Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons)
University of Essex
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Colchester Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

OCT-25

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

OCT-25

Duration

3 Years

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Subjects

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Politics
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Exam type

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A level
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UCAS Tariff
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Access to HE Diploma
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Location

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England
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Scotland
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Wales
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Northern Ireland
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Channel Islands
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EU
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Course info

Do you want to combine the study of politics, international relations with training in methods and techniques of political research? Are you interested in how the international system functions? Do you want to join one of the most prestigious government departments in Europe? Are you interested in the way in which political issues are interpreted and how groups and individuals try to shape government decisions? Our BSc Politics and International Relations equips you with the types of applied ...Read more

Do you want to combine the study of politics, international relations with training in methods and techniques of political research? Are you interested in how the international system functions? Do you want to join one of the most prestigious government departments in Europe? Are you interested in the way in which political issues are interpreted and how groups and individuals try to shape government decisions? Our BSc Politics and International Relations equips you with the types of applied research and data analysis skills that are sought after by employers.The study of international relations focuses on how the international system functions. It deals with the nature of changing relations between states and with non-state actors as well. In this program you study how politics takes place on a global scale, while also learning how political concepts and theories can be applied.This course focuses on a broad spectrum of topics such as- Foreign affairs- Public policy- Elections- Conflict- Terrorism- Negotiation- Political systemsThe programme provides you with knowledge of the central theoretical and methodological issues in the study of politics. You gain the capacity for critical evaluation of theories and how to apply these perspectives to your own work. You learn how to undertake independent enquiries into political issues and know the appropriate methodologies to use. You also gain skills in written and oral communication, the use of information technology, the analysis of different forms of information and how best to work both independently and when in a group.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
35/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
46th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
30th
Politics
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 87 = 13% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
13%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
89%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Politics graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
UK Politics graduate salary
£22,000
What students say
A
Adrian
29 Feb 24

The Student Union is amazing here at Essex. They deliver different events for us, including cultural events. The campus looks gorgeous. Staff in my department are very helpful..Read more

G
Gabriela
16 Feb 24

I love the overall support by the University, I feel very safe on campus. I love all the events they organise to bring students together and the mental health support they give..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 3)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

BBB Grades / Points required

UCAS Tariff:

112 - 120 Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

D:6,M:39 Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

29 - 30 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DDM Grades / Points required

Offers will be made in the range of BBB to BBCor 120-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels

Offers will be made from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.

We can only accept QAA approved Access to HE Diplomas

"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar"

Offers will be made in the range of DDM to DMMor 120-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levelsEntry requirements for students studying BTEC qualifications are dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.

Popular A-level subjects

Politics

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Government & Politics
50%
History
45%
Economics
28%
English Literature
21%
Sociology
21%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£20,500 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£20,500 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£20500 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest International Relations reviews

International Relations
International Relations
Politics
A
Adrian
29 Feb 24
Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)
The Student Union is amazing here at Essex. They deliver different events for us, including cultural events. The campus looks gorgeous. Staff in my department are very helpful...
Read more
G
Gabriela
16 Feb 24
Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)
I love the overall support by the University, I feel very safe on campus. I love all the events they organise to bring students together and the mental health support they give...
Read more
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How International Relations students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 59 reviews
5 star
31%
4 stars
50%
3 stars
18%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 2,011 reviews
5 star
41%
4 stars
45%
3 stars
13%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

University of Essex
University of Essex , Colchester

The University of Essex is proud to be the academic home of the inquisitive, the brave, and the bold....

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
30th
University of Essex
University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester Essex CO4 3SQ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Hythe   0.6 miles away

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