School of Government & International Affairs | BA Politics and International Relations (with Placement Year)

BA Politics & International Relations (with Placement Year) at Durham University

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Immerse yourself in the study of key global issues. Explore the history and structure of the international political order, the modern state and the nature and purpose of politics.

The study of Politics and International Relations combines two fascinating and complementary disciplines. Politics is a rapidly evolving field. It touches every area of our lives, covering issues from national security and inequalities in society to the climate crisis.

With international relations you’ll develop an understanding of many of the relationships that shape our complex and interconnected world. The degree will equip you with a systematic and rigorous understanding of the two disciplines while developing many transferable skills that are valued by employers.

Studies are structured around three main themes: Political Thought, Political Institutions and International Relations. Following a general introduction, you’ll begin to tailor the course to your interests and aspirations with optional modules in areas such as Security, Interdependence, Crises & Conflict, Comparative Politics, Democratic Practice and the Impact of Global Politics on the Environment.

You can further tailor your course by applying to add a year-long work placement, or an international dimension with an overseas study year. If you are selected this will increase the course from three years to four.

The School of Government & International Affairs is home to several research centres and institutes and many lecturers are actively engaged in research. This innovative work is fed into the BA, so you can be sure the curriculum is informed by contemporary political debate.

The critical analytical and research skills that underpin the course, coupled with a deep understanding of global current affairs and the connections between nations, ruling parties and the business sector, will put you in a strong position to pursue a career in social policy research, journalism, academia, the charity sector, the Civil Service, the Foreign Office and more.

Our courses are informed by both academic researchers and our links with industry. This specialist expertise develops the knowledge and skills that our students need to succeed in a competitive job market.

We offer a series of employment-related events which include talks from visiting speakers who explore the range of careers open to politics and international relations students and offer advice about applying for jobs. We also host a regular Civil Service Fast Stream event in which Durham alumni give first-hand advice about how to excel in the recruitment process.

Graduates are equipped with an academic and practical skill set that will take them into a wide range of fields including local and national government, newspaper and broadcast journalism, the charity sector, business and finance, publishing, law, manufacturing, teaching and academia and the armed forces. They have gone on to achieve great success in the political arena and beyond, with roles including Chief Operating Officer for the GB Equality and Human Rights Commission, Head of Defence Inquests and Disclosure in the Ministry of Defence and Political Officer in the British Embassy Mogadishu.

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