Program Overview

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Global Politics and International Relations

The BA Global Politics and International Relations provides a strong foundation in international politics and an in-depth understanding of pressing global challenges. Students will explore contending approaches to international relations as well as evolving regional and global political dynamics.

Course Overview

Our BA Global Politics and International Relations offers:

• A strong foundation in international politics
• An in-depth understanding of global challenges
• Exploration of contending approaches to international relations
• Development of essential verbal and analytical skills

Why Choose This Course?

• Our academics are outstanding researchers publishing in major academic journals
• The diversity of our staff and student body provides a unique learning environment
• We have a strong reputation for excellence in teaching and research in politics and international studies
• Flexible study options, including daytime or evening classes

What You Will Learn

This course focuses on political changes sweeping the globe, transforming politics across countries and regions. You will receive a grounding in key concepts and theories, and study core institutions and processes of the international political and economic system.

How You Will Learn

Teaching is delivered via lectures, seminars, and workshops in small groups at our central London campus. We encourage critical thinking, skills development, and guided independent learning.

Key Information and Modules

Global Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

• 3 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2026
• Year of entry: October 2026
• Duration: Three years
• Full-time or part-time: Full-time
• Style of study: On campus
• Location: Central London
• UCAS code: L291
• Status: Fully Approved
• Awarding body: University of London
• Attendance: Two afternoons or evenings a week, October to July

Global Politics and International Relations with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

• 4 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2026
• Year of entry: October 2026
• Duration: Four years
• Full-time or part-time: Full-time
• Style of study: On campus
• Location: Central London
• UCAS code: L292
• Status: Fully Approved
• Awarding body: University of London
• Attendance: Up to four evenings a week, October to July

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications. Decisions are based on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge, and previous work experience.

UCAS Tariff Points

• 3 years full-time: 112 points (e.g., A-levels BBC)
• 4 years full-time with Foundation Year: 48 points

Foundation Year Degrees

Our 'with Foundation Year' route provides an additional year of supported study, ideal for those returning to study after a gap or without the required grades.

Alternative Entry Routes

• Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 15 credits achieved at Merit or Distinction
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma - DMM

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic Test score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests

Fees

Global Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

• Part-time home students: Ł7,335 per year
• Part-time international students: Ł13,875 per year
• Full-time home students: Ł9,790 per year
• Full-time international students: Ł18,500 per year

Global Politics and International Relations with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

• Full-time home students, Year 1: Ł5,760 per year
• Full-time international students, Year 1: Ł18,500 per year
• Full-time home students, Year 2+: Ł9,790 per year
• Full-time international students, Year 2+: Ł18,500 per year

Teaching

At Birkbeck, most courses are taught in the evening, and teaching is designed to support students juggling study with work and other commitments.

Methods of Teaching

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Practical classes and tutorials

Teaching Hours

Our evening hours are normally between 6 pm and 9 pm.

Assessment

Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations.

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework
• Examination

Careers and Employability

On successfully graduating, you will have gained important transferable skills, including a robust understanding of contending perspectives on global affairs and advanced ability to comprehend, evaluate, and communicate qualitative and quantitative information.

Career Paths

• Local and national government
• Diplomatic service
• International organisations
• Voluntary sector
• Media and journalism
• Private sector

Course Structure

Course Structure Listing

You must complete modules worth a total of 360 credits.

Year 1 Compulsory Modules

• Foundations of Social and Political Science
• Introduction to Global Politics
• Transformations in Modern Politics: Democracy, Conflict and Globalisation

Year 2 Compulsory Module

• Governing by Numbers (Level 5)

Year 3 Compulsory Module

• International Relations and Foreign Policy

Year 4 Compulsory Modules

• Doing Political and Social Research
• War and Modern Society

Indicative Level 4 Option Module

• Comparative Government

Indicative Level 5 Option Modules

• Contemporary British Politics
• Digital Politics
• Food, Politics, and the City
• The Holocaust's Shadow: Germany and the Jews, 1871 to the present

Indicative Level 6 Option Modules

• Parliamentary Studies
• Research Applications in Social Sciences Field Trip to Dakar (Level 6)
• Social and Political Theory

BA Global Politics and International Relations Dissertation

• Dissertation BA Global Politics and International Relations