Electronic and Electrical Engineering students
Check eligibility →
University of Strathclyde · Undergraduate
BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations Bachelor's degree at Strathclyde
BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations at Strathclyde. You'll complete an independent project and develop professional skills relevant to policy, diplomacy, governance and related fields.
BA (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
90%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Strathclyde, based in John Anderson Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Politics graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 40% 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.
8.7
/ 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
Exceptional90
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent86
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 86% (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 2 modules
- Politics 1A: Concepts & ProcessesCompulsory
Module details
Introduction to the study of politics from a scientific perspective. Covers how modern states around the world function and interact. Key concepts including democracy, authoritarianism, structures and institutions, elections and governments.
- Politics 1B: Decision making & OutcomesCompulsory
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 policies.
Year 2 3 modules
- Research Design for Political ScienceCompulsory
Module details
Social science students develop core research skills, learn to work in groups, and conduct independent research projects. Prepares students for employment requiring research skills beyond subject-specific knowledge.
- International Relations & Global PoliticsOptional
Module details
Introduction to academic study of International Relations. Examines basic concepts and historical contexts, major IR theories, structures and processes including war, international security and international institutions.
- Political PhilosophyOptional
Module details
Covers key normative concepts including justice, equality, democracy, the state, collective action and rights. Studies different approaches to these concepts and application to political institutions and policy making.
Year 3 5 modules
- Quantitative Methods in Social ResearchCompulsory
Module details
Teaches a range of quantitative research methods. Helps students understand statistics published by governments and media, improves job prospects and equips for Honours study.
- Elections, Public Opinions and PartiesOptional
Module details
Provides broad knowledge of representative democracy, electoral institutions, elections, political parties, party systems and public opinion.
- International RelationsOptional
Module details
Introduces key topics and concepts of international relations beyond 2nd year. Prepares students with base knowledge on wide-range of IR topics for IR dissertation.
- Public Policy and Political EconomyOptional
Module details
Introduces models and tools within political economy including microeconomics, role of the state and democratic processes in economic outcomes. Covers policy debates on taxation, income inequality and social welfare.
- Designing Quantitative/Qualitative ResearchOptional
Module details
Designed to help prepare for Honours Year Dissertation. Includes both Qualitative and Quantitative aspects. First four weeks develop research skills; remaining sessions include Honours supervisor discussion of research approach and projects.
Year 4 4 modules
- Theories & Practices of Regulation & GovernanceOptional
Module details
Introduces concepts, theories, institutions and processes of regulatory governance including transnational and international dimensions.
- Governance & DevelopmentOptional
Module details
Investigates political determinants of peace and prosperity, conflict and poverty. Covers recent literature on conflict, inequality and globalisation with emphasis on contemporary challenges facing developing countries.
- Green PoliticsOptional
Module details
Divided into four main blocks: green political theory, environmental attitudes and behaviour, environmental movements, green parties.
- Political PartiesOptional
Module details
Adopts a comparative approach to the study of political parties and party systems, focusing on Europe and the United States.
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 study the structure and practice of politics and international relations, moving from foundational concepts through specialised analysis to independent research. In Year 1, you'll usually cover Introduction to Political Science, how power is organised and contested across systems and ideologies, alongside International Relations theory, from realism to constructivism, and research skills for political analysis. Year 2 typically builds depth through Comparative Politics, examining democracies and autocracies side by side; International Security, covering conflict, deterrence and emerging challenges; and Political Research Methods, with both quantitative and qualitative techniques. In Year 3, you'll choose specialist options, such as global governance, human rights, political theory or public policy, and complete a supervised dissertation on a political question of your own design, drawing together your research capabilities and critical thinking.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're interested in how political systems, power and international relations actually work, from domestic governance to cross-border conflict and cooperation. You'll thrive if you enjoy critical reading, forming evidence-based arguments and exploring competing perspectives on contentious issues. You should be comfortable with sustained independent research and writing, as well as engaging with quantitative data and qualitative analysis. It's demanding intellectual work, but rewarding if you're genuinely curious about politics and policy.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 85% of Politics and International Relations graduates are in work or further study within 15 months. Of those in work, 60% are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. Starting salaries typically fall between £24,000 and £32,000; after five years, graduates nationally earn between £27,200 and £38,400. Careers span public administration, international organisations, think tanks, law, business and media, though your own path will depend on experience, further qualifications and the choices you make during your degree.
University & format
This BA (Hons) is taught full-time over 4 years at the University of Strathclyde, a public university founded in 1796, on the John Anderson Campus in Glasgow. Instruction is in English. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, the qualification is nationally recognised.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 88%.
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
- 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.
PlacementPublished placement option
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent74% 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
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 74% |
| another higher-education qualification | 15% |
| Other | 5% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 4% |
| an Access course | 2% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
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.
Your UCAS points0
▾
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
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 codeL200quote this on your application
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code L200). 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.
💡 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
All Strathclyde funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship15% reduction in tuition fees
self-funded, international (non-EU) undergraduate students beginning September 2026
Check eligibility →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
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £28,000 | £25,000 – £32,500 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £25,000 | £21,000 – £30,500 | 65 |
| 5 years after | £32,000 | £26,500 – £38,000 | 70 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
90%
in work or further study 15 months on
40%
in highly skilled work or study
86%
continue past their first year
80%
find their work meaningful
50%
say work fits their future plans
- 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
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£28,000
£24,000 – £32,000After 3 years LEO
£25,000
£21,675 – £30,600After 5 years LEO
£32,000
£27,200 – £38,400national 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.
90 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
80% working5% working and studying5% in further study40% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. 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 £32,000Peer median £32,000Middle 50% £29,000–£36,000
51st 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.
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
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: 35; response rate: 55%. 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 Outcomes60%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow 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.
Head of History & PoliticsProspero TeachingExaminer - GCE A Level Politics (2017 specification).PearsonA Level PoliticsBURNLEY COLLEGESocial & Audience Engagement Producer (Politics & World News)SkyHead of the School of Area Studies Sociology History Politics and LiteratureUniversity of PortsmouthHead of History and politicsCV-LibraryLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
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
90% 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 8.7 out of 10: NSS 84% · in work or study 90% · continued 86%.
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%
Social sciences across the UK
Students275,900
Aged 25+37%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
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 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.
Related courses
More at Strathclyde
SBA (Hons) Education and Politics and International RelationsBA (Hons) · StrathclydeSBA (Hons) French and Politics and International RelationsBA (Hons) · StrathclydeSBA (Hons) Journalism, Media and Communication and Politics and International RelationsBA (Hons) · StrathclydeSBA (Hons) Politics and International Relations and Social PolicyBA (Hons) · Strathclyde
Politics & International Relations at other universities
BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre / International RelationsAberystwyth UniversityBA (Hons) Hanes / Cysylltiadau RhyngwladolAberystwyth UniversityBA (Hons) International Relations (with integrated year in Industry)Aberystwyth UniversityBA (Hons) International Relations (with integrated year studying abroad)Aberystwyth UniversityCommon questions
How competitive is entry?
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.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by Strathclyde. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Politics graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 40% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
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.
No obligation
Request information about BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.