Program Overview

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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 systems

The 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. Why we're great.

• We have the only Regius Professor in Political Science in the UK, an honour conferred by the Queen
• Ranked 9th in the UK for Politics and International Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
• You have access to some of the best minds in politics and the biggest names in the field

Study abroad

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course. Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised. If you spend a full year abroad you'll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won't pay any tuition fees to your host university.

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Placement year

Alternatively, you can spend your third year on a placement year with an external organisation, where you learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways. You will be responsible for finding your placement, but with support and guidance provided by both your department and our Employability and Careers Centre. If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.

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Our expert staff

Some of the biggest names in the field work at Essex, giving you unparalleled access to some of the best minds in politics. Our staff are advising the CIA on counter-terrorism, training politicians and civil servants in democratising countries, and commentating on political events in national and international media. Our key academic staff for this course work on topics ranging from international conflict and violence to British elections. For example, Professor Kristian Gleditsch , who works on inequality, conflict and violence. You join an active and prolific research team, with the opportunity to work alongside a member of staff on their research instead of completing a dissertation; some of these projects have even resulted in joint staff-student publications.

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Specialist facilities

• Laboratories of networked computers featuring extensive software for political analysis
• ESSEXLab provides opportunities for experimental lab research
• Student societies for politics, debating and Model UN
• A dedicated study skills advisor in your first year for one-to-one advice
• A personal tutor and peer mentor for every student
• We organise the Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis
• A programme of seminars and events run by the department

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Your future

All Essex Politics & International Relations graduates will have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments. Our students are in demand from a host of employers in political parties, NGOs, international development, the civil service fast stream, management, journalism, police, armed forced, commerce, business, finance, teaching and graduate research. Our notable alumni include the former President of Costa Rica and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr Oscar Arias, and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP, and our recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including:

• The World Bank
• NATO
• Houses of Parliament Research Unit
• United Nations Development Program
• YouGov
• IMG Media

Our Employability module ensures that you are focused throughout your studies on how they are helping you to develop job-related skills and experience. We also work with the University’s Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities. Enhance your degree and demonstrate your quantitative skills with Q-Step . By following the Q-Step pathway of modules within your existing course, you will graduate from Essex with a qualifier award at the end of your degree, signalling to employers your capability in highly sought after quantitative research skills.