Program Overview

Politics and International Relations BA

The University of Sheffield offers a Politics and International Relations BA course that allows students to explore the key areas in the international relations and politics discipline. This course will introduce students to the study of international relations and politics, covering topics such as global politics, political analysis, and research methods.

Course Description

The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the study of international relations and politics. Students will have the opportunity to study abroad, undertake a placement year, or take part in other global and work experiences. The course will also provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in government, policy analysis, academia, or other related fields.

Modules

The course includes a range of modules, such as:

• Political Analysis 1: An Introduction to Research and Scholarship
• Thinking Politically: Key Concepts
• World Politics
• Global Political Economy
• Planet Politics
• Comparative Politics
• Race and Racism in World Politics
• Western Political Thought
• British Politics
• Gender Politics

Learning and Assessment

The course uses a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and practical-based learning. Assessments include exams, quizzes, dissertations, short and long form essays, podcasts, editorial style writing, book reviews, policy reports, and presentations and group work.

Entry Requirements

The standard entry requirements for the course are:

• A Levels: AAB
• International Baccalaureate: 34
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD
• GCSE Maths: grade 4/C
• English language requirements: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C or IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component

Graduate Careers

Graduates from the department have gone on to work in professional, political, and administrative organizations across the world, in local, national, and international government, the charitable sector, education, the media, public relations, research, and the private sector.

Department

The School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations is one of the UK's top providers for research and teaching. The department is recognized internationally for its expertise, contributing to national and international policy and working alongside organizations around the world to address society's major challenges.

University Rankings

The University of Sheffield is a world top-100 university, ranked 92nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university is also ranked number one in the Russell Group for student experience and has a strong reputation for research, with 92% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the course are:

• Home students: £9,535 (2025 annual tuition fee)
• Overseas students: £23,810 (2025 annual tuition fee) The university offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help fund student study, including automatic scholarships worth up to £10,000 for overseas fee-paying students.

Placements and Study Abroad

The course offers students the opportunity to add an optional placement year or study abroad, with over 250 university partners worldwide. The placement year or study abroad experience can help students gain valuable work experience, develop new skills, and enhance their employability.