Politics and International Relations, BA (Hons)

Swansea University's Politics and International Relations degree is designed for students interested in domestic politics—such as political theory, elections, and parliaments—as well as international relations, including security studies and conflict resolution. It builds expertise in both areas while exploring intersections like environmental politics, global political economy, and international development. The program ranks 6th in the UK for teaching quality and 3rd for student voice (NSS 2023), with 92% of graduates employed or in further study 15 months after completion (HESA 2023).The curriculum provides a strong foundation in the first year, with increasing specialization and optional modules in later years, culminating in an independent dissertation. Swansea partners with the UK Parliament for a dedicated module featuring expert sessions and a Westminster visit. Assessments include examinations, essays, presentations, and group work, developing skills in research, analysis, and communication. Graduates pursue careers in government, education, business, media, and humanitarian organizations.

Your first year of study is made up of compulsory modules covering a range of themes. Compulsory modules are studied by all students on the programme, meaning you are automatically enrolled. Examples of compulsory modules include: • Introduction to Politics • Politics and the People In your second and third year you will study a mixture of compulsory and optional modules, from an expansive range of subject areas. Examples of optional modules in recent years have included: • Contemporary Moral Controversies • Freedom, Angst and the Embodied Self: Themes in Continental Philosophy • America in Crisis: Political Culture and Society from the Tet Offensive to Trump • International Security • British Politics and Public Policy Your final year will include a compulsory independent dissertation project. For the full programme structure and module breakdown, please visit our webpage at: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations/ba-politics/