Program Overview

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Introduction to the Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons)

The University of Bath offers a Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons) program, which combines the study of politics and global affairs to develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and respond to contemporary political challenges.

Program Structure

The program lasts 3 years, starting in September 2026 and ending in 2029. Welcome week starts on 21 September 2026.

Year 1

In Year 1, students study the following compulsory units:

• Essential study skills in politics (5 credits)
• Global Britain? the UK's place in the world (20 credits)
• Introduction to international relations (15 credits)
• Politics: key concepts and analysis (15 credits)
• Solving puzzles about politics (5 credits)

Year 2

In Year 2, students study the following compulsory units:

• Comparative politics (10 credits)
• Peace, conflict and international security (10 credits)
• Qualitative and quantitative research methods (10 credits)
• Thinking the world politically (10 credits)
• Year 2 options (20 credits)

Year 3

In Year 3, students study the following compulsory units:

• Dissertation (20 credits)
• Final year options (40 credits)

Study Abroad or Placement

The University of Bath also offers this course with a professional placement or study abroad option in Year 3. This allows students to take advantage of the university's links with a range of organizations in different sectors, experience a new culture, or even combine the two.

Learning and Assessment

Students are taught and assessed by a variety of methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops. Assessment methods include coursework and examinations.

Recognition of Professional Qualifications

The University of Bath recognizes a number of professional qualifications, which may entitle students to work in a specific profession within the UK or abroad.

Entry Requirements

The University of Bath considers applications from students with a range of qualifications, including A levels, International Baccalaureate, BTEC, and Access to HE Diploma. The typical offer for A levels is AAA or A*AB, while the typical offer for International Baccalaureate is 36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects.

English Language Requirements

If students do not meet the English GCSE requirements, they will need a suitable English language qualification, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons) program are not yet available. However, students may be eligible for a tuition fee loan, as well as scholarships and bursaries.

Application Information

The application deadline for the Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons) program is 14 January 2026. Students can apply through UCAS, and the institution code is B16.

Related Courses

The University of Bath offers a range of related courses, including Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons) with professional placement or study abroad, Politics with Economics BSc (Hons), International Politics and Modern Languages BA (Hons), and International Development with Economics BSc (Hons).