BSc (Hons) Politics with Placement Year · BULBachelor's degree · 4 years
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Brunel University of London · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Politics with Placement Year Bachelor's degree at Brunel University of London

BSc (Hons) Politics with Placement Year at BUL covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills.

BSc (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
84%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

This politics degree will provide you with an excellent foundation in national and international politics as well as the analytical tools of political science. From the provider’s course page.

BSc (Hons) Politics with Placement Year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at BUL, based in Brunel University Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.

For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 84% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 57% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Politics & International Relations, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

8.6
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent88

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent84

Moderate evidence Published sample: 75; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 84% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent85

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 4 modules
  • Contemporary ChallengesCompulsory
    Module details

    This module will introduce students to applications of social and political sciences, providing students with the opportunity to practice the skills needed to communicate the results of their work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments.

  • Fundamentals of the Social SciencesCompulsory
    Module details

    This module will introduce students to key concepts, theories, thinkers and approaches in the social and political sciences and history. Students will also learn the techniques used by a range of disciplines within the social and political sciences and history for gaining and validating knowledge of the social and political world.

  • Special Subjects ACompulsory
    Module details

    This module will introduce students to the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study in relation to other areas of the social and political sciences; to provide students with the opportunity to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study. It will also develop students' ability to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and/or quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic th

  • Special Subjects BCompulsory
    Module details

    This module will introduce students to the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study in relation to other areas of the social and political sciences; to provide students with the opportunity to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study. It will also develop students' ability to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and/or quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic th

Year 2 13 modules
  • Explaining Politics: Quantitative Political Science in PracticeCompulsory
    Module details

    This modules aims to provide students with the skills to analyse political data and introduce methods for gathering and understanding data. Students will be encouraged to critically engage with the use of existing statistical data in political discourse and demonstrate the importance of quantitative analysis in domestic and international politics.

  • From Student to Scholar: Successful Research in the Modern WorldCompulsory
    Module details

    Preparing students for their final year dissertation begins in the second year in From Student to Scholar: Successful Research in the Modern World. This module introduces students to a variety of analytical perspectives, research methods and techniques used in designing a research project in politics, international relations and international politics.

  • Theories of International RelationsCompulsory
    Module details

    This module introduces students to major theoretical approaches in the study of International Relations. These theories are employed to examine and understand contemporary actors in world politics such as states, international organisations, non-governmental actors as well as major issues and problems such as war, terrorism, climate change or nuclear proliferation. The aim is to give students a critical understanding of IR theory

  • Climate PoliticsOptional
    Module details

    This module aims to enable students to attain a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and theories in the politics and political economy of climate change. It will provide students with resources to assist them in making informed judgments on a range of questions and debates.

  • Gender, Sexuality and FeminismOptional
    Module details

    This module will introduce students to core ideas in feminism via the key concepts of gender and sexuality. It will develop students' understandings of social structures, human cultures, and economic inequalities and political relationships. The course will offer theoretical tools and historical insights into gendered, feminised, and sexualised socio-cultural worlds.

  • Insurgency and Counter-insurgencyOptional
    Module details

    This module examines the concept and development of insurgency and counter-insurgency from the classical period to the present, with an emphasis on the post-1789 period, especially the post-1945 wars of decolonisation. The module will conclude with the post-9/11 'war on terror' and current examples of insurgency and counter-insurgency.

  • Issues in American PoliticsOptional
    Module details

    This module familiarises students with contemporary issues on the American political agenda and demonstrates how politicians adapt policy stances and organisational and electoral strategies to accommodate change in political debate. Students are encouraged to adopt a more interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach to learning about American politics by examining social, moral, cultural and economic issues through a partisan political perspective.

  • Middle East: Societies, Religion and PoliticsOptional
    Module details

    This module examines a particular ethnographic region, assessing in the first instance whether these regions can usefully be considered cultural areas, and going on to examine the key issues for the different parts of each region. The module covers topics such as religion, gender, economics, and local politics in the area of study.

  • Military History and Strategic ThoughtOptional
    Module details

    This module looks at and evaluates a range of military and political thinkers and commanders who have been influential in shaping and understanding the nature of modern warfare. This will include those who have looked at war holistically (Grand Strategy, Strategy, Tactics and Operations) and through the prism of political thought and structures, as well as those who have considered certain distinct elements of it – e.g. land, sea and air warfare. Consideration will also be given to the idea of d

  • National Security IntelligenceOptional
    Module details

    This module furnishes students with an overview to the field of national security intelligence. It also examines in greater detail intelligence collection, analysis, counterintelligence, covert action, and other selected topics.

  • Plato's RepublicOptional
    Module details

    To explore in depth the foundational text in the history of political thought To develop an understanding of some of the main ideas, themes, images and tropes in the Western tradition of political theory as they emerge from its original text. To develop writing and analytical skills within political thought. To develop the skill of thinking politically.

  • South Asia: Cultures, Societies and DevelopmentOptional
    Module details

    This module examines the region of South Asia, assessing whether the geographical region can usefully be considered as a cultural area, and going on to examine the key issues for the different parts of the region. The module covers topics including colonial histories, caste and class, gender, kinship, globalisation, and South Asian diasporas. It draws, in particular, on the disciplines of anthropology and history and on the field of development studies.

  • The State and RevolutionOptional
    Module details

    This module provides students with an understanding of the historical emergence of two of the central concepts of modern political thought: the state and revolution, or the constitution of political order and the process of fundamental political transformation. We study the development of these concepts in some of the major events of political modernity, from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

Year 3 6 modules
  • Advanced Research Skills for HistoryCompulsory
    Module details

    To introduce and guide students on the research and writing process for dissertations or Major Final Projects To support students to develop their reading, writing, and analytical skills for their dissertation. To introduce students to the techniques used in designing and executing a research project in their discipline. To encourage students' critical engagement with their chosen dissertation topic

  • DissertationCompulsory
    Module details

    To develop students' abilities to plan, design and execute a research project in the subject area of their degree programme, to communicate their ideas and critically evaluate the success of their project.

  • Apocalypse! Crisis and SocietyOptional
    Module details

    Explore the social & political significance of representations of national and global crises, and public perceptions of controversies. Students analyse dystopian popular and scientific discourses that dwell on disorder and catastrophe. Indicative content includes risk, uncertainty, globalisation, the environment, disease, capitalism. Public understanding, perception and engagement with popular and scientific controversies and notions of crisis.

  • Digital Media, Social Movements and ChangeOptional
    Module details

    This module gives you an in‑depth, critical understanding of how social movements emerge, succeed or fail to create social or political change, using real‑world cases to explore media tools, leadership, collective identity and governmental or international responses. You'll build strategic thinking by analysing how historical and contemporary movements organise, mobilise and coordinate in the digital age.

  • Environment and SustainabilityOptional
    Module details

    The aim of this module is to look at environment and sustainability from a multipronged perspective. The module will help students develop a nuanced understanding about managing our natural resources. Both top down and bottom up approaches to manage nature will be explored.

  • European Union Politics: ProblemsOptional

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

This degree provides an excellent foundation in national and international politics and the analytical tools of political science. You'll usually begin with core modules in political systems, international relations theory and research skills, moving in Year 2 to comparative politics, security studies and research methods. By Year 3, you'll choose from specialist options such as international security, global governance, human rights, political theory and public policy, and complete a supervised dissertation on a political question of your choosing. Throughout, the course balances theoretical frameworks with applied analysis of real-world political challenges, from institutions and elections to conflict and governance.

Who it's for

This course suits those interested in understanding political systems, institutions, and international relations. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; accepted students typically had UCAS tariffs between 96 and 111 points. The placement year gives you practical experience in a professional setting, making it valuable if you want to test career interests or develop workplace skills alongside academic study.

Careers & job market

Across Politics and International Relations courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Starting salaries typically range from £24,000 to £32,000; after 5 years, this rises to £27,200–£38,400. Around 60% of working graduates are in highly skilled roles or further study. These figures come from national Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. Your placement year may strengthen your employment prospects by providing real-world experience.

University & format

Brunel University London is a public university founded in 1966, based at Brunel University Campus. The BSc (Hons) Politics with Placement Year is a 4-year full-time degree taught in English. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, your degree is nationally recognised. The university holds a Bronze award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
94%
Learning opportunities
86%
Assessment and feedback
87%
Academic Support
98%
Organisation and management
89%
Learning resources
87%
Student voice
74%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Published entryBBB-BCC typical offer

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

Contextual offersPublished by this provider

The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.

PlacementBuilt into the named course route

With placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysBook an Open Day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BBB. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent80% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 96 - 111 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check BUL's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent80%
another higher-education qualification5%
an Access course5%
a foundation course5%
No / unknown prior qualifications5%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBCCA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask BUL whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Home (source figure)£9,535 / yr
International£17,400 / yr

Provider-sourced figure; academic year not supplied. The 2026/27 England cap is up to £9,790. Verify this course.

Check fees at BUL →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario; provider-source year unavailable
illustrative borrowing over 4 years

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All BUL funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

StudyKit · free

Still deciding what to study?

StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Politics & International Relations graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£28,000£25,000 – £32,00075
3 years after£29,000£23,000 – £35,500270
5 years after£35,500£26,500 – £47,000275

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 75; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

84%
in work or further study 15 months on
57%
in highly skilled work or study
85%
continue past their first year
70%
find their work meaningful
57%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in politics & international relations · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Politics & International Relations nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£28,000
£24,000 – £32,000
After 3 years LEO
£29,000
£21,675 – £30,600
After 5 years LEO
£35,500
£27,200 – £38,400
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £20,500 – £40,000

National figures for Politics & International Relations graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

84 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

63% working12% working and studying9% in further study57% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 75; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Politics & International Relations courses at the same study level.

This course £35,500Peer median £32,000Middle 50% £29,000–£36,000
64th percentile

Compared with 690 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 19% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
  • Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
  • Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 14% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 395; response rate: 52%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How Politics & International Relations graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Politics & International Relations courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
60%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Politics & International Relations graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Government & civil service (FCDO)
  • Think tanks
  • NGOs
  • Public-affairs agencies

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

Published home tuition is £9,535/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

84% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.6 out of 10: NSS 87.9% · in work or study 84% · continued 85%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

Brunel University London

All students12,705
International34.6%
Aged 25+25.3%

Social sciences across the UK

Students275,900
Aged 25+37%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around Brunel University Campus

1,392 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 429Anti Social Behaviour 365Shoplifting 132Public Order 94Other Theft 75

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Politics & International Relations right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to BUL from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £17,400 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

BUL offers the Dean's International Scholarship (£2,000 per academic year) for international students, see Scholarships above.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with BUL and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 96 - 111 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by BUL. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 84% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 57% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
The latest provider-sourced home-fee figure in our data is £9,535, but its academic year is not supplied; verify the 2026/27 fee on the provider's course page. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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