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Politics and International Relations (with a Placement Year) BA (Hons)

Start date

September

Duration

4 years

UCAS points

96 - 112

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 10 for Student ExperienceThe Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 5 for Teaching Quality

Please note this course is recruiting for September 2026. For a September 2025 start you can follow a Politics major on our BA Liberal Arts programme

Tackle contemporary issues and launch your future career with our Politics and International Relations degree

Please note this course is recruiting for September 2026. For a September 2025 start you can follow a Politics major on our BA Liberal Arts programme

Study political institutions, theories, and developments with our London-based Politics and International Relations degree. You will advance your understanding of key contemporary challenges like:

  • migration
  • climate change
  • global developments
  • war and conflict
  • human rights.

We will help you become a fully engaged citizen, equipped for a career that makes a difference.

Tackle real-world issues with experts

You will engage with current practitioners in politics and explore solutions to pressing real world issues. Learning from staff who have worked in government and politics, you will develop both theoretical and practical knowledge.

One-to-one support

Not only are your lecturers experts, they are also dedicated to your personal and professional growth. You’ll learn in small groups and receive one-to-one support. St Mary’s is:

  • 1st in London for ‘Academic Support’ (National Student Survey (NSS), 2023)
  • 2nd in London for ‘Teaching on My Course’ (NSS, 2023).

Study in London – an international political hub

Our campus is located in the leafy London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, with access to the capital as an international political hub. During your Politics and International Relations course, you’ll access London's extensive resources, culture, and networks. We will also explore key institutions like:

Work placements: build professional experience

You can complete a work placement as part of your Politics and International Relations BA. This could be in sectors as varied as:

  • public administration
  • business
  • education
  • culture
  • the Arts.

Previous students have also completed placements in:

  • cultural heritage sites
  • charities
  • publishing companies
  • schools.

Great graduate outcomes

We’re practical. We’re committed to your growth, focused on your needs. As a result, 98% of St Mary’s students are in employment, vocation, or further study within 15 months of graduating.

About the Placement Year

A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year.

It will enable you to:

  • apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting
  • build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in
  • develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace
  • get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.

Support from St Mary’s every step of the way

Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities.

Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.

Dr Stewart McCain

Subject Lead - Liberal Arts

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Course content

Modules

These are the modules outlined for the academic year 2025/26.

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

Entry requirements

96 - 112

We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:

  • subjects studied at Level 3
  • your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
  • non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
  • your references and motivation.

UCAS Personal statement support

Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.

Further Information

For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees

Home

£9,535

International

£17,100

1200 during placement year)

*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.

Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.

Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage

Scholarships

Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students .

Living costs

A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.

Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.

How the degree is taught

Contact time - 48%

Independent study - 52%

*Contact time includes 32% of guided learning

Teaching methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

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Assessment methods

The programme is assessed through a range of innovative forms of coursework. These authentic, real-world tasks include reports and policy papers. You will also learn a range of different ways to communicate your ideas to different audiences, such as through presentations and podcasts.

You will complete a wide range of assessments designed to develop the skills you need to pursue a meaningful and fulfilling career. These include:

  • essays
  • presentations
  • reports
  • podcasts
  • policy papers. 

Feedback

We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.

Career opportunities

Upon graduation, you can work across a range of sectors. Our Politics and International Relations degree will help you build key transferrable skills like critical thinking, communication, and adaptability. However, we will equip you with the skills and knowledge for a career that makes a difference.

  • 98% of St Mary’s students are in employment, vocation, or further study 15 months after graduation (HESA, 2023).
  • We’re also rated Silver for graduate outcomes by the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) (2023).

You may also be interested in our MA Diplomacy and International Relations degree.

Contact our Career Services at careersnetwork@stmarys.ac.uk for support and further information on work and postgraduate opportunities.

Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of undefined include:

civil servantdiplomatinternational aid/development workerpolitical risk analystintelligence analyst public administratorresearcherjournalistmarketing/PR officer

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Open Days

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet academic staff. You'll also be able to look around the campus, speak to current students and find out more about services such as Accommodation and Student Wellbeing.