BA (Hons) International Relations with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L25P
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Do you wonder how the world works? Or why it often doesn't work? And do you wonder if, and how, we can find a collective response to urgent issues such as climate change, unfair trade relations, security dilemmas, terrorism, global inequality, and racism? If so, then you are already on your way to thinking like an international relations student. And studying International Relations (IR) with us is a sure way to gain a deeper understanding of these global issues.
International Relations is the study of a world composed of sovereign states who acknowledge no higher authority. This creates a sphere of influence very different from that of national politics. Our degree trains you to understand and analyse these dynamics as we examine the functioning, theory, and history of this global sphere. Together, we examine the nature of the changing relations between states and non-state actors, looking at the most pressing and important questions from every corner of the globe.
At UEA, you’ll be taught by cutting-edge specialists in International Relations. In the most recent Times Higher Education REF Analysis (2021), UEA was ranked 14th overall for research quality in Politics and International Studies.
Global politics affect all our lives. Our International Relations undergraduate degree invites you to investigate the dynamics of a constantly changing world of the 21st century. You’ll develop the ability to think critically about regional, national, and international politics such as the European Union to the Indo-Pacific, to understand institutional processes such as combating climate change, and to interrogate structures such as the historical racial hierarchy of the modern world. In learning about these issues, you’ll study different regions from the Asia-Pacific to Europe, the United States, and beyond.
Taught by leading academics who are experts in their fields, our International Relations course prepares you for a variety of career paths in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors within international relations. We work with you to provide the opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills to pursue your passion and make a difference. You'll explore political ideas, systems, and processes, learn to question and to challenge, how to collect data, develop knowledge, construct arguments, and communicate your findings in different ways. We’re increasingly decolonising the curriculum. You’ll learn about international law, gender politics, geopolitical dynamics such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This will be done through a large choice of modules helping you tailor the course to your own interests and goals. We also offer opportunities to take part in study trips, internships and placements.
On BA International Relations with a Placement Year, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year in a placement, gaining invaluable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
We warmly invite you to join us.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Want to graduate with professional experience? On this course, you'll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year* in a placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You'll be expected to seek your own work placement, and will be supported in doing so by UEA’s Career Central Service and your School. Support for you to find your placement will start early in the first year and will be tailored to the particular needs you'll have at various stages of the process.
The field in which you'll do your placement will depend on your own interests, and some of the preparatory workshops will help you have a clearer idea of what these are, what your values are, and which career they may lead to. International Relations graduates go into a wide range of sectors, and so placements can be done in fields such as heritage, business, the public sector, creative industries and many more. We will, however, require that the tasks you'll conduct as part of your placement meet the required learning outcomes and are complex enough to help you develop a range of skills that you'll be able to translate and use during the final year of your degree and your post-graduation career.
*Placements may be shorter on some occasions, or take place during different years of the degree, but this has to be agreed by the Placement Director and Learning and Teaching Services.
Have a business idea? If you have an idea you think would make a great business, you may be able to turn your Placement Year into a ‘Year in Enterprise’*. Your idea (business plan, budget etc.), motivation and academic record would have to be assessed by our team. Should you be given the go-ahead, you could use the year to start your business in a structured and supportive environment, accessing numerous training courses and extensive mentoring.
*Note that if you’re studying with us on a Student Visa, you can’t currently undertake a Year in Enterprise due to Visa rules.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your learning will be progressive. In the first year of your International Relations degree, you’ll build a solid foundation through core modules introducing you to the study of global politics. You'll be introduced to the core theoretical approaches to understanding the dynamics of global politics. You’ll also learn key concepts including sovereignty, the balance of power, international law, security, and globalization. You'll begin to integrate modules of your choice, such as political communication and media studies.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Throughout your degree, you'll be taught in a range of environments. These cover traditional lectures through to small-group seminars where you and your peers can discuss, and debate topics covered in the module. Our teaching is focused, interactive, and up to date with events around the world. You’ll learn crucial skills such as how to summarise and analyse information, how to develop and critique arguments, and how to speak in public. At the same time, you'll learn about the world of global politics.
In this year, you learn about the foundations of global politics, key concepts and topical debates, setting you up for your second year.
Independent Learning
You’ll prepare for your weekly teaching with a series of guided tasks, such as preparing answers to seminar questions, or completing small weekly writing tasks, helping you to develop key study skills. You'll also complete longer assessments like essays, presentations and projects.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 25%
- Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
Our assessments are predominantly at the individual level. These include essays and other written assessments including mini-essays, portfolios, short critical summaries, and reading logs.
Structure
In your second year, you develop analytical skills. You’ll cover the foundations of international relations theory and be introduced to the ways in which people interpret the world from various perspectives – liberalism, realism, constructivism, postcolonialism, gender studies, environmentalism, and so on. As you progress in your degree, you'll be encouraged to specialise in your studies by taking modules that focus on more specific topics, such as gender and power, global political economy, international security, or regions of the world, such as the United States or the Middle East. This allows you to help shape your expertise around topics about which you are most interested.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
he second year moves beyond the foundations to explore different areas of global politics, both geographically and theoretically. You’ll have more opportunities to speak in front of your peers and tutors, developing key analytical, writing and presentation skills.
Independent Learning
You’ll write longer pieces and start to develop your own research skills and areas of interest. You'll have the opportunity to take modules with a range of different assessments including writing policy briefs, reflective essays, or literature reviews.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 25%
- Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
As you progress through your degree, you choose from a wide range of modules with a range of assessment formats. Most assessments are at the individual level, made up of written coursework. Students can take modules involving assessments by presentation, group projects, including group presentations, and a range of new types of writing including policy briefs.
Structure
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying some of the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. You'll be responsible for securing the placement, supported by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. During your placement, you’ll be supported by a placement mentor, who will regularly monitor and review your progress with you, and you’ll have access to remote support from UEA, too, to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting the most of your experience.
Assessment
You'll be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you have learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
In your final year, you become an expert. You’ll take modules by experts in their fields. These range from topics on dystopias, counter terrorism, the environment, and political activism. With the support of a supervisor, you'll conduct your own research on a topic of your choosing. Importantly, you’ll also have the chance to kick-start your career with an internship, work placement or work shadowing.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 30)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your final year is about specialisation: focusing on the topics that you want to specialise in. In writing your dissertation, you'll select your own topic, question, and methodology, guided by one of our experts. You'll develop other skills such as reflective writing, drafting policy briefings, conducting research papers and submissions to select committees.
Independent Learning
By year 4, you'll be able to develop, research and present your own ideas on international politics.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 20%
- Independent Learning: 80%
Assessment
The fourth-year challenges you to put all your skills to the test. You will engage in the exciting project of writing a dissertation of 8-9000 words. You'll select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert. There are also opportunities to partake in activist campaigns, write reflective essays, as well reports and select committee submissions.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- BBB. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- BTEC
- DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations
- Contextual Offer
A Level - BCC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma - DMM
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AABBB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- CCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 31
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
Diploma: DD plus B at A-Level excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
Extended Certificiate: D plus BB at A-Level excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BA Intercultural Communication with Business Management with a Foundation Year or BA Politics with a Foundation Year
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree: International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture or International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
Our degree in International Relations will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. You'll graduate with a wide range of transferable skills such as research, critical thinking, analysis, and team working.
Popular career destinations for our graduates include the civil and foreign service, local government, the charity sector, international organisations, teaching, business, and the armed forces. This course also provides a good foundation for further studies at master's level.
We work alongside you to develop your career skills at every stage of the course. UEA Career Central offers guidance, workshops and experiences that enable students to explore possible career pathways and the realities of job progression.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- International organisations
- Political careers, such as working in Parliament
- Charities and NGOs
- Think tanks and other research careers
- Civil service
- Armed forces
Discover more on our Careers webpages.