic Language Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences Core – for International and EU students only

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

19% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 16,771.00 USD 20,784.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,784.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,784.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,784.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 79,123.00 USD 83,136.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 520.00 - USD 1,323.00
Food & Groceries USD 6,283.00 - USD 10,149.00
Transport USD 1,048.00 - USD 1,309.00
Utilities & Bills USD 3,496.00 - USD 6,976.00
Estimated Total USD 10,827.00 - USD 18,173.00

Living cost estimates are based on Newcastle City Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationCloud Computing & InfrastructureCorporate Training & DevelopmentCurriculum & Instructional DesignHigher Education & UniversitiesIT Support & Systems AdministrationProduct Management & UXQuality Assurance & TestingSoftware Development & EngineeringSpecial & Inclusive Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Arden University

Newcastle University

Northumbria University

SAP

Why Study International Relations and Politics BA (Hons) at University of Northumbria Newcastle

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Northumbria Newcastle 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 International Relations and Politics BA (Hons) at University of Northumbria Newcastle

Can I work while studying?

As an international student in a degree course, 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?

To meet the English language requirements, you'll need an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual score below 5.5 in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Job titles related to this field include Political Analyst, Diplomat, Policy Advisor, and International Relations Specialist.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course can be offered in 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)

Becoming aware of the world that surrounds us and how we are connected.

Current, relevant and inspiring, this International Relations and Politics degree offers an exciting opportunity to study the political dimensions of life around the world, recognising the connections between people, locales, ideas and problems. 

We provide an extensive range of modules, from Foreign Policy

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The course starts in September, allowing you to begin your journey in International Relations and Politics at that time.
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