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Develop a reflective understanding of the world of politics in its local, national and international contexts. Understand the key theories, ideologies and developments that shape the current political climate.
  • This degree programme is taught by a mix of expert academics and industry professionals, offering the best possible balance of academic and practical expertise.
  • The course is designed in collaboration with leading politics, public communication and policy professionals.
  • There are options to study abroad and undertake industry work placements while on this course.
  • Proximity to political institutions in Central London.

Why study Politics and International Relations?

By studying Politics and International Relations, you will develop skills of thinking and research that will enable you to pursue your career of choice after graduating. The degree prepares you to act as a critical, employment-ready citizen.

This course will equip you to find a fulfilling professional career, outside or inside the world of politics. The course supports this through a combination of rigorous thinking and applied projects mentored by industry professionals.

You will develop an applied understanding of the complex relationship between political theory and practice, and between international relations and diplomatic practice. The course will train your thinking and strengthen your ability to compare political situations, institutions and movements.

Why St Mary's?

The degree harnesses our distinctive London location. London, as s global city, is the national political and administrative capital, and an international hub for politics, policy and communications.

Foundation year

The undergraduate degree with foundation year programme offers applicants without traditional qualifications or grades an alternative route to studying Politics and International Relations.

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Useful information

Course lead

Dr Christopher Wylde headshotDr Christopher Wylde
Senior Lecturer - Politics and International Relations

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Entry requirements

96-112UCAS points required

Check how many points your grades are worth

Calculate your total UCAS points

80 UCAS points should include at least two B grades at A Level (or equivalent).

We will make you an offer if you are within the tariff band range and you meet subject-specific requirements (where applicable).

For undergraduate programmes we will take into account subjects studied at Level 3, your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile, relevant non-academic achievements outlined in your personal statement, references and your motivation for study.

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).

Politics and International Relations with a foundation year

The undergraduate degree with foundation year programme offers applicants without traditional qualifications or grades an alternative route to studying Politics and International Relations.

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.

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Course content

Year one

  •  Core
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  •  Optional
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Year two

  •  Core
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Year three

  •  Core
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  •  Core

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.

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Career opportunities

The course prepares you to enter (and over time reach executive positions in):

  • public service organisations inside government
  • organisations contracting with governmental bodies (including consultancies)
  • positions in multilateral organisations
  • expert advisory to professional bodies related to public service and politics

The Careers Service has more information on careers and postgraduate study options available to Politics and International Relations students who have started their studies at St Mary’s.

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How the degree is taught

Teaching methods

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

We ensure your learning is tailored to support your studies. Teaching methods include lectures, individual study and seminars.

Particular features of this course include projects, consultancy and team-based intensive learning, as well as work-based learning and community experiences. These will be enhanced by tutorials, access to mentors, the development of applied skills, and guided learning through our virtual learning environment.

Class sizes range from five to 20 students.

Teaching breakdown

Learning on the course is made up through a combination of:

  • Contact time: 23%
  • Work-based learning: 2%
  • Guided learning: 33%
  • Independent study: 42%

Independent study is a key feature of your degree and is crucial to furthering your knowledge.

You will receive your timetable a week before teaching is due to start at the latest.

Assessment methods

The course is designed to promote the development of abilities that will be useful to you in pursuing your goals after university.

In addition to completing essays, research reports and presentations, you will also complete assessments involving contemporary digital content. Classroom contributions, oral examinations and team presentations will also be used as part of the assessments.

Feedback

We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within three weeks.

See how your final degree mark is calculated...

Compensated passes

Please refer to the information on compensated passes throughout your degree as outlined in the academic regulations.

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Facilities

View all facilities
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Fees and funding

2023/24 fees

  • Home: TBC
  • International: TBC

*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Governments review of Higher Education Funding

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 should you choose to buy copies of the core textbooks rather than loan from our library, and if you would like to opt in to optional field trips.

Scholarships

A range of scholarships and bursaries are available to new undergraduate students. This includes:

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.

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Meet your lecturers

Meet the team

Academic spotlight

Dr Christopher Wylde (Senior Lecturer - Politics and International Relations)

Dr Christopher Wylde

My advice would be to make the most of what the university has to offer in the widest possible sense, to help hone your research skills and facilitate intellectual discovery. This will ultimately help you to decide where you want your degree to take you and what you’re most interested in.

A politics career can take you almost anywhere you want to go, so make sure you keep an open mind when thinking about your future career after your studies. 

Read Christopher's story

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Further information


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Visit the campus

Upcoming open days

Attending an open day is a fantastic opportunity to get an insight into what life is like as a St Mary's student. During the day you'll have the chance to:

  • Speak to current students to hear about their experiences so far
  • Meet your future academics to put a name and a face to who you'll be learning from
  • Take a tour of the University and the on-campus accommodation options
  • Get involved with activities going on across campus as you explore new surroundings

Book your place now

Campus tours

There are plenty of opportunities for you to explore the campus, even if you can't make it to an Open Day. We run campus tours every Wednesday at 12pm. If you'd like to join us for one of these tours please register your place for your preferred day.

Virtual tour

We know that for it's important to you to see where you'll be living and studying before you make your decision. However, we also know that for many people it's not always easy to make it to the campus.

That's why we've developed a virtual tour of campus, allowing you to explore that facilities and the beautiful views that we have to offer.

Launch the virtual tour

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UCAS Application Timeline

1

UCAS Apply Opens

You will be able to register and begin your application, but won't yet be able to submit it.

May (year before entry)

Find out more about the application process
2

Completed applications can be submitted to UCAS

From September you'll be able to submit your UCAS application. Universities will start making decisions on applications.

September (year before entry)

Find out more about the application process
3

UCAS application deadline

You will need to submit your application by this date.

January 26th

Find out more about the application process
4

UCAS Extra opens

If you've used all five choices, but are not holding any offers, you might be able to add another choice.

Late February

Find out more about UCAS Extra
5

Replying to offers

Your deadline for replying to your offers depends on when you received all your decisions by. If you miss your deadline, UCAS will automatically decline all your offers

Spring/Summer

Find out more about the application process
6

Late applications are entered into Clearing

If your application is received after 30th June, it will be entered into Clearing.

30th June

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7

UCAS Extra application deadline

If you've used all five choices, but are not holding any offers, this will be your last chance to add an Extra choice.

Early July

Find out more about UCAS Extra
8

Clearing Opens

Clearing vacancies will be displayed in the UCAS search tool.

Early July

Find out more about Clearing
9

Clearing hotline opens

On A-Level results day, we open our Clearing hotline. If you're eligible to apply through Clearing, you'll be able to apply to us via phone.

Mid-August

Find out more about Clearing
10

Adjustment opens

If you've exceeded the conditions of your firm choice, you may be able to apply for an alternative course.

Mid-August

Find out more about the application process
11

Final application deadline

This is the final opportunity to apply for a course beginning in that year.

September

Find out more about Clearing
12

Clearing closes

This is your final chance to apply through Clearing. Please note: you will not be able to apply for Primary Education beyond mid-September.

October

Find out more about Clearing