Politics and International Relations

Politics and international relations examines the structures and processes through which power is exercised, contested, and legitimised, both within states and across the international system. Politics as a discipline covers democratic theory, comparative government, political parties and elections, public policy, and the relationship between citizens and the institutions that govern them. International relations extends this to the global level, examining war and peace, foreign policy, international organisations, human rights, globalisation, and the interaction of political and economic forces across national boundaries.

At Plymouth, this three-year degree builds the analytical foundations for understanding both domestic and international political life, developing your ability to apply competing theories of democratic governance to real political practices and institutions. You will study how power is organised and exercised in different kinds of political systems, how international institutions are built and sustained, and what drives states, organisations, and other actors to cooperate or to conflict. The degree includes a sandwich year in industry, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, giving you sustained professional experience and an international perspective that is directly relevant to a subject concerned with the world beyond the classroom.

The combination of theoretical understanding and practical exposure produces graduates who are both analytically capable and professionally ready.

Graduates of politics and international relations move into careers in the civil service, Parliament, local government, think tanks, political parties, international organisations, journalism, law, and the charity and development sector. The analytical and communication skills developed in the degree are valued across any profession that involves navigating complex institutional environments or engaging with public policy. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in politics, international relations, public administration, law, or journalism, while others move directly into professional roles where political understanding is a valuable asset.