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International College

Study international relations and politics

Politics and international relations have an impact on every aspect of our lives, from food and travel, to education and justice. By studying politics and international relations, you'll understand how the world works. 

What is politics and international relations?

Politics is about power and how it’s used to organise communities and nations. It looks at which people hold the power and how they use it. International relations is politics on a global scale. It studies the way different nations interact with each other. This includes political, economic and cultural interactions. Politics and international relations have an impact on every aspect of our lives, from food and travel, to education and justice. 

International Relations and Politics at the University of Sheffield

Sheffield’s Department of Politics is one of the top three in the UK for research excellence (Research Excellence Framework 2014). With world-leading research across all disciplines, you’ll receive first-class teaching in every aspect of your degree. Inspiring academics will support you throughout your studies.

Your career goals are taken seriously at Sheffield. You’ll develop key skills that employers look for, including presentation techniques, statistical analysis and leadership. You’ll have the option to gain work experience that makes you stand out, and you’ll receive ongoing career support, even after you graduate.

International Relations and Politics degree options at the University of Sheffield

Explore some of the subjects you can study, the themes and topics you will learn about, and the career options available after you graduate.

International Foundation Year students can progress to degrees including: 

Sheffield’s BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics degree focuses on political theory and analysis on an international scale. In years one and two, you’ll study core modules in global politics, international relations, research design and data analysis. You can also study specialist modules such as environmental politics, development, and the EU. In year three, you will carry out a personal dissertation and research project.

International Relations and Politics rankings

Top 3 in the UK
for research excellence
Research Excellence Framework 2014

World Top 100
for International Relations and Politics
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020

Degree preparation at the International College

Find your pathway to studying politics and international relations. Choose the International Foundation Year in Business Social Sciences and Humanities for progression to undergraduate degrees. The Pre-Masters in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities leads to postgraduate degrees.  

Entry requirements

International Foundation Year 

  • Three-term programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 with minimum 5.0 in writing (minimum of 4.0 in other skills)
  • Two-term programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 5.0 in all skills)

Pre-Masters

  • Three-term programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)
  • Two-term programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)

Why study international relations and politics?

Politics and international relations is a fascinating option to study at university. By studying politics and international relations, you’ll understand more about how the world works. You’ll learn about different political systems and their impacts, and you’ll examine global concerns, such as migration, health and conflict. The skills and knowledge you’ll gain from a politics and international relations degree could lead to an exciting career in politics or international diplomacy. Reasons to choose this subject include:

A politics and international relations degree gives you a deep understanding of global concerns and how they’re managed. You’ll go beyond the basic facts by analysing public policies, exploring how governments work together, and investigating conflicts from different points of view.

You’ll become a well-informed member of society with clear opinions and an appreciation of other people’s views. With a clear understanding of how political systems work, you could influence changes on a local, national or international scale.

When you graduate, you could pursue a range of careers in politics or international diplomacy. You’ll also have a diverse skill set that could be applied to many other careers, from journalism and marketing, to banking and law.

International relations and politics career prospects

A degree in international relations and politics equips you with transferable skills that can be used in a wide variety of careers.

Career options include:

  • Civil Service fast streamer
  • government social research officer
  • politician's assistant
  • public affairs consultant
  • public relations account executive
  • social researcher
  • charity officer
  • diplomatic service officer
  • forensic accountant
  • human resources officer
  • local government officer
  • market researcher
  • journalist
  • public relations officer
  • stockbroker.