BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations · Coventry UniversityBachelor's degree · Duration varies
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Coventry University · Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations Bachelor's degree at Coventry University

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations at Coventry University. You will study areas such as core theory, research and methods, applied practice, and specialist options, alongside an independent project and professional skills development.

BA (Hons)
Award
Years
Part-time
Study mode
65%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

Study Politics and International Relations BA (Hons) at Coventry University and develop your understanding of foreign policies, social movements and relations to see how they impact nations and people. From the provider’s course page.

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Coventry University, based in Coventry Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.

For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 65% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (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.

7.4
/ 10
2 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent83

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
Solid65

Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 65% (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 one 4 modules
  • Order: Power and Authority in a Changing WorldCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module explores power and order in the modern and historical eras, examining how order is maintained, shaped and contested. You will examine order and power in a comparative manner, helping you understand how different societies have thought about, conceived and executed these concepts.

  • Chaos: Catastrophe and ViolenceCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module introduces you to a wide range of chaos-focused case studies, examining how and why these events occurred, alongside their long-term and short-term consequences. You will consider the principal actors behind the chaos that affects, and is inflicted upon, society, from civil wars and genocides to environmental change, corruption and geopolitical conflict.

  • Identity: Belief, Vision, and ValuesCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Identity is central to how individuals and societies understand themselves. In this module, you will examine how identity has been shaped across different spaces and times, drawing connections between themes, such as bigotry, xenophobia and gender politics.

  • Motion: Migration, Trafficking and ColonisationCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Motion is key to understanding how different communities have evolved or collapsed in the past. It is also key to understand how societies and states in the modern era interact and shape policy. In this module, you will investigate the impact of movement, both voluntary and involuntary, on the global community.

Year two 4 modules
  • Dictatorship and Democratic BreakdownCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module looks at histories of earlier democratic breakdowns to answer the question 'When is democracy in danger of withering away?'. It also covers theories of democratic breakdowns in history, philosophy and above all comparative government. In addition, it aims to compare democracies and asks if dictatorships are more efficient than democracies. Lastly, it looks at when dictatorships fall and why they rarely do so.

  • Power Politics: Emerging States in the Global OrderCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module examines the shifting global power dynamics as emerging states like China, India, Brazil and South Africa challenge the traditional dominance of the UK and Europe. It also explores the causes of power transitions, the implications for global order, and the domestic challenges and foreign policies of emerging states and their international alignments.

  • Global Security, Reconciliation and Human RightsCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Explore how the often-conflicting needs of state security and human security interact in the international arena, gaining insights into key security issues facing the world. The module will also consider the international human rights framework, examining how communities and democratic institutions can be at the centre of effective solutions to global security threats.

  • Protest, Dissent, and ResistanceCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module examines the role of protest, dissent, and resistance in shaping political change across different historical and global contexts. Gain a broad understanding of how political activism and resistance movements emerge, function and evolve. Case studies range from non-violent movements like anti-apartheid resistance in South Africa to armed self-defence groups such as the autodefensas in Mexico.

Placement year 2 modules
  • UK Work PlacementOptional
    Module details

    This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

  • International Study/Work PlacementOptional
    Module details

    This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Final year 5 modules
  • The Politics of the Global SouthCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module explores the historical and contemporary political dynamics of the Global South. Through comparative case studies, the module highlights the varied political trajectories of states across Latin America, Africa and Asia, exploring how historical legacies, economic structures and international pressures shape political outcomes.

  • Political Communication, Propaganda and the MediaCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    As human beings, we experience mediated reality. We consume our news through screens, communicate through apps, and create online avatars of ourselves. Gain an understanding of different strategies of political communication and question how media content is made, who makes it, how it is consumed, and whose interest it serves.

  • Independent ProjectCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Working independently is a key skill for scholars studying the interconnected fields of history, international relations, politics and security. Being able to explore your own specialist topic in-depth provides an opportunity for you to hone the skills and experiences you gained in years one and two. This module provides you with an opportunity to complete an independent project of your choosing.

  • International Relations of the Middle East and South AsiaOptional30 credits
    Module details

    Through a comparative perspective, this module examines the processes of decolonisation and the challenges of post-colonial nation-building in both regions. It looks at the emergence of religious nationalism and extremism and analyses major regional conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, the India-Pakistan rivalry and the Kashmir conflict, as well as the involvement of external powers such as the US.

  • Global Conspiracies, Populism, and the Far RightOptional30 credits
    Module details

    Conspiracy theories have gained traction in the 21st century due to economic dislocation, cultural anxieties and reactions against globalisation. This module will look at the far-right tradition, providing you the chance to understand ideologies like fascism, neo-nazism and white supremacy.

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 course develops your understanding of foreign policies, social movements and relations to see how they impact nations and people. You'll usually begin with foundations in political science, international relations theory and research skills. In your second year, you'll typically progress to comparative politics, international security and research methods, allowing you to apply frameworks to real-world cases. By your third year, you'll pursue specialist options such as global governance, human rights, political theory, public policy, international security and comparative politics, before completing a supervised dissertation on a political question of your choice. Throughout, the emphasis is on critical analysis, evidence evaluation and understanding how power operates across borders and within states.

Who it's for

You are drawn to understanding how politics and diplomacy operate across borders, and curious about the forces that drive global change. You'll benefit from this degree if you think critically about current affairs, enjoy analysing complex systems, and want to connect academic study to real-world impact. The blend of theory, research methods and applied work suits those who value both intellectual rigour and practical engagement. Study is part-time, making it compatible with other commitments.

Careers & job market

Nationally, 85% of Politics and International Relations graduates are in work or further study fifteen months after graduating. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Graduate outcomes data shows starting salaries typically range from £24,000 to £32,000. After five years, earnings span £27,200 to £38,400, though actual pay depends on sector, location and individual progression. Coventry University holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

University & format

This part-time BA (Hons) degree is studied at Coventry University's Coventry Campus and taught in English. Coventry University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; its degrees are nationally recognised. The university received Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. Bursaries and scholarships are available; check the university's funding pages for details.

Student satisfaction

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

The teaching on my course
87%
Learning opportunities
87%
Assessment and feedback
84%
Academic Support
81%
Organisation and management
85%
Learning resources
80%
Student voice
79%

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.

2027 entry deadlineApply directly to the provider

Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysBook an Open Day

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

2026 entryLive availability check

Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.

Entry & how to get in

Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Coventry University's official course page for the current offer.

Entry & your chances

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

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

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 byApply directly to the providerfor this course
  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 Apply directly to the provider

    Part-time application dates vary by provider. 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 Coventry University 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

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£17,600 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at Coventry University →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
Check providertuition used per year, no published course home fee, total not estimated
total borrowing, course length not published

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 Coventry University funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.

We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.

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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£30,000£22,500 – £34,50010
3 years after£25,500£19,500 – £30,50035
5 years after£31,000£21,500 – £35,00030

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

65%
in work or further study 15 months on
60%
in highly skilled work or study
100%
find their work meaningful
80%
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
£30,000
£24,000 – £32,000
After 3 years LEO
£25,500
£21,675 – £30,600
After 5 years LEO
£31,000
£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.

65 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

60% working10% working and studying0% in further study60% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. 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 £31,000Peer median £32,000Middle 50% £29,000–£36,000
33rd 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.

  • Welfare ProfessionalsSOC 2020 246 · 35% of published destinations · ASHE median £39,047
  • Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
  • Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations

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: 45; response rate: 65%. 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

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. 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

65% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.4 out of 10: NSS 83.3% · in work or study 65%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

Coventry University

All students29,505
International45.1%
Aged 25+30.6%

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 Coventry Campus

2,964 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 1206Shoplifting 367Public Order 204Criminal Damage Arson 199Other Theft 190

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 Coventry University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £17,600 / 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

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Coventry University’s funding pages.

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 Coventry University and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Set by Coventry University. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 65% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. 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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