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International Relations and Politics (with Professional Placement Year) at Bath Spa University - UCAS

Bath Spa University

Degree level: Undergraduate

International Relations and Politics (with Professional Placement Year)

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Bath Spa University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

11Jan
Bath Spa University undergraduate open day
Undergraduate

Course summary

  • Combine theoretical study with practical application to affect change and make a difference.
  • Discover how the world works by connecting with partner organisations that link local and global issues.
  • Build the practical skills required to work in the field by applying knowledge and research methods to contemporary challenges.
Does democracy limit the threat of war? Can capitalism coexist with the climate crisis? What does globalisation mean in an era of growing fragmentation? Studying International Relations and Politics gives you the tools to tackle the biggest challenges faced by the world today. You’ll dig beneath the surface of the fundamental questions of our time and work together to define the kinds of solutions that could positively impact future generations. International Relations looks beyond formal interactions between states and governments. You’ll explore how local and global structures interact, and the ways in which "international relations" are shaped as much through everyday actions as by formal institutions of government. This could relate to the work of NGOs and the impact of "soft diplomacy", or to the communities of artists and activists that contribute to campaigns against global inequalities and injustice. Why choose this combination? Combining International Relations with Politics will deepen your understanding of political concepts and theories and expand your grasp of global events and international affairs. The study of Politics complements the global focus of International Relations by providing foundational, specialised subject knowledge and research methods that you’ll apply to contemporary challenges, issues and debates. Our progressive Politics programme has been designed to develop your practical, analytical and communication skills, which are essential to and valued by a diverse range of careers and employers. More about the Professional Placement Year A Professional Placement Year (PPY), traditionally known as a sandwich year, is where you undertake a period of work with an external organisation for between 9-13 months. The placement occurs between your second and final years of undergraduate study. You can engage in multiple placements to make up the total time and are required to source the placement(s) yourself, with support from the Careers team.

Modules

Year one An interdisciplinary first year introduces you to the study of a wide range of ideas, approaches and concepts that will underpin and inform your work. Throughout, you’ll develop the skills and insight you'll need to apply your learning to solving problems, working with others, finding your own voice and honing your skills of political analysis. You’ll follow a broad curriculum that allows you to ask questions, challenge your own assumptions, interrogate evidence, integrate data and contextualise diverse opinions. Year two During year two you’ll focus on theories and practices of international conflict, security and development. You’ll explore the nature of contemporary violence and critically analyse why conflicts begin, persist and often recur. You’ll also study mechanisms of soft power and diplomacy, and the relationships between art, culture and activism. You’ll apply your knowledge and understanding to a defined problem or case study of your choosing. Year three Professional Placement Year Final Year Alongside a range of optional modules, you'll bring together your theoretical and practical knowledge to devise, plan and implement your final project. This might be an extended piece of academic writing, but it might also be a pitch to a local employer, a community project or the creation of digital resources.

Assessment method

We use a mix of traditional and contemporary assessments, including practical tasks and exams, as well as essays, group and individual presentations, online reports, surveys, project portfolios, campaign documents and context papers, podcasts, blog posts and vlogging.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
IRP2
Institution code:
B20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
71%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
91%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
EU £16460 Year 1
International £16460 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
International Relations and Politics (with Professional Placement Year) at Bath Spa University - UCAS