Politics and International Relations

UCAS code: L253

Here's what Durham University says about its Politics and International Relations course.

Course details 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. 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.

Why Durham University? Our courses address some of the biggest global political issues from multiple perspectives. We aim to develop the knowledge and understanding that will help you impact the world in a positive way. You will be taught by academics with a genuine passion for their subject, whose areas of expertise include government, political theory, political economy and international relations. The School of Government and 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.

Rankings 3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026 5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026 Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Career Opportunities 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. 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.

For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.

Assessment takes various forms including examinations and unseen essay questions, essays, group projects and the final year dissertation.

The range of assessment methods vary between modules. They have been designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of course material, test critical thinking skills, enhance written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues. Modules are assessed during the year of study, with each module offering multiple opportunities for feedback from your tutors.

The dissertation is an in-depth study of a topic of your choice which makes up one-third of your final-year marks.

In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/