Course summary
Choosing to study Politics and International Relations with us will provide you with an exciting and varied curriculum, as well as opportunities to apply your learning in international settings. Through this course you will develop a critical understanding of contemporary issues such as threats to global security, the changing nature of international co-operation and power alignments, environmental politics, the future of democracy, and the politics of communication. This course provides you with an excellent grounding for careers across the public, private and voluntary sectors. The transferable skills gained through studying Politics and International Relations are highly sought after by employers in a wide variety of contexts, such as public administration, commerce, marketing, public relations, management, journalism and international development. If you are seeking to work in an international capacity, particularly in areas connected with international policy and advocacy, then studying Politics and International Relations will give you a distinct advantage with future employers. A special feature of the Politics and International Relations course is the research placement in Stage Two, where you will have the opportunity to work with relevant organisations in the UK or abroad. Recent students have undertaken placements with members of parliament, in their constituencies and in parliament, as well as with political parties. By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:
- You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.
- At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2025 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2025**.
- Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).
- Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.
- Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.
- In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.
Modules
STAGE 1 • Days that Shook the World (Compulsory) • Political Communications (Compulsory) • Understanding International Relations (Compulsory) • Concepts and Ideologies in Politics (Compulsory) • Introduction to Security (Compulsory) • Politics in the United Kingdom (Compulsory) STAGE 2 • Comparative Media Policy (Compulsory) • Democracy in the United States of America (Compulsory) • Research Methods (Compulsory) • Future Directions (Compulsory) • The Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa (Compulsory) • Politics and International Relations Fieldwork (Compulsory) • Politics in the European Union (Compulsory) • Politics and International Relations in Practice (Placement Module) (Designated) • Formulating Policy (Designated) OPTIONAL PLACEMENT YEAR • The Placement Year Experience: Organisations in Context (Compulsory) STAGE 3 • Politics and International Relations (Compulsory) • The Politics of the Dispossessed (Compulsory) • Global Ethics and Identities (Compulsory) • Politics and Culture (Compulsory) • Contemporary Russian Foreign Relations (Compulsory) • Social Movements (Compulsory) • Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism (Compulsory) Module information is quoted for 24/25 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly. 25/26 entry modules will be updated in June 2025.
Assessment method
The course is assessed primarily (though not exclusively) through continuous forms of coursework. We use a diverse range of assessments designed to develop both your knowledge of the course area and important key skills, including written and oral communication and critical analysis. Examples of assessments include traditional essays, short assignments, presentations, participation in debates, internet research assignments as well as interactive technology (e.g. computer gaming in relation to international diplomacy and strategy). Most modules involve two or three units of assessment spread out over the academic year.
How to apply
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:
- 5L9L
- Institution code:
- N38
- Campus name:
- Waterside Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 points
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - M: 30 credits
Scottish Higher - BBBB
AS
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DMM
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Certificate (QCF)
Scottish Advanced Higher - BCC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 25 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - M2, M3, M3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DMM
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate
AQA Level 3 (Foundation) Technical Level (360 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (540 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (720 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (1080 glh) - DMM
T Level - Pass (C and above)
Student Outcomes
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 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | 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
Provider information
University of Northampton
The University of Northampton
Waterside Campus
University Drive
Northampton
NN1 5PH