Program Overview

---

International Relations and Politics with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Course Description

This unique BA (Hons) in International Relations and Politics is for people who want to understand and influence what is happening in the world — at either a local, regional, national or international level. It's the perfect time to launch this programme because never in human history has so much rapid change been apparent.

Study Options

• Full-time: 4 years
• UK fee: £5,760 * (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 72 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: L20F
• Start date: September
• Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Foundation Year

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree.

Highlights

• A course for people who want to really understand the world we live in and have a burning desire to make things better
• It's unique because it blends the study of history, politics and journalism to shed light on the root causes of today's societal issues
• Develop problem-solving skills and a 'can do' attitude that will help you go into a wide range of job roles including in politics, campaigning, think-tanks, NGOs, charities, civil or diplomatic services

What You Will Study

• Political power, by studying politics and government at all levels, from parish councils to the UN
• Policy making and influencing: How to bring about meaningful change by researching, analysing and proposing solutions to defined issues in society, the environment, or in government
• Analysis and reporting: The journalistic approaches used to research, analyse and report on the big issues of the day
• Cultural contexts: The different norms, attitudes, and disadvantage of the past and today and how this affects attitudes and behaviours

How You Will Learn

Our teaching methods will be varied, interactive and engaging. They include:

• Online and face-to-face lectures, sometimes involving guest speakers
• Seminars that encourage lots of debate and discussion
• Work experience and real projects
• Self-directed study

How You Are Assessed

In your final year, you will undertake an Independent Study module which incorporates quantitative data analysis and you'll also need to write a dissertation.

Who Will Teach You

• Simon Philo, Programme Leader

Careers

When you have completed this degree, you will be well-informed about the major global issues of our time and have a range of skills that employers really value, particularly:

• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Being able to analyse evidence objectively, including using basic data science techniques
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Cultural awareness

You can put these skills to good use in a range of high-level careers, such as in politics, journalism, campaigning, think-tanks, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), charities, the civil or diplomatic services, and inter-governmental institutions.

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 72
• A Level: DDD
• T Level: Pass
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• UK: £5,760 * (2025/26)
• International: £16,900 per year (2025/26)

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

We're committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

• Included in your fees: Your fee includes any mandatory study visits and some social events

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

• UK students: If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.
• International students: The quickest and easiest way to apply is through our online application portal.

Teaching Hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course Updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.