Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

Course Overview

Coventry University offers an exciting and innovative Politics and International Relations BA (Hons) degree. You will learn about national and international affairs in depth by:

• studying a range of modules on African, American, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian politics
• gaining a deeper understanding of the rationale and value of peaceful and cooperative relations between nations and people
• learning how the world is becoming increasingly more connected and how this impacts on governments and their agencies, multinational companies, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and you.

What You'll Study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common First Year Courses

• History BA (Hons)
• History and Politics BA (Hons)
• International Relations BA (Hons)
• Politics BA (Hons)
• Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

Year One

• Ideas and Concepts that Shape the World - 20 credits
• Nations and Nationalism: From Unification to Annihilation - 20 credits
• The Making of a Globalised World - 20 credits
• After Destruction: The World since 1945 - 20 credits
• Power, People and the State - 20 credits
• Freedom, Rights and Democracy - 20 credits

Year Two

• Emerging Powers and Global Order - 20 credits
• Foreign Policy Analysis - 20 credits
• Ethics and International Relations - 20 credits
• The Far Right in Contemporary Europe - 20 credits
• Making Humanities: Open Project - 20 credits
• British Politics since 1997 - 20 credits

Placement Year

• UK Work Placement – 0 credits
• International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

Final Year

• Independent Project - 20 credits
• United States' Foreign Policy since 1945 - 20 credits
• African Affairs - 20 Credits
• International Relations of South Asia - 20 credits
• The Far Right in Britain and France - 20 credits
• The Green Movement: The Search for Sustainability - 20 credits
• Political Ideologies since 1945 - 20 credits
• Politics of the Middle East - 20 credits

How You'll Learn

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of your first year, you will progress onto your second year in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.

Teaching Contact Hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Guided and Independent Study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online Learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Part-time Study

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about part-time study.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

The assessment methods may include:

• phase tests
• essays
• group work
• presentations
• reports
• projects
• coursework
• individual assignments.

International Experience Opportunities

This course has an inherently international perspective. You may have the opportunity to take part in an overseas study trip, or a full year abroad.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed.

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements:

• UK: 112 UCAS points
• International: Equivalent qualifications

Other Qualifications and Experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual Offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Fees and Funding

Student | Full-time | Part-time ---|---|--- UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | 2026/27 fees TBC | Request fee information EU | 2026/27 fees TBC | Not available International | 2026/27 fees TBC | Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

Facilities

Students will benefit from studying on our well-equipped, modern campus.

George Eliot Building

Named after one of the leading writers of the Victorian age, the George Eliot building is the city-centre home of politics and international relations studies at Coventry University. Mingle with like-minded students, cross the Edible Garden campus to relax at the Hub, or take the few minutes walk to immerse yourself in books at the Lanchester library.

The Library

You will benefit from our personalised support and industry-relevant teaching and resources, which are designed to help you succeed. These include our modern library with academic-liaison librarians who provide specialist help and support throughout your degree.

Careers and Opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will have knowledge of:

• the origins and character of different political systems.
• the origins and character of the contemporary international system.

You will be able to:

• accurately identify the issue(s) which needs researching and retrieve up-to-date, discipline based information using paper and electronic sources
• locate a range of information sources, to gather and marshal relevant evidence successfully
• critically review, synthesise and debate evidence collected by research
• construct fair, coherent and convincing arguments using the relevant concepts and approaches in the discipline of politics and international relations
• analyse problems, take decisions, be creative and show initiative
• work independently with increasing self-confidence and to reflect upon the process of learning
• work within a group, to negotiate, to learn from others and to lead an activity
• manage time effectively, to set objectives and to evaluate the performance of yourself and others
• develop and debate ideas and to sustain arguments effectively both orally and in written form.

In a globalised world where companies increasingly do business across national boundaries, you can benefit from an in-depth understanding of the international landscape, gaining an insight which is appealing to many employers. This course is informed by up-to-date research and provides knowledge on issues that are at the forefront of the disciplines of Politics and International Relations. It enables you to develop a range of skills that are highly valued by employers. Graduates of this course can go on to find a range of exciting careers.

Further Study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the International Relations MA, Politics MA and Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security MA. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1843 as the Coventry School of Design
• Received university status in 1992
• Over 30,000 students from over 150 countries
• Campuses in Coventry, London, and Scarborough
• Known for its focus on practical, industry-focused education

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in various disciplines
• Student support services include counseling, mental health support, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a gym, swimming pool, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of subjects
• Faculty with industry experience and research expertise
• Teaching methodologies include lectures, seminars, workshops, and project-based learning
• Academic support services include writing centers, math labs, and peer mentoring
• Unique academic programs include:
  • Centre for Applied Science and Technology
  • Centre for Business in Society
  • Centre for Intelligent Systems

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Ranked among the top 150 universities in the UK (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
• Excellent industry connections and partnerships
• Specialized facilities such as the National Transport Design Centre and the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing
• Notable alumni include:
  • Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine
  • Sir David Attenborough, naturalist and broadcaster
  • Sir Patrick Stewart, actor

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Accommodation services
• Library with over 1 million books and resources
• Technology support
• Career development services