BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations and Psychology · StrathclydeBachelor's degree · 4 years
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University of Strathclyde · Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations and Psychology Bachelor's degree at Strathclyde

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations and Psychology at Strathclyde. You'll explore psychological specialisations such as Clinical, Cognitive, Forensic, Occupational, Developmental, Health Psychology, Neuroscience, and Research Methods alongside political and international analysis.

BA (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
93%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations and Psychology is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Strathclyde, based in John Anderson Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.

For Psychology (non-specific) graduates from this provider, 93% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 49% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Psychology, 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
Excellent84

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
Exceptional93

Moderate evidence Published sample: 70; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 93% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent80

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (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
  • Politics 1A: Concepts & ProcessesCore
    Module details

    Introduction to the study of politics from a scientific perspective, covering how modern states function and interact. Covers key concepts including democracy, authoritarianism, structures and institutions essential to understanding modern politics.

  • Politics 1B: Decision making & OutcomesCore
    Module details

    Investigates the role of actors and political institutions in policymaking processes within states and across political regimes. Covers political processes in democratic and non-democratic states and outcomes including welfare state policies.

  • Psychology 1aCore
    Module details

    Explores learning theory, developmental psychology, personality, biological psychology, and the scientific basis for psychology. Taught in semester 1.

  • Psychology 1bCore
    Module details

    Covers sensation and perception, cognitive psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and research methods. Taught in semester 2.

Year 2 7 modules
  • International Relations & Global Politics
    Module details

    Introduction to the academic study of International Relations. Examines basic concepts and historical contexts, major theories of IR, and structures and processes including the changing nature of war, international security and international institutions.

  • Political Philosophy
    Module details

    Covers key normative concepts in political philosophy including justice, equality, democracy, the state, collective action and rights. Analyses political practices and applies concepts to political institutions and policy making.

  • Research Design for Political Science
    Module details

    Develops core research skills and understanding of applied social research. Prepares students for employment in roles seeking graduates with research skills beyond subject-specific knowledge.

  • Can Democracy Deliver?Optional
    Module details

    Part of Vertically Integrated Projects for Sustainable Development (VIP4SD). Examines linkages between quality of democratic governance, citizenship, service delivery, and quality of life in developing countries, with focus on Africa.

  • Cognition & Neuropsychology
    Module details

    Reveals how understanding of higher mental functions has been enhanced through theoretical and experimental studies of normal human cognition and neuropsychological studies. Covers disorders of perception, memory, attention, and role of frontal lobes.

  • Social & Health Psychology
    Module details

    Introduces social psychological theories and research on beliefs and behaviour including attribution theory, aggression, prosocial behaviour, group influence, conformity and obedience. Includes introduction to health psychology applied to real-world issues.

  • Introduction to Research Design & Analysis
    Module details

    Introduces main features of measurement, research design, and statistical analysis in psychology. Covers fundamental concepts in research methods, inferential statistical testing, and qualitative research methods.

Year 3 3 modules
  • Quantitative Methods in Social Research
    Module details

    Teaches range of quantitative research methods. Helps understand statistics published by governments and in the media, improves job prospects and equips students for Honours study.

  • Research Methods for Political Scientists
    Module details

    Enables students to critically assess validity and reliability of published research and develop research designs. Covers social science research methods, survey design, qualitative interviews, SPSS, and statistical analysis.

  • European Politics
    Module details

    Comprehensive overview of European politics identifying common characteristics and distinguishing features. Covers parties and party systems, ideological developments, new politics, rise of far right, electoral systems, government, multilevel governance, and parliaments.

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.

Who it's for

This course suits students interested in understanding human behaviour within political and global contexts. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with the most common UCAS tariff band among entrants being more than 240 points. You'll need to meet the university's entry requirements; check their admissions pages for current details. The course is taught in English.

Careers & job market

Across Psychology courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 45% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £22,250–£28,000 at 15 months; after three years, £19,125–£27,000; and after five years, £22,950–£32,400. These figures reflect national outcomes, not a guarantee. Check the university's funding pages for bursaries and scholarships.

Student satisfaction

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

The teaching on my course
88%
Learning opportunities
84%
Assessment and feedback
75%
Academic Support
90%
Organisation and management
85%
Learning resources
93%
Student voice
73%

Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 83%.

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.

PlacementPublished placement option

Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent75% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: More than 240 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 Strathclyde'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 equivalent75%
another higher-education qualification10%
No / unknown prior qualifications10%
an Access course5%

Entry & your chances

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

Competitive entry

Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.

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 gradesA*A*A*+A-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeLC28quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code LC28). 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 Strathclyde 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

International£22,750 / yr

Provider fee page. Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.

Check fees at Strathclyde →

If you normally live in Scotland

For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.

Check the current amounts with SAAS →

Paying for it

  • SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
  • Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
  • Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All Strathclyde 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 Psychology 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£25,000£22,500 – £28,00070
3 years after£23,500£17,000 – £28,000100
5 years after£30,500£23,500 – £35,500115

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 70; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

93%
in work or further study 15 months on
49%
in highly skilled work or study
80%
continue past their first year
76%
find their work meaningful
61%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Assistant / Graduate roleAssistant psychologist or research · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Trainee / PractitionerDoctoral training or applied role · 2–6 yrs
  3. 3Qualified PsychologistChartered / HCPC-registered · 6–10 yrs
  4. 4Senior / ConsultantLeading services or research · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Psychology nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£25,000
£22,250 – £28,000
After 3 years LEO
£23,500
£19,125 – £27,000
After 5 years LEO
£30,500
£22,950 – £32,400
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £18,000 – £33,500

National figures for Psychology 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.

93 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

70% working10% working and studying10% in further study49% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 70; 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 Psychology courses at the same study level.

This course £30,500Peer median £26,500Middle 50% £25,000–£30,500
81st percentile

Compared with 758 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.

  • Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 14% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
  • Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 11% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
  • Welfare and housing associate professionalsSOC 2020 322 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,937
  • Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760

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: 75; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How Psychology graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Psychology courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
45%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
85%
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

  • Survey scoring and data cleaning
  • Literature-search summaries
  • Routine report scaffolding
  • Standard statistical runs

More human than ever

  • Clinical judgement and formulation
  • Empathy and the therapeutic relationship
  • Designing and interpreting studies
  • Ethics with vulnerable people

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

Roles & employers

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

Where they work

  • The NHS
  • Schools
  • Research & consultancies
  • Charities

Is this course right for you?

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

💷

Student finance

Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold.

📈

Where graduates go

93% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. 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 84% · in work or study 93% · continued 80%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

The University of Strathclyde

All students22,225
International18.8%
Aged 25+28.6%

Psychology across the UK

Students138,290
Aged 25+37.3%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Is Psychology right for you?

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

International students

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

Tuition fees

International tuition is £22,750 / 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

Strathclyde offers the Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship (15% reduction in tuition fees) 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 Strathclyde and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is competitive. Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was More than 240 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 Strathclyde. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Psychology (non-specific) graduates from this provider, 93% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 49% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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