Overview
Do you want to make sense of the post-truth world, encapsulated by events such as Brexit and the US election? Are you interested in understanding how global powers interact, both in times of war and peace? These questions lie at the heart of politics and international relations. Through the lens of a politics and international relations degree, you will explore how global dynamics shape our world.
Would you like to know more about international organisations and their capacity to control and shape development worldwide? The field of international relations and politics provides deep insights into these institutions. A politics and international relations degree from a prestigious department of politics and international relations will equip you with the knowledge to understand and engage with these global entities. Understanding international relations is crucial for grasping the influence of these organisations.
Do you want to learn about political participation and become an active citizen, so that you can contribute to policy-making processes? With a politics and international relations degree, you will gain the skills necessary to take part in and influence political decisions.
If you answer 'Yes' to any of these questions, then our International Relations course is for you.
This course is in Clearing
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What makes this course different

Highly ranked
Our International Relations courses rank 6th in the UK and rand 3rd in London in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

Global study
Learn with politics students from all over the world through our vibrant, international community at UEL, as well as benefit from excellent study abroad opportunities.

Study what's happening right now
Topics change at a blistering pace, and we are right on top of it and provide you with the tools to analyse and critique current affairs, significantly helping your employability when you graduate.
Course modules
In the foundation year of the politics and international relations degree, you explore key sociological and political concepts, including community identity, social justice, and crime. Modules cover areas such as digital sociology, globalisation, and the psychosocial approach to the body, offering practical experiences like field trips and external visits. The curriculum emphasises developing critical thinking, research skills, and professional competencies essential for careers in politics and international relations.
In the first year of the politics and international relations degree, you gain foundational knowledge in political theory, public policy, and global political economy. Key modules explore the complexities of economic, political, ecological, and emotional crises, as well as the histories of empire and colonialism. You are introduced to essential concepts in international relations and public policy analysis, equipping them with critical insights for understanding contemporary global issues.
In the second year of the politics and international relations degree, you explore critical issues such as global governance, power dynamics, migration, and environmental justice. The modules cover the United Nations' role, great power politics, and the impacts of migration and climate change. Research methods and social enterprise are also introduced, fostering skills in both academic enquiry and practical applications, preparing you for deeper engagement in international and political studies.
In the third year of the politics and international relations degree, you delve into key topics such as gendered power relations, European integration, and African politics. You’ll engage in applied research projects, gain practical experience through placements, and critically examine issues like conflict intervention and development, preparing you for professional roles in politics, international relations, and social development.
NOTE: Modules are subject to change. For those studying part time courses the modules may vary.
Download course specification
Your future career
You'll develop a range of skills, knowledge and insights that you can use in a variety of politics-related careers. You could join public bodies such as central and local government, pressure groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or community organisations.
Your tutors place a strong emphasis on role-playing and simulation of real-life situations throughout the course. These will allow you to step into the world of work with confidence.
The variety of roles into which University of East London politics graduates go is as wide as it is interesting. You could decide to move into the not-for-profit sector as a community organiser, a caseworker or a civic engagement officer. Or how about becoming a project manager or a campaign organiser? Equally, you'll have gained the skills necessary to land a job as a communications officer or to specialise in political research.
Industry links
TBC
Graduate employers
Our politics graduates have embraced diverse roles, from communications in the not-for-profit sector to leading fundraising campaigns in agencies, both in the UK and abroad. Some have gone on to establish NGOs and charities, like the Children of Congo Foundation, which provides education for street children, and the Otra Cosa Network, which supports communities in northern Peru through affordable volunteering.
Job roles
Typical roles which our politics graduates have gone on to include curriculum manager, fundraising coordinator, and personal assistant.
We offer postgraduate courses for further specialisation and you can explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.
Further study
If you want to continue studying politics or international relations we offer an MSc in International Relations, or you could specialise on our innovative MA Refugee Studies programme.

As a university committed to your career growth, we've curated dedicated Career Zones across all of our campuses with practical services tailored to your success. From internships, personalised coaching, and employability workshops to volunteering, mentoring, placements, and enterprise opportunities, we offer a diverse range of support."Rema Khatun
Career Zone
How you'll learn
You'll be taught by staff with relevant experience and practice to ensure you learn from real-life examples and research. We encourage an educational experience that is active, social, collaborative, engaging and student-owned. You will have access to a variety of resources ensuring your learning journey goes beyond the classroom.
Guided independent study
When not attending timetabled lectures you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, Microsoft Teams and Moodle.
Academic support
We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. Students are supported with any academic or subject-related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, and former and current UEL students.
You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses. Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research.
Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and a dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).
Dedicated personal tutor
You'll be taught by staff with relevant experience and practice to ensure you learn from real-life examples and research. We encourage an educational experience that is active, social, collaborative, engaging and student-owned. You will have access to a variety of resources ensuring your learning journey goes beyond the classroom.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential.
Workload
Your overall workload consists of class and online tutor-led sessions, individual learning, and practical activities.
Your timetable
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible.
Class sizes
Class sizes on this politics course are approximately 25.
How you'll be assessed
Assessment tasks are mainly spread across the year to make the workload manageable. Assessment methods include group work and individual work including essays, presentations, case studies, professional development and practical activities depending on the nature of the course. All grades count towards your module mark. More details will be included in the student handbook and module guides. Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.
Campus and facilities
Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
Our waterfront campus in the historic Royal Docks provides a modern, well-equipped learning environment.
Join us and you'll be able to make the most of our facilities including contemporary lecture theatres and seminar rooms, art studios and exhibition spaces, audio and visual labs and a multimedia production centre.
Features include our 24/7 Docklands library, our £21m SportsDock centre, a campus shop and bookstore, the Children's Garden Nursery, cafés, eateries, a late bar, plus Student Union facilities, including a student lounge.
The University of East London is one of the few London universities to provide on-campus accommodation. Our Docklands Campus Student Village houses close to 1,200 students from around the world. We are well connected to central London and Canary Wharf, with London City Airport just across the water. We also run a free bus service that connects Docklands with Stratford campuses.
Who teaches this course
This course is delivered by School of Childhood and Social Care
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
- Course leader
Robert Michael Ahearne
Department of Social Sciences, School of Childhood and Social Care - Course leader
Stephen Hobden
Department of Social Work Counselling & Social Care, School of Childhood and Social Care - Course leader
Ruth Brown
Department of Social Work Counselling & Social Care, School of Childhood and Social Care - Course leader
Mark Jamieson
Department of Social Work Counselling & Social Care, School of Childhood and Social Care - Course leader
Susannah Pickering-Saqqa
Department of Social Work Counselling & Social Care, School of Childhood and Social Care - Course leader
Meera Tiwari
Department of Social Work Counselling & Social Care, School of Childhood and Social Care
What our students and staff say

The quality of teaching, high level of engagement in lectures and seminars, and the interesting and thought-provoking topics and conversations I had throughout the course is greatly appreciated"
Courtney McGrath
Course graduate

Studying international politics at UEL has opened many doors for me. While studying, I did internships with London Citizens and Movement for Change. This gave me the opportunity to build a network and develop practical skills. I’m currently working as a community organiser for London Citizens."
Ngalazu Phiri
BA (Hons) International Politics (now Politics and International Relations)