Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The study of politics and international relations combines two fascinating and complementary disciplines. Politics is a rapidly evolving field. It touches every area of our lives, covering issues from national security and inequalities in society to the climate crisis. With international relations you’ll develop an understanding of many of the relationships that shape our complex and interconnected world. The degree will equip you with a systematic and rigorous understanding of the two disciplines while developing many transferable skills that are valued by employers. Studies are structured around three main themes: political thought, political institutions and international relations. Following a general introduction, you’ll begin to tailor the course to your interests and aspirations with optional modules in areas such as security, interdependence, crises and conflict, comparative politics, democratic practice and the impact of global politics on the environment. You can further tailor your course by applying to add a year-long work placement, or an international dimension with an overseas study year. If you are selected this will increase the course from three years to four. The School of Government and International Affairs is home to several research centres and institutes, and many lecturers are actively engaged in research. This innovative work is fed into the BA, so you can be sure the curriculum is informed by contemporary political debate. The critical analytical and research skills that underpin the course, coupled with a deep understanding of global current affairs and the connections between nations, ruling parties and the business sector, will put you in a strong position to pursue a career in social policy research, journalism, academia, the charity sector, the Civil Service, the Foreign Office and more.
Modules
Year 1 Core modules: Researching Politics and International Relations introduces a range of strategies used to produce knowledge in politics and international relations. This module examines the strengths and weaknesses of a range of research methods. You will gain some practical experience of carrying out research in politics and international relations. Introduction to Comparative Politics introduces methods, approaches and key concepts in comparative politics. Drawing on historical texts and contemporary research you will explore a range of policy-relevant issues and begin to develop a problem-solving view of politics. Introduction to International Relations provides an overview of the field of international relations including its historical context and traditions of thought. The module addresses core concepts in the field including power, sovereignty, the international system, the international society, the state and norms. Introduction to Political Theory provides an overview of the role that key political ideals, values and theories play in shaping modern political thought: justifying and evaluating political institutions and public policy, and influencing political behaviour and change. In recent years, optional modules have included: Democratic Political Systems International Security, Interdependence and Organisation Perspectives of Political Economy. Year 2 Core modules: The Research Project is an extended piece of work produced within a structured framework that will help prepare you for the demands of writing a dissertation. You will gain a deeper understanding of politics as an academic subject and as an aspect of wider human activity. Foundations of Western Political Thought examines some of the main currents of European political thought in the ancient and modern worlds. It will also develop your ability to interpret major texts in the history of political thought. Analytical Politics introduces the theoretical models and mechanisms of politics. Learning how to apply these models to a range of political issues and processes will develop your problem-solving skills and help you link theory and evidence. International Theory develops knowledge of the major debates in contemporary international relations theory. The module helps to build a wider understanding of theoretical, conceptual and methodological matters in the study of domestic and international politics. International Organisations examines the role of key organisations in international relations, and their external impact. Looking at organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union, the World Trade Organization, NATO, ASEAN, etc., you will gain an understanding of the dynamic nature of global governance with emphasis on the dynamics of the global international environment. In recent years, optional modules have included: International Theory The Politics of Pacific Asia Foundations of Western Political Thought International Organisations Sovereignty, State and Empire Capitalism: History and Theory Middle East in the International System Debates in Political Theory. Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement year or year abroad) The Dissertation is a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of politics. It develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning and provides you with an opportunity to research a specific topic in greater depth and present your findings and conclusions. In recent years, optional modules have included: British Political Thought Muslims and Politics in the Modern World Social and Political Philosophy Theories of Liberty The American Presidency China in Global Political Economy Israel: Politics and Society Elections and British Politics Woman, Gender and Politics in the US Advanced Topic in International Political Theory: the International Politics of Everyday.
Assessment method
Assessment takes various forms including examinations and unseen essay questions, essays, group projects and the final year dissertation. The range of assessment methods vary between modules. They have been designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of course material, test critical thinking skills, enhance written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues. Modules are assessed during the year of study, with each module offering multiple opportunities for feedback from your tutors. The dissertation is an in-depth study of a topic of your choice which makes up one-third of your final-year marks.
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:
- L253
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe.https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAA
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AAAAB
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 37 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - Not accepted
Extended Project - Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, D3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDD
T Level
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £27000 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £27000 | 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
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase. In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.
There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.
Sponsorship information
We're committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances. https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE