BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations Bachelor's degree at Sheffield Hallam University
BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations at SHU. You'll engage with both established frameworks and real-world issues, building the intellectual grounding needed for roles that shape or respond to how societies are run.
About this course
<p>Critically engage with local, national and global politics to gain the skills and foundation for a career in policy analysis, governance, activism, and communication.<p> From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at SHU, based in Collegiate Crescent Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Politics graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (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.
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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 90% (2021-23; 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
- Planetary Politics And International RelationsCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module critically examines key theories and issues of planetary politics and the discipline of international relations (IR) – studying links between states, societies and people. You'll explore IR from its origins in the 20th century, focusing on issues such as war, security, climate change, globalisation, international terrorism, coloniality and gender – connecting the theory with real-world examples from all regions. You'll study topics such as: The role of the state, Complexities of IR a
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Post-War British Politics & Foreign PolicyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module critically examines and evaluates various forces, issues and events that have shaped British politics and political developments between 1940 and the present day. You'll critically explore the changing nature of British domestic and foreign politics and policies, examining and evaluating Britain's changing role in the world in the post-Second World War period. You'll study topics such as: Impact of the Second World War on Britain, The foundation of the welfare state, Policies and pol
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Researching Politics, International Relations And SocietyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides a detailed understanding and experience of contemporary methods, issues and theories in politics and IR research. You'll engage with a range of different empirical methods – the guiding philosophical principles of research and research contexts – preparing to conduct your own research and critically assess academic and political research. You'll study topics such as: Research philosophy, Reviewing the literature, Research ethics, Constructing a research project, Quantitative
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Social & Political ThoughtCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module introduces theories and concepts within the social and political sciences – including ideas from Ancient Greece to the present day – demonstrating how theory informs a range of social and political issues and policies in the twenty-first century. You'll understand how ideologies are shaped, how political conflict emerges and how social resolutions are sought. You'll study topics such as: Political theory, Social theory and policy, Social and political concepts, Welfare, inequality, d
Assessment: Coursework (60%), Practical (40%)
Year 2 5 modules
- Europe, The European Union And Applied AdvocacyCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module provides a critical exploration of debates and evidence about Europe as a social, cultural, and political phenomenon, and examines the structure and roles of European Union integration in an historical context. Students will critically analyse the development of the European Union, its major policies, and the theoretical underpinnings of integration. They will critically explore the functioning of the EU's key institutions and its interactions with other EU-level policy actors and ad
Assessment: Coursework (70%), Practical (30%)
- Globalisation & MilitarismCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module explores how war and militarism can be understood as both every-day and exceptional politics – facilitated by and mediated through processes of globalisation – to shape societies and the self. The module challenges orthodox understandings to further explore how military logics of hierarchy, violence and war impact civilian engagement with politics, seeking to make sense of the complexities of globalisation and militarism in the twenty-first century. You'll study topics such as: Criti
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Applied Politics - Work ProjectElective40 credits
Module details
This module engages in experiential learning through a collaborative, applied project with an external organisation, applying your academic skills and knowledge in real-world contexts while carrying out authentic professional activities. You'll develop awareness and understanding of the impacts, challenges and opportunities facing local governance in a changing world – including a broad overview of the theoretical and practical development of local government frameworks, governance, local servic
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Divided SocietiesElective20 credits
Module details
This module explores the nature of ethnic identity and its political manifestations in Northern Ireland, South Africa, the former Yugoslavia, Iraq and Israel/Palestine – societies that have witnessed inter-ethnic hostility and political violence. The module seeks to explain the historical and contemporary factors related to ethnic difference and conflict in these contexts, including how fixed or fluid ethnic identity is, especially in deeply divided societies. You'll study topics such as: Ethno-
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Study Abroad - Social SciencesElective60 credits
Module details
This module is for undergraduate students to study abroad in their second year, Semester 2 (only for courses that offer this option). With this module, you can spend a semester at one of the University's approved partner institutions worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Asia Australia or Canada. Study Abroad plays an important role in the University's commitment to an engaging, challenging, and thriving learning culture. It offers opportunities to experience other academic cultures and foste
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
Year 3 1 modules
- Undergraduate Sandwich Placement Applied Professional DiplomaCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to enhance students' professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s). A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. The placement will: Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course, Enable students to enhance their in
Final year 3 modules
- Dissertation (Politics And International Relations)Compulsory60 credits
Module details
This module demonstrates and reflects on skills you'll develop through a critical thesis within an ethical framework. This will be based on individual research, the development of valid arguments and the critical use of appropriate literature to develop critical reflection – enabling you to develop key skills you can apply broadly to the world of work. You'll apply learning and skills such as: Autonomous learning, Research design, Theoretical and methodological approaches to politics and interna
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Gender, Peace And (In)SecurityElective20 credits
Module details
This module critically explores how sex, gender and sexualities infuse and inform international security, through case-study and policy-focused interactive workshops. You'll analyse how key states, militaries and international organisations are gendered, and how gender informs their international security policies. You'll study topics such as: Gender, war and militarism, Gender mainstreaming and international organisations, Gender and the state, The women, peace and security agenda, Opportunitie
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- International Political EconomyElective20 credits
Module details
This module explores contemporary understandings and issues relating to international political economy – critically analysing the economic impacts, challenges and opportunities facing individuals, countries and international organisations
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
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
You'll engage critically with local, national and global politics, building skills for careers in policy analysis, governance, activism and communication. A course like this normally moves from foundations to specialist options and independent research. In your first year, you'll usually study political systems, ideologies and institutions, alongside core International Relations theories and research skills. Year 2 typically introduces comparative politics, international security, and political research methods across both quantitative and qualitative approaches. In your final year, you'll usually choose specialist options such as international security, comparative politics, political theory, global governance, public policy or human rights, and undertake a supervised dissertation on a political question of your choice.
Who it's for
You're suited to this degree if you're curious about how power works, whether in Parliament, international organisations or social movements, and enjoy unpicking complex arguments. You'll thrive if you can engage seriously with competing viewpoints, think critically about evidence, and articulate ideas clearly in writing and discussion. The course is for those who want to understand global events in depth and gain skills to influence policy or lead campaigns, rather than simply observe politics from the sidelines.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 85% of Politics and International Relations graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those in work, 60% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Early-career earnings (15 months post-graduation) typically range from £24,000 to £32,000; after five years, £27,200 to £38,400. Graduates work in policy research, public administration, non-profit advocacy, communications and international development, though career paths vary widely by individual choice and circumstance.
University & format
This BA (Hons) is studied full-time over 3 years at Sheffield Hallam University, a university located at the Collegiate Crescent Campus. Teaching is delivered in English. The degree is recognised as a nationally recognised UK degree-awarding body. The university was awarded 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.
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 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
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
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
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.
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.
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.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write 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.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results 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.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at SHU →For students who normally live in England
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.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
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.
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.
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
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £27,000 | £24,500 – £29,500 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £21,000 | £15,500 – £25,000 | 45 |
| 5 years after | £26,500 | £22,500 – £33,500 | 45 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in politics & international relations · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Politics & International Relations nationally
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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; 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.
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.
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Secretarial and related occupationsDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Media ProfessionalsSOC 2020 249 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,895
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: 25; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Politics & International Relations graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
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.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Government & civil service (FCDO)
- Think tanks
- NGOs
- Public-affairs agencies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Politics & International Relations graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/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
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. 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 8.8 out of 10: NSS 87.9% · in work or study 85% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Sheffield Hallam University
Social sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Collegiate Crescent Campus
1,770 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
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 SHU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,000 / 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 SHU’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 SHU and gov.uk before you apply.
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What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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