Study Politics and International Relations at a UK Top 15 University*
Explore global politics with truly interdisciplinary and flexible programmes
Scholarships available
*The Complete University Guide 2025 and The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
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Our highly ranked Politics department offers an exciting range of programmes at both the Streatham Campus in Exeter and at our Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
Taught by renowned academics whose research is published in world-leading outlets; we take a global perspective exploring issues such as extremist propaganda, authoritarian systems, climate change politics, and use cutting-edge methods such as brain imaging, big data analysis, and experimental approaches.
You have the flexibility to customise your degree according to your interests and career ambitions with our wide range of optional modules. Choose to enhance your degree with opportunities to study abroad in Europe, the US, Australia and elsewhere. In a time of constant global change, your understanding of complex political and cultural issues will be highly relevant to careers in both the public and private sectors
We offer a range of different scholarships to study with us. Take a look at our Scholarship web pages to find out if you’re eligible to apply.
11th in the UK for Politics in The Complete University Guide 2025
Opportunities to study abroad in Europe, the US, Australia and elsewhere
Top 100 for Politics in The QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Truly interdisciplinary programmes delivered with other departments at our Penryn Campus in Cornwall
“I really enjoy the mix of Economics and Politics and the way the university divides the work. There are quite a few modules which blend well together, especially in the second year. If you are someone who enjoys research and discussion, Economics and Politics is great. There is a good blend because in the tutorials you can discuss the theories that you're studying, and you also get the chance to debate certain topics. You don't constantly feel like you're sitting behind your laptop.
My favourite part of university life is Debating Society. In my first year, I joined the society, and it has ultimately become my family and I am now the President. It has been one of the biggest parts of my university life. We have had external speakers, we teach debating and I've also had the opportunity to debate at national level competitions and represent the University, which feels very fancy."
Ayusha, from India, studying BSc Economics and Politics
“Exeter Penryn was great in the sense that I felt I had a personal relationship with each of my lecturers. My learning was certainly enhanced by this because I wasn’t put off asking them for tips on how to improve my work, in fact, they often encouraged it! Due to the intimate lecture and seminar groups, most lecturers had the time and capacity to offer tailored advice pertaining to my academic writing and learning during their 1-to-1 office hour sessions. The community feeling that encompasses Exeter Penryn helped to foster the attentive academic and career advice I received during my three years and I certainly left the University a more well-rounded individual than when I arrived because of it.”
Joshua, from the UK, studied BA Politics and International Relations
"I’ve found Exeter is a place that genuinely cares about your next steps post-graduation. Right from the very first week, I’ve had so much careers support, be it from making sure my CV and LinkedIn accounts were industry leading, to even participating in mock assessment centres and practicing the tricky psychometric tests. Getting the chance to work for global brands as part of my degree is awesome, and I definitely feel that the support the Business School has given me has left me with all the tools needed to be successful next year and beyond."
James, from the UK, studying BSc Economics and Politics with Industrial Experience
There are a range of ways that you can find out more about Postgraduate study at the University of Exeter. We run open days throughout the year where you can hear from current students and staff and visit our campuses as well as resources to help you find out more about studying with us.
Alternatively, we offer online open days or you can book onto a Postgraduate Campus visit.
You can also see online virtual tour videos of our Streatham Campus, Penryn Campus and St Luke’s Campus.
