Skip navigation
International Relations and Politics with Foundation Year at University of Portsmouth - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
Apply

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

7Dec
University of Portsmouth Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

On this foundation year course, you'll learn everything you need to know to work towards a full undergraduate degree in international relations and politics. You might not yet have the entry requirements you need, you might be returning to studying after some time away, or maybe you need to build your confidence and study skills before you're ready. This foundation year degree will ensure you're prepared to take your next steps. You'll study with us for a year on campus at the University, 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. What 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 and Politics. 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 and Politics
  • 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 Gaining a qualification in international relations and politics helps you make sense of the world and the forces that shape nations today. Once you've completed your foundation year, you'll progress on to our full BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics degree. You'll analyse the global and local issues influencing societies around the world and exploring politics theory in action through the latest developments in British and international politics. With a Bachelor's degree in international relations and politics, you'll be set for careers across a range of areas, including local and national government, international diplomacy, security, lobbying, academic research, the charity sector and the media. 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

Modules

Foundation year In your foundation year, you'll gain the knowledge you need to move on to the first year of BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics. It will bridge the gap to uni, with the knowledge and academic skills you'll need to start. Throughout the year, you'll learn to critically engage with information, undertake literature reviews, enhance your academic writing, and gain awareness of different types of research. When you successfully complete this year, you'll get a guaranteed place on the first year of the BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics degree. Years 2, 3 and 4 After your first year, you will transfer to BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics. The modules you study in years 2, 3 and 4 (and year 5 if you do a placement year) can be found on the relevant course page. Optional placement year When you transfer to BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics, you could do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years, or after your final year of study. This allows you to get valuable experience working in the industry. We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Assessment method

You’ll be assessed through:

  • coursework
  • examinations
  • presentations
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

How to apply

This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.

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:
L251
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

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

**Undergraduate fees for 2025 entry will be available shortly.** For more information about fees, go to https://www.port.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/undergraduate-fees-and-student-finance/tuition-fees-living-costs-and-other-study-costs
International Relations and Politics with Foundation Year at University of Portsmouth - UCAS