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BA (Hons) International Relations

Delve deep into our changing political landscape to understand the role of emerging nations and how world events can affect the delicate balance of global power

Year of entry: 2024/25

UCAS code

L250

Institution code

Y50

Length

3 years full-time (plus optional placement year)

Typical offer

AAB (full entry requirements)

Start date

September 2024 (semester dates)

UK (home) fees

£9,250 per year

International and EU fees

£23,700 per year

Meet us

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Discover York

Step up to the boundaries of justice and human rights, and investigate the effects that terrorism, war and shifts in global power are having on our day-to-day lives.

With international experts you'll explore the political significance of global issues, and just how close to home their effects resonate.

You will develop specialist knowledge in international politics and political economy, conflict, security and post-war reconstruction, global justice and fragile states.

Adding a year in industry or a year abroad are both an option with this course too, so you can benefit from the invaluable experience of working or studying in another country.

13th in the UK

for Politics, according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

16th in the UK

for Politics, according to Complete University Guide (CUG) 2024.

Course content

You'll develop the ability to think critically about regional, national and international politics, ideas and institutions, preparing you for a variety of career paths that give you the potential to stand up and make a difference.

We offer a large choice of modules helping you tailor the course to your own interests and passions.

You'll learn how to think politically about some of today's most pressing issues, including:

  • The shifting balance of international power    
  • The challenges of human rights and global development    
  • Environmental sustainability   
  • Struggles for democracy    
  • The threat of terrorism   
  • The changing balance between government and civil society.

Applied Quantitative Analysis route

If you're interested in the statistical analysis of politics and international relations, you can transfer to an Applied Quantitative Analysis (AQA) route. You'll choose from a subset of option modules throughout your course, marked AQA in the module lists here. If you do, you'll graduate with a degree title that recognises this specialism: BA International Relations (Applied Quantitative Analysis).

Study abroad

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:

Placements

There are opportunities to spend time in industry as part of this course.

Year 1

Core modules

These modules will give you an understanding of the key concepts, theories and approaches in each major area of politics.

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.

Year 2

Core modules

Option modules

You will also study four option modules - two in Semester One and two in Semester Two.

Semester One: 20 credit option modules 

Semester Two: 20 credit option modules

The above list of options is indicative and subject to change.  The exact options available to you will be confirmed in your first year. For further information please get in touch.

Year 3

In your final year you'll build on the knowledge you've gained over your degree. The year culminates in a dissertation: an extended essay based on your own research.

Core module

The dissertation is a chance for you to study a topic of your choice in depth. With the support of a supervisor, you'll identify a question and conduct independent research to find an answer. You will have the opportunity to learn and use quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques which are essential for modern social science research.

Option modules

You will also study four option modules:

For those deciding to take the AQA route, you will study the following modules:

  • Applied Quantitative Analysis
  • Dissertation (Applied Quantitative Analysis)

The options available to you will be confirmed later in the year. For further information please get in touch.

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.

Learning by design

Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Students who complete this course will be able to:

  • Understand the origins, evolution and contemporary dynamics of international relations.
  • Apply theories, concepts and methods to aspects of international relations, using critical reasoning and (where appropriate) empirical testing to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Research independently by: conceiving research questions; explaining the use of theories and concepts; selecting and applying appropriate tools to gather and interpret data; and justifying conclusions.
  • Achieve goals by demonstrating initiative, self-organization, and time management in individual or collaborative work.
  • Communicate effectively and fluently, translating advanced ideas through appropriate media and a range of formats.
  • Demonstrate intercultural awareness and a reflective approach to differing points of view in light of the values of tolerance and inclusivity.
‌‌I spent the summer of my second year interning in the marketing and communications division of the Mayor’s office in New York. I got to see what working in government entails, wrote press releases and I got to accompany the Commissioner to TV and radio interviews, which was so much fun.
Maria, BA Politics
Read about Maria's experience.

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees

UK (home) International and EU
£9,250 £23,700

UK (home) or international fees?

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

  • UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
  • International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Additional costs

Although students may decide to purchase some textbooks or other resources, we have an extensive physical and electronic library, so that there is no requirement to do so.

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2024/25 throughout the year.

Departmental funding

Living costs

You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.

Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award

Gold-standard education

Our teaching, learning and student experience is outstanding, recognised by a Gold rating from the Office for Students in the 2023 national assessment (Teaching Excellence Framework).

Why we’re gold-rated

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

You'll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and one-to-ones. We offer a personal approach to learning with much of our teaching conducted in small groups (typically fewer than 15 students in a seminar group). Your personal supervisor provides support and guidance throughout your studies, offering weekly feedback and guidance hours.

Research-led teaching

You'll be taught by academics at the forefront of research across a number of political areas such as conflict, security and development, political economy, international politics, political theory and public policy. As international experts in their field, our staff advise governments and organisations and regularly contribute to news and current affairs programmes. Our expertise and experience feed directly into our teaching.

Timetabled activities

In your first year, you can expect:

Lectures7-8 hours per week
Seminars7-8 hours per week

These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.

Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Teaching location

You will be based in the Department of Politics and International Relations on Campus West. Most teaching will take place nearby. 

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.

Assessment and feedback

‌Assessment varies from module to module and includes a combination of exams, written essays and project work.

Your tutors will give you feedback in a variety of forms depending on the specific needs of the module. This may consist of written feedback, in-class discussion, model answers, one-to-one discussions or online responses.

Watch our mini lecture

Our teaching involves challenging discussions with your tutors and peers about global issues.

Watch one of our recent lectures in action

Careers and skills

A York Politics degree is recognised by employers worldwide. You'll improve your employability with opportunities to gain work experience, undertake internships or study abroad.

Many of our students organise work placements out of term time in an area that interests them. We encourage you to do this so you can gain workplace experience and get a deeper insight into issues that interest you. Previous students have spent the summer months interning at Ernst and Young, the Houses of Parliament and even the Mayor's Office in New York.

Career opportunities

Our recent graduates have gone on to work with:

  • The Home Office
  • The Cabinet Office
  • The Department for Environment
  • The European Parliament
  • KPMG UK
  • The World Food Programme
  • Ernst & Young
  • Goldman Sachs

Graduate profiles

Transferable skills

  • Logical thinking
  • Analysis of complex ideas, arguments and theories    
  • Problem-solving
  • The ability to present succinct reports    
  • Intellectual independence
  • Communication skills

Entry requirements

Typical offer
A levels

AAB

Access to Higher Education Diploma 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher
BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD
Cambridge Pre-U D3, D3, M2
European Baccalaureate An overall average of 80%
International Baccalaureate 35 points overall
T levels We will consider a range of T Level qualifications for entry. Please visit our dedicated T Levels page for a full list of accepted T Levels.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers Scottish Highers - AABBB

Advanced Highers - not required for entry

We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications.
International foundation programme Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative.
Other international qualifications Equivalent qualifications from your country

Alternative offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.

Criteria Adjustment
Widening participation If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to three A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities, YESS, YorWay to York. More about widening participation.
Contextual offers If you have experience of local authority care or live in an area with low progression to university, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about contextual offers.
EPQ If you achieve C or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.
Core Maths If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

Minimum requirement
IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Cambridge CEFR 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
Oxford ELLT 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
Duolingo 120, minimum 105 in each component
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) Grade C / Grade 4
LanguageCert SELT B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
LanguageCert Academic B2 Communicator with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
KITE 459 Main Flight score with 426 in each component
Skills for English B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
PTE Academic 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
TOEFL 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component
Trinity ISE III Merit in all components

For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.

If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.

The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.

After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.

Applying

To apply to York, you will need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

If we make you an offer, we'll invite you to visit us between November and April. You can meet current students and chat one-to-one with our academic staff.

Next steps

Contact us

Get in touch if you have any questions

Learn more

Department of Politics and International Relations

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