| UCAS code | L200 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB |
| UCAS code | L240 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| UCAS code | L202 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB |
| UCAS code | Y004 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: A*AA-AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB |
Overview
- You’ll gain a sound knowledge of the four principle areas of study: political thought, international relations, comparative government and public policy.
- Our flexible programme, with a wide range of optional modules, means you can tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions.
- Get involved with the Politics student society, meet likeminded people, attend socials, and hear from guest speakers.
- 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.
- Opportunity to combine Politics with other subjects as part of our Combined Honours courses and our BA/BSc Flexible Combined Honours course.
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
11th in The Complete University Guide 2025
Top 100 in the world for Politics
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
We are Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research
Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
Top 150 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2024
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
11th in The Complete University Guide 2025
Top 100 in the world for Politics
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
We are Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research
Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA | n/a |
| IB | 36/666 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDD | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer * Please note: The contextual offer shown is an example based on offers made to students starting in 2025, and is for guidance only. We will confirm the contextual offer for 2026 entry later this year.* Please note: The contextual offer shown is an example based on offers made to students starting in 2024, and is for guidance only. We will confirm the contextual offer for 2025 entry later this year. |
A-Level: ABB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Please see the BA/BSc Flexible Combined Honours course page for details of the entry requirements for this study option.
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Stage 1: 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POL1000 | Critical Skills for Politics and International Relations | 15 |
| POL1025 | Classical Political Thought | 15 |
| POL1029 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 15 |
| POL1047 | Global Sustainability Governance and Policy | 15 |
Optional modules
60 credits of optional modules from all other POL1* modules
Stage 2: 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POL2046 | The Economics of Politics | 15 |
| POL2059 | Political Thought of Modernity | 15 |
| POL2102 | Explaining Public Policies | 15 |
| POL2128 | Introduction to Research Design in Politics and International Relations | 15 |
Optional modules
60 credits of optional modules from all other POL2* modules
Course variants
UCAS code: L240
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your Faculty Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. You will continue to receive a maintenance loan if you are eligible for this whilst on your Study Abroad year.
UCAS code: L298
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
UCAS code: Y004
Why choose to study BA/BSc Flexible Combined Honours (FCH)?
Choosing a Flexible Combined Honours (FCH) degree offers a unique opportunity to shape your university experience around your individual interests and career aspirations. This distinctive degree structure allows you to combine two or even three subjects, where no standard Combined Honours course currently exists.
By blending disciplines across departments, you can develop a tailored programme that reflects your passions and builds a diverse set of skills. The title of your degree will be personalised to reflect the specific subjects you choose, demonstrating your unique academic journey to future employers or for further study.
In addition to academic flexibility, FCH students benefit from a vibrant and varied learning environment. You’ll attend lectures and seminars alongside Single and Combined Honours students in each of your chosen subject areas, giving you the chance to meet and collaborate with a wide range of peers. You can also choose to follow a themed interdisciplinary pathway, studied alongside other subject areas, to further deepen your understanding of a specific topic.
Subject areas
The following FCH subject areas are available – you can combine any two unless stated or the combination exists as an ‘established’ Combined Honours degree. Where an established Combined Honours degree exists at either campus the combination will not be available under FCH. If you are interested in combining three subjects, please contact us before applying.
- Accounting*
- Ancient History
- Anthropology
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Art History & Visual Culture
- Biochemistry %Δ $
- Biological Sciences: Molecular and Cellular Biology Δ $
- Biological Sciences: Animal Biology and Ecology Δ $
- Biomedical Sciences Δ$
- British Sign Language (minor)
- Mandarin Chinese
- Classical Studies
- Classics
- Computer Science
- Criminology
- Drama
- Economics*
- English
- Exercise and Sports Science Δ $
- Film & Television Studies
- French
- Geography
- German
- Greek (Ancient)
- History
- International Relations
- Italian
- Japanese (minor)
- Korean (minor)
- Latin
- Management*
- Mathematics Δ $
- Media and Communications
- Mediterranean Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Portuguese
- Religion
- Russian
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Sustainability
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (minor)
- Theology
- Medical Humanities # – This pathway cannot be combined with any other subject or pathway
$ Cannot be combined with each other.
Δ Cannot be combined with each other.
* Cannot be combined with each other.
% Cannot be combined with each other.
Subject combinations already offered as a standard Combined Honours(CH) programme cannot be taken through FCH. Please refer to the University’s list of courses for CH degree programmes.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Please see the BA/BSc Flexible Combined Honours course page for details of the fees for this study option.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
We use a wide range of teaching methods as well as encouraging independent study with an increasing emphasis on seminar discussion and project work in your second and third years
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Project and group work
- Independent study
You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.
How will I be assessed?
We use a range of assessment methods including many designed to reflect the skills required by employers:
- Exams
- Essays
- Projects
- Individual and small group presentations
- Dissertation in your final year
You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in specified subjects, you may have the words 'with proficiency in’ added to your degree title when you graduate.
Your future
As a Politics graduate your understanding of complex political and cultural issues, often in continually changing environments, can be relevant to careers within the private, public and third sectors. Throughout your studies you will develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills including:
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Problem solving
- Discussion and group work
- Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
- Written and verbal communication
- Researching, judging and evaluating complex information
- Articulating ideas and constructing arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
Career paths
Below are a few examples* of initial jobs undertaken by Politics and International Relations graduates. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
Job title
- Management Consultant
- Parliamentary Caseworker and Researcher
- Civil Servant
- Film Production Coordinator
- Officer Cadet
- Analyst
- Trainee Insurance Broker
- Investment Assistant
- Communications Officer
Organisation
- Accenture
- National Health Service
- Barclays Bank PLC
- Ogilvy and Mather
- Treehouse PR Ltd
- Easton Aerospace
- Orchards of London
- Cornells
- Arcadia Group
Further study
Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation from a Politics degree in Exeter. Below are a few examples* of further study undertaken. Please note that, due to data protection, the subjects of study and institutions are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
Subject area
- MA Crisis Management
- MSc Public Policy
- MA EU Politics
- MA Globalisation and Communications
- MA International Relations in the Middle East
- MA Public Policy and Administration
Institution
- University of Leicester
- University of Exeter
- King's College, London
- University of Bristol
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in The Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
Developing your skills and career prospects
We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.
The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.
Top 150 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2024
