Want to see the world while you study? Spread your wings on our semester abroad. Or apply for our unique Westminster internship. The choice is yours.
This is the study of politics on a global scale. You’ll explore the themes and issues which drive 21st-century world politics. Conflict, poverty, inequality, trade, and more.
Our Politics and International Relations degree takes you behind the headlines to gain expertise in international affairs. And with the added bonus of a placement or studying abroad, you’ll graduate with standout experience on your CV.
95% of students
in work or further study 18 months after graduating
HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2026
5th in the UK
for Learning Opportunities
Politics, National Student Survey (NSS) 2026, HEIs only
9th in the UK
for Teaching on My Course and Student Voice
Politics, National Student Survey (NSS) 2026, HEIs only
5th in the UK
for Teaching Quality
The Times Good University Guide 2027
The UK's biggest
Westminster placement programme
Strong links with a wide range of MPs
Exclusive seminars
with senior Parliamentary officials
Access to exclusive seminars
presented by senior Parliamentary officials
Political internships
that open doors
Study abroad
in Europe, the USA, or Hong Kong
About this course
This is an intellectually demanding programme, taught by staff who are recognised for their research. That's reflected in the range of modules available, and in the flexibility of the degree. You can tailor it to fit your interests and career aspirations.
You’ll focus on the most important debates. Possession and exercise of power. Wealth and inequality. Individual and collective identity. The use of violence for political ends. And by examining them, you’ll gain critical insights into the global significance of politics.
All our 3-year courses offer the option to study abroad for a trimester, whether in Europe, the USA or Hong Kong. And through our internship opportunities, you’ll get access to Parliament or another politics-related placement.
At Westminster, you’ll work alongside an MP or peer. Our links with a large pool of MPs mean we can likely match you with a politician whose role reflects your area of interest. While on placement, you'll enjoy access to our exclusive seminar series presented by senior Parliamentary officials including Black Rod and the Speaker.
Don't learn international politics.
Live it.
Module options
Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.
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British Political History since 1945
How has modern Britain been shaped by politics, crisis, and change? This module explores British political history from the end of the Second World War to the present day.
You’ll examine the key events, leaders, and ideas that transformed Britain - from the creation of the NHS and post-war rebuilding to Thatcherism, New Labour, Brexit-era politics, and beyond. Along the way, you’ll explore how elections, economic crises, and social change have influenced political decisions and everyday life.
Through analysing major turning points in modern history, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the forces that continue to shape Britain today.
Explore the moments that changed Britain and understand the politics behind modern society.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to International Politics
Examine the theories that help us understand how the world around us works, and the themes and issues that are central to international discourse and practice. You'll explore arguments and ways of thinking that are designed to expand their sense of who you are and of where and how you fit in the world around you.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to Political Ideologies
Political action is collective action among people who share beliefs. This module explores the most important formulations of these collective views. It explores political ideologies that defend the status quo, those who wish to reform it, and those that seek a radically different political reality.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to Policy-Making
This module provides an introduction and explanation of the plural theories and models of policy making before applying these theories and models to the practice of policy-making, via a series of case studies of policy-making in practice.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to Global Political Economy
You'll gain the tools to understand and explain developments in the global political economy and be introduced to international political economy, one of the main sub-disciplines of politics and international relations. You will trace the evolution of ideas, institutions and policies related to global financial markets, transnational production, global division of labour, gender and climate change.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to War and Politics
Study the causes and conduct of war in modern times. Learn why the Allies won World War Two, why the US lost in Vietnam and how nuclear weapons affect international security.
compulsory
20 credits
International Relations Theory
This module examines the current state of international relations theory. You'll examine contending notions of security by exploring the concept of state sovereignty and the impact of the state upon individual and other forms of security.
compulsory
20 credits
The Global South and Development
Explore the challenges of development for the Global South from a cross-regional comparative political economy perspective. You'll gain an understanding of the theoretical and practical debates around development, and their implications for international relations. You'll also examine the role of states, markets, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and civil society in fostering (or inhibiting) development.
compulsory
20 credits
Research Methods and Ethics
In this module you will begin the journey of becoming an independent and autonomous political researcher. You will learn more about how Political Research – especially that conducted within the School of Politics and International Studies – is produced, and be equipped with the understanding and skills necessary to design your own political research project. This module will prepare you for the Final Year Project and for putting into practice your own programme of research.
compulsory
20 credits
Want justice? It’s in your nature.
Featured module- optional
- 20 credits
What drives environmental issues into politics? This module explores how ecological concerns become matters of public decision-making, examining the roles of governments, international institutions, businesses, advocacy groups and social movements.
You’ll investigate key debates around governance and sustainability, analysing how different actors shape environmental policy and global cooperation. Using examples from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, the module highlights how different political and social contexts influence responses to environmental challenges.
Through themes such as climate change and energy transitions, you’ll assess why some countries lead environmental action while others face barriers to progress.
Explore global environmental challenges, analyse real-world political decisions, and discover how policy shapes a more sustainable future.
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BA Politics and International Relations
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University life
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Featured academics
Learn from some of the UK’s leaders in political theory, British government, and international relations.
We're here to inspire you – tomorrow's leaders – to realise your potential. And to leave the world in a better condition than you found it.
Professor Mahrukh Doctor
Lecturer
Mahrukh has a special interest in business-state relations, trade and industry, ports, and foreign policy analysis in Latin America. She’s the author of Business-State Relations in Brazil: Challenges of the Port Reform Lobby.
Dr Christopher Fear
Lecturer
Christopher’s recent research focused on conservative political thought; historical and contemporary. Some of his publications in this area have appeared in the Journal of Political Ideologies, History of European Ideas, and The Review of Politics.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
This course has a range of tariffs for entry. Use the interactive slider to choose a number of points and see the course entry requirements.
Slide to set your points
A levels
BBC
BTEC
DMM
Equivalent qualifications and grades are accepted.
How to apply for this course
Most importantly, you need ambition. Together with our support and opportunities, you can go further than you ever thought possible.
Our typical offer for this course is 96–112 UCAS points. Our contextual offer is 96 points. But there’s no ceiling on ambition.
At least 80 points must come from A levels, BTEC, or other equivalent qualifications.
Remember, we look at your whole application – not just grades. Achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities: they all count here. We also consider qualifications and experience from the UK and worldwide that may not exactly match those listed.
Not sure if you’ll meet the entry requirements?
Talk to our Admissions team today. We’ll look at your circumstances, give you personalised guidance and help you understand your options, one of which could be a Foundation Year.
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Tuition fees for 2028 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2027-28 information as a guide.
For UK students, our standard course fee is £10,050 per year. Keep in mind that some courses are longer - for example, spending your third year abroad will make your degree four years in total.
If you choose to study a foundation year as part of your course, the fee is £5,760.
Standard Tuition Fee
£10,050 / year
The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index.
How do I pay for it?
You can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of your course. Once you’ve successfully applied for this, you don’t need to do anything else – the money is sent straight to us.
You can also take out a maintenance loan of up to £10,544 a year to cover your living costs, depending on your household income.
Remember, you won’t start paying your loans back until you’ve left university and earn more than £25,000 per year.
See our full fees and funding information for more details and to find out what support we can offer.
Future prospects
Our graduates are well known throughout the major UK political parties. So many of them now work in Westminster that they’ve become known as ‘the Hull Mafia’. But it’s not only Parliament that can open its doors to you. Our Politics degrees afford many more opportunities after you graduate.
You’ll gain the skills to research and examine information. To critically analyse evidence and construct robust arguments. Exactly the kind of attributes that many employers are looking for. As well as politics, many of our graduates go on to work in the media, the Civil Service, HM Armed Forces, and intelligence services. They also pursue careers in public relations, charities, and international organisations.
Become part of the next generation of futuremakers
Like what you've seen? Then it's time to apply.
The standard way is to apply through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skills qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing us with your academic qualifications.
Not ready to apply yet?
Visit our next Open Day, and see all that the University of Hull has to offer. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.
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All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.