Politics and International Relations

Bristol Politics and International Relations students receive a world-class education in a diverse and engaging environment that provides the academic and professional support necessary for academic success. Our Politics and International Relations degree is among the best in the UK and our staff are global leaders in many areas of political study. Student levels of achievement are very high, with the majority of students gaining a First or 2:1. Our graduates are in high demand and usually find employment within six months of graduation.

Politics and International Relations courses

Single honours

BSc Politics and International Relations (L200)

Joint honours

Why study Politics and International Relations at Bristol?

At Bristol, you will study the politics of individual countries and governments as well as the relationships between countries, communities and individuals. You will become familiar with different views and methods of analysis, and learn to apply and evaluate them. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops and role play. You may be assessed by examination or written coursework.

What kind of student would this course suit?

Politics suits students who are interested in the distribution of power and its effects, both at a global level, such as the financial crisis and a local level, such as planning disputes. Likely politics students are those that like to keep up to date with current affairs. Our politics students come from a variety of backgrounds, but many will have been engaged with extra-curricular activities that demonstrate their broader interests in the world around them. They tend to be independently-minded, keen to engage with their lecturers and able to present their own opinions persuasively.

How is this course taught and assessed?

The majority of the units in the programme are taught by a combination of lectures (of 40-100 students) and small group seminars (of 10-15 students). In order for students to actively engage in units, we prioritise small group work, though there is greater use of lectures in the first year to ensure adequate grounding in the discipline. Students are expected to complete preparatory reading for each seminar. Each unit on the programme has three timetabled hours (either lecture or seminars), as well as the lecturer having two open `office hours? for further discussion. Students are also invited to attend other events such as reading groups and visiting speaker sessions. Units are assessed in a range of different forms, including seen and unseen exams, essays, case studies, presentations and reports. Each unit will normally contain two pieces of assessment. The second year contributes 25% of your final degree mark, with your final year contributing 75%.

What are my career prospects?

Our graduates have excellent career prospects, and compared with those from other politics and international relations courses, enjoy one of the highest success rates in finding employment in the UK. Graduates typically gain work in the City, government, international organisations such as the United Nations, and non-governmental organisations.