Politics and International Relations

Our Joint Honours Politics and International Relations degree is designed for students who are interested in domestic politics (including the study of political theory, states, elections, and parliaments) as well as politics between countries (with a focus on international relations theory, security studies, and conflict). The degree allows you to develop expertise in both areas and to explore topics (such as environmental politics, global political economy, and global politics) where they intersect.

The course is designed to give you a strong grounding in both politics and international relations in the first year, before allowing greater specialisation as well as increasing focus on the domestic/international intersection in the second year. During the final year the focus is on self-directed learning, allowing you the flexibility to choose topics and areas that you wish to focus on. The opportunity to intern with a Member of the Senedd in our Senedd/Welsh Parliament module in the final year provides a chance to learn first-hand how parliaments and parliamentarians work. You also have the opportunity to participate in the British Parliamentary Studies module, partly delivered by expert staff from the Houses of Parliament.

There is a strong emphasis on employability and skills across the degree. You will typically develop excellent communication skills across a variety of formats, and learn to present ideas in a range of formats (e.g., briefing paper, policy analysis, case studies, podcasts), along with strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Our stunning Singleton Park Campus will keep you grounded and offer the perfect environment for taking a break in the park, and enjoying the views across Swansea Bay on the edge of the beautiful Gower Peninsula.

You will study in one of the few departments in the UK to offer the British Parliamentary Studies module, where you will be taught by our specialist academic staff and Members of the Houses Parliament. This module includes a visit to the Houses of Parliament and engagement with a Member of the House.

You will also have the competitive option of undertaking a work placement module with the Senedd/ Welsh Parliament, assigned to and working closely with the team of a Senedd Member.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, spent in locations such as the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Kickstart a bright future at Swansea University.

With around 300,000 residents, Swansea isn’t the biggest city this side of the Severn, but she’s got a big personality with a cost of living that’s refreshingly affordable compared to most other UK cities. Whether you like to explore the outdoors, take in a bit of culture, or anything in between, Swansea has something for everyone.

As a student at Swansea University, you'll benefit from a friendly, inclusive community and opportunities to gain skills that last a lifetime. Alongside first-class resources that include a mock court room, indoor athletics centre & virtual reality lab, you'll learn from leading academics, in a supportive and nurturing environment.

With 120 societies, 50 sports clubs and 12 months of must-see events, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy between lectures.

Whoever you are and whoever you want to be, you'll find yourself right at home in Swansea.