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
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:
- The Houses of Parliament
- The British Museum
- The International Maritime Organization
- The Bank of England
- The Migration Museum.
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.
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Applying to university can be daunting, and you may have questions about applying, student life, or your course.
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.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
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.
Entry requirements
2025 and 2026 entries
Start date
Standard offer
112 - undefined UCAS points
Contextual offer
96 UCAS points
About Contextual Offer:
Not sure about your grades? We consider all factors when reviewing your application, as we know not everyone has the same support to reach their potential. So we may make a contextual offer below the standard Tariff if you meet our criteria.
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.
International requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (or equivalent).
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 get in touch.
How many UCAS points my grades are worth
A levels
A*
56 pts
A
48 pts
B
40 pts
C
32 pts
D
24 pts
E
16 pts
My qualification isn't listed:
If you can't find your qualification in this list please check the full list of UCAS tariff tables.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Home
£9,535
International
£17,100
*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Additional costs
All essential course requirements are included within the tuition fee. However, you may be expected to travel to field visit locations within London and it is recommended that you purchase a laptop capable of running the Microsoft Office suite.
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.
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 Politics and International Relations BA (Hons) include:
Apply now
This course is recruiting for September 2026. For a September 2025 start you can follow a Politics major on our BA Liberal Arts programme
Transferring from another institution?
St Mary's is happy to consider applications from students who wish to transfer from another university. If this is you, please follow these instructions.
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