| UCAS code | 4519 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | 7925 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | 4520 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
Overview
- You’ll learn about some of the biggest political challenges facing the world today and how to apply political theories and systems to world events and the issues setting the modern political agenda
- Our intentionally small class sizes will allow you to actively discuss and debate your ideas and work closely with academic staff
- Our wide range of optional modules give you the opportunity to customise your degree according to your own interests and career ambitions
- You’ll be encouraged to get out of the classroom to gain a bigger perspective and experience how politics operates in practice giving you real world experience that will be valued by future employers
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 2024
We are Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research*
* Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
Opportunities to study abroad
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 2024
We are Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research*
* Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
Opportunities to study abroad
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB | N/A |
| IB | 32/655 | N/A |
| BTEC | DDM | N/A |
| GCSE | 4/C | Grade 4/C in English language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBC |
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
Course content
Full-time undergraduates need to take 120 credits each year and choose from modules worth 15 or 30 credits, with students having more choice and more opportunity to study in-depth the topics that interest them most in Years 2 and 3. Core modules are mainly designed to develop applied research skills and include a third year dissertation on a subject of your choice.
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.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POC1003 | British Government and Politics | 15 |
| POC1021 | Key Concepts in Politics and International Relations | 15 |
| POC1033 | Political Communication | 30 |
Optional modules
Select a further 60 credits of optional modules from the HASS Penryn modules here (at least 45 credits must be Stage 1 Politics modules (POC1xxx) Penryn Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=hass-cornwall
45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POC2124 | Political Analysis | 15 |
| POC2087 | Security Studies | 15 |
| POC2131 | Political Economy | 15 |
Optional modules
Select a further 75 credits of optional modules (of which at least 45 credits must be Stage 2 Politics modules)
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Politics-IR Penryn Stage 2 Options 24.25 | ||
| POC2120 | Power and Democracy | 15 |
| POC2114 | Green Politics in Theory and Practice | 15 |
| POC2131 | Political Economy | 15 |
| POC2103 | Introduction to Postcolonialism | 15 |
| POC2130 | Political Behaviour across Generations and the Life Course | 15 |
| POC2098 | Comparative Politics | 15 |
| POC2005 | American Politics | 15 |
| POC2108 | Political Geographies: Local to Global | 15 |
| POC2151 | Parliamentary Studies | 15 |
| POC2088 | Understanding Israel and Palestine: One Land, Two People | 15 |
| POC2152 | Representing the People | 15 |
| POC2124 | Political Analysis | 15 |
| POC2087 | Security Studies | 15 |
| POC2018 | National and Community Identity | 15 |
| POC2041 | The Political Psychology of Elites | 15 |
| POC2123 | Politics of the Middle East | 15 |
| POC2150 | The Making of Democratic Politicians: Comparative Political Recruitment | 15 |
| POC2047 | Work Placement | 15 |
120 credit compulsory placement module
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HAS3999 | Study Abroad (HASS) | 120 |
In stage three (Level 6) you will carry out a piece of independent research and write a dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff from Politics. You will also choose from a number of optional 15 and 30 credit Level 6 modules (coded ‘POC3’) that are taught in weekly two hour seminars, or involve a field course. You must take a minimum of 90 credits and a maximum of 120 credits from the POC3 programme. A further 30 credits of elective modules may be taken subject to you having the correct pre-requisites and the course convenor’s consent.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POC3040 | Dissertation | 30 |
Optional modules
Select a further 90 credits of optional modules (of which at least 60 credits must be Stage 3 Politics modules):
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Politics-IR Penryn Final Stage Options 24.25 | ||
| POC3095 | Environmental Knowledge Controversies | 15 |
| POC3136 | Field Trip | 30 |
| POC3130 | Controversies in American Politics | 15 |
| POC3105 | Negotiating Postcoloniality: History and Politics of Independent India | 15 |
| POC3023 | Entangled Life: Radical Democracy in Theory | 15 |
| POC3141 | Displacement and Migration in the Middle East | 15 |
| POC3153 | Global Palestine and the Politics of Solidarity | 15 |
| POC3103 | The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse? | 15 |
| POC3151 | Parliamentary Studies | 15 |
| POC3152 | Representing the People | 15 |
| POC3128 | Post-Soviet Politics and Societies | 15 |
| POC3146 | Party Politics, Voters and Elections in Britain | 15 |
| POC3148 | Political Psychology and Society | 15 |
| POC3120 | Political Thinkers of the Early Twentieth Century | 15 |
| POC3147 | Politics of Work | 15 |
| POC3142 | Social and Islamist Armed Movements | 15 |
| POC3140 | Religion, Conflict and Reconciliation | 15 |
| POC3094 | Global Policy Challenges | 15 |
| POC3133 | Chinese Politics and Society | 15 |
| POC3149 | Is Politics More than Human? Cornwall, California, and the Local to the Global | 15 |
| POC3154 | Environment and Conflict in the Middle East | 15 |
| POC3150 | The Making of Democratic Politicians: Comparative Political Recruitment | 15 |
Course variants
UCAS code: L925
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.
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: L256
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.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
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.
The help and advice that I have received from my lecturers during my time at Penryn has been exceptional. In particular, my tutor was of immense help in advising me on how to cope with my deadlines and which career paths to consider.
The fact that the department is of a limited size also means that you get to establish a personal relationship with your lecturers, and you are not treated like another face in the crowd.
Bettina
BA Politics and International Relations with Study Abroad, Penryn
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. Teaching includes:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Practical exercises, 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?
- Essays
- Individual and group presentations
- Projects
- Exams
- 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 one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Politics in Cornwall
Politics and International Relations programmes in Cornwall are part of a world-class research institution. We are committed to creating a diverse and thriving student community. We believe that this is achieved by providing a supportive learning environment, which nurtures our students through-out your time with us and helps you make the transition from school to university. In addition, in Cornwall, students will benefit from a bespoke learning experience within a diverse cohort of students and an unrivalled commitment to excellence in teaching.
Politics in Cornwall is characterised by its focus on some of the biggest political challenges facing the world today such as inequality, climate change, the global financial crisis, conflict, and the depletion of natural resources, public disillusionment with politics, and the changing balance in world power. We’ll teach you about political systems and theories and apply these to world events and the major issues setting the modern political agenda, giving you real world skills valued by employers.
Find out more on our dedicated Cornwall pages.
Your future
Develop skills valued by employers
As a Politics and International Relations graduate you will have an understanding of complex political and cultural issues, often in changing environments which will be valued by employers in both the public and private sectors. Alongside this you will gain a range of academic and professional skills including:
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Problem solving
- Discussion and group work
- Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
- Written and verbal communication
- Articulating ideas and constructing arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
Career paths
The University has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market. Below are a few examples of the positions or organisations our graduates have gone onto*:
(* This information has been taken from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey)
Occupations
- Management Consultant
- Parliamentary Caseworker and Researcher
- Civil Servant
- Film Production Coordinator
- Officer Cadet
- Analyst
- Trainee Insurance Broker
- Investment Assistant
- Estate Agent
- 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. Below are a few examples of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes. 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
- Kings College London
- University of Bristol
- London
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in The Exeter Award and The 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.
Video features the song "Everything is a Jawn" by EVA (https://joshlis.bandcamp.com/) which is available under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/). Edited for length.
