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International Relations with Foundation Year at University of Portsmouth - UCAS

Course options

2026 - 2027
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

University of Portsmouth has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

28Feb
University of Portsmouth Open Experience Day
Undergraduate
21Mar
University of Portsmouth Open Experience Day
Undergraduate
25Apr
University of Portsmouth Open Experience Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

If you want to kickstart your career in international relations but aren't yet ready to embark on a full undergraduate degree, this foundation year course is for you. During this foundation year degree, you'll get all the background knowledge and skills you'll need to move on to our full Bachelor's degree in international relations. So, it's ideal if you don't yet meet the entry requirements, if you've taken a break from study, or if you need a bit of extra support to get uni-ready. You'll spend a year studying with us on campus, through ICP. You'll get the knowledge and academic skills needed to take on a bachelor's degree, learning how to analyse information, do research, and improve your academic writing. The skills you'll learn will help you work in teams as well as on your own in culturally diverse workplaces. You'll develop your understanding of new workplaces and environments, and how to adapt to new environments. After your foundation year, you'll be ready to move onto the first year of BA (Hons) International Relations. Course highlights

  • ICP is based on the University of Portsmouth campus so you'll have access to all facilities, support and societies
  • When you finish your foundation year successfully, you get a guaranteed place on BA (Hons) International Relations
  • Get used to how lectures, seminars and tutorials work, so you can move onto your degree ready for success
  • Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a bachelor's at university
Careers and opportunities When you study international relations, you'll explore topics like conflict between nations, global migration and populist politics, gaining the skills you'll need to play your part in improving equality and creating positive change. After this foundation year course, you'll move straight on to our BA (Hons) International Relations degree, which will help you develop the kind of analytical expertise needed for careers within government agencies, NGOs, charities, think tanks and international organisations. Your understanding of complex international issues will help you stand out to employers in local and national government, security, tech, intelligence, and with global charities and institutions like the UN. Placement year opportunities Once you've completed your foundation year and moved on to your full Bachelor's degree, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Taking an optional placement year will give you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role. We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement. Previous students have been on placements to organisations such as:
  • The Ministry of Defence
  • The House of Commons
  • National Museum of the Royal Navy
  • Otra Cosa (Peru)
  • SEK International
  • Freedom from Torture
  • Victim Support London
  • Tools for Self Reliance

Subject options

This course offers the following subject options:

  • International Relations with History with Foundation Year
  • International Relations with International Development with Foundation Year

Modules

The University of Portsmouth is passionate about creating career-focused modules that do more than support your studies, they empower your academic journey and prepare you for what comes next. We design modules that have: • Clear themes and skills development as you progress through each year • Assessments that feel meaningful, often based on real-world tasks rather than isolated exams • Career-enhancing opportunities such as placements, live projects, enterprise and volunteering For a full list of the modules you will study on this course, please visit https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-international-relations?studyMode=4-years-with-foundation-year&startDate=september-2026#modules

Assessment method

You'll be assessed in a number of ways on your foundation year, including:

  • assignments
  • oral presentations
  • exams
  • lab reports
  • portfolio
  • court reports
Typically, you can expect to have two assessments per module.

How to apply

14Jan

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:
L255
Institution code:
P80
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)5.5English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5.
PTE Academic59An overall score of 59 with a minimum of 59 in each skill.
TOEFL (iBT)7272 with a minimum of 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing.
Cambridge English AdvancedCambridge English: Advanced (CAE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 162 with no component score less than 162.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 162 with no component score less than 162.
Trinity ISETrinity College Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Level II with a Pass in all 4 components

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
70%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
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 £5760 Year 1
Northern Ireland £5760 Year 1
Scotland £5760 Year 1
Wales £5760 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 fee above is for the Foundation Year which is taught at International College Portsmouth. All fees are subject to annual increase. For more information about fees, go to port.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/undergraduate-fees-and-student-finance/tuition-fees-living-costs-and-other-study-costs
International Relations with Foundation Year at University of Portsmouth - UCAS