BA Politics and International Relations (Cornwall) - 2026 entry

Overview

You’ll learn about some of the biggest political challenges facing the world today and how to apply political theories and systems to world events and the issues setting the modern political agenda. Our intentionally small class sizes will allow you to actively discuss and debate your ideas and work closely with academic staff. Our wide range of optional modules give you the opportunity to customise your degree according to your own interests and career ambitions. You’ll be encouraged to get out of the classroom to gain a bigger perspective and experience how politics operates in practice giving you real world experience that will be valued by future employers.

Entry requirements (typical offer)

• A-Level: ABB
• IB: 32/655
• BTEC: DDM
• GCSE: 4/C (Grade 4/C in English language)
• Access to HE: 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade
• T-Level: Distinction

Contextual Offer:

• A-Level: BBC
• IB: 28/554
• BTEC: DMM

Course content

Year 1

• 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

• POC1003: British Government and Politics (15 credits)
• POC1021: Key Concepts in Politics and International Relations (15 credits)
• POC1033: Political Communication (30 credits)

Optional modules

• Select a further 60 credits of optional modules from the HASS Penryn modules (at least 45 credits must be Stage 1 Politics modules (POC1xxx))

Year 2

• 45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

• POC2124: Political Analysis (15 credits)
• POC2087: Security Studies (15 credits)
• POC2131: Political Economy (15 credits)

Optional modules

• Select a further 75 credits of optional modules (of which at least 45 credits must be Stage 2 Politics modules)

Study Abroad year if taken

• 120 credit compulsory placement module

Compulsory modules

• HAS3999: Study Abroad (HASS) (120 credits)

Final year

• In stage three (Level 6) you will carry out a piece of independent research and write a dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff from Politics. You will also choose from a number of optional 15 and 30 credit Level 6 modules (coded ‘POC3’) that are taught in weekly two hour seminars, or involve a field course. You must take a minimum of 90 credits and a maximum of 120 credits from the POC3 programme. A further 30 credits of elective modules may be taken subject to you having the correct pre-requisites and the course convenor’s consent.

Compulsory modules

• HAP3000: Dissertation (30 credits)

Optional modules

• Select a further 90 credits of optional modules (of which at least 60 credits must be Stage 3 Politics modules)

Course variants

BA Politics and International Relations with Study Abroad

• UCAS code: L925
• Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.

With Employment Experience

• UCAS code: L256
• Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.

Fees

• Please note: The fees for students starting in 2026 have yet to be set. The fees provided below are the fees for students starting in 2025 and are for guidance only. We will post the fees for 2026 entry shortly.
• UK students: £9,535 per year
• International students: £24,700 per year

Scholarships

• The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships.

Learning and teaching

• We use a wide range of teaching methods as well as encouraging independent study with an increasing emphasis on seminar discussion and project work in your second and third years. Teaching includes:
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Practical exercises, project and group work
  • Independent study

Assessment

• Essays
• Individual and group presentations
• Projects
• Exams
• Dissertation in your final year

Politics in Cornwall

• Politics and International Relations programmes in Cornwall are part of a world-class research institution. We are committed to creating a diverse and thriving student community. We believe that this is achieved by providing a supportive learning environment, which nurtures our students through-out your time with us and helps you make the transition from school to university.

Your future

• As a Politics and International Relations graduate you will have an understanding of complex political and cultural issues, often in changing environments which will be valued by employers in both the public and private sectors. Alongside this you will gain a range of academic and professional skills including:
  • Analytical, critical and independent thinking
  • Independent research
  • Problem solving
  • Discussion and group work
  • Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Articulating ideas and constructing arguments
  • Organising, planning and time management

Career paths

• The University has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market. Below are a few examples of the positions or organisations our graduates have gone onto:
  • Management Consultant
  • Parliamentary Caseworker and Researcher
  • Civil Servant
  • Film Production Coordinator
  • Officer Cadet
  • Analyst
  • Trainee Insurance Broker
  • Investment Assistant
  • Estate Agent
  • Communications Officer

Further study

• Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation. Below are a few examples of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes. Please note that, due to data protection the subjects of study and institutions are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
  • MA Crisis Management
  • MSc Public Policy
  • MA EU Politics
  • MA Globalisation and Communications
  • MA International Relations in the Middle East
  • MA Public Policy and Administration

Related courses

• Global Politics BA (Cornwall)
• History and International Relations BA (Cornwall)
• History and Politics BA (Cornwall)
• Politics and Geography BA (Cornwall)
• Environmental Humanities BA
• History BA (Cornwall)
• Politics and Management BSc (Cornwall)

University of Exeter

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Overview:

The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, England. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of law, business, and environmental sciences.

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Services Offered:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Student website:

Provides access to information and resources for current students.

ELE (Exeter Learning Environment):

An online platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors.

Email web access:

Allows students to access their university email accounts.

Payment portal:

Enables students to make payments for tuition fees and other expenses.

MyExeter (student app):

A mobile app that provides access to various student services and information.

Library:

Offers a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and other resources.

SID (Student Information Database):

A system for managing student records and accessing personal information.

Timetable:

Allows students to view their class schedules.

Programme and module information:

Provides details about academic programs and courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Exeter offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect:

Active student societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to various interests.

Sports facilities:

The university has excellent sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports fields.

Campus events:

Regular events and activities are organized throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and social gatherings.

Accommodation options:

The university provides a variety of accommodation options for students, both on and off campus.

Wellbeing services:

The university offers a range of support services for student wellbeing, including counseling and mental health support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Excellent academic reputation:

The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK.

World-leading research:

The university is renowned for its research, particularly in areas such as environmental sciences, law, and business.

Vibrant student life:

The university offers a diverse and engaging student experience with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events.

Beautiful campus setting:

The university's campuses are located in picturesque settings, with easy access to the city of Exeter and the surrounding countryside.

Strong career support:

The university provides excellent career support services to help students find employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

English, History, Classics, Philosophy, Music, Drama, and more.

Social Sciences:

Law, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and more.

Medicine and Health:

Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and more.

Business and Management:

Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, and more.

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Other:

• The university has three main campuses: Streatham Campus, St Luke's Campus, and Penryn Campus.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on environmental issues.

• The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world.

• Academic Programs:

  While the context mentions some general disciplines, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.