Politics and International Relations

On this Politics and International Relations degree course, you will examine major contemporary issues such as Brexit, the rise of China and great power rivalries, as well as the changing role of the UN and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The course has the flexibility for you to explore your specific interests – you might want to explore anarchism, international political economy, political research methods, or human rights and humanitarian intervention.

You will develop skills in negotiation, critical analysis and debate, vital if you are keen to pursue a career in politics, the civil service, diplomacy or foreign affairs.

The Politics in Practice module provides opportunities to interact with community activists and the non-profit sector in Brighton.

We also offer three other politics degrees:


• Politics BA(Hons)



• Politics, Sexuality and Gender BA(Hons)



• Politics and Social Change BA(Hons)



TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE THIS COURSE


• Learn in a vibrant, progressive city with a reputation for radical, environmental, and LGBTQI+ activism.



• Your lecturers are internationally recognised on issues including populism, gender studies, the Middle East, environmentalism, migration, housing and political theory.



• Apply to spend a semester studying abroad at a partner university in your second year.



• You can work with the Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics which hosts talks, seminars, workshops and conferences, as well as offering research internships and an annual undergraduate research prize.



• Guest speakers have included Caroline Lucas and Sue Shanks (Green Party), Yousef Eldin (BBC documentary producer), Nancy Hawker (Amnesty International) and Prof Angie Wilson (ex-Chair of the Political Studies Association, researching sexuality and politics), as well as representatives from Make the Shift, The Free West Papua Campaign and Brighton and Hove Community Land Trust.



• Assignments don’t just mean essays, you'll be assessed in lots of different ways including films, podcasts, data visualisations, political speeches, social media campaigns; the types of projects that will be valued by employers.



• Graduate with both theoretical and practical knowledge. Our courses offer practical skills and real-world experiences to prepare you for your future careers, with opportunities to undertake placements, design a campaign for a political organisation and learn digital communication skills.



• The university’s commitment to addressing global challenges is the lens through which you will learn and issues such as climate change, equality and inclusivity, and sustainability are embedded in all teaching on our politics courses.



• Our decolonised approach to teaching and learning emphasises lived experience, recognising that knowledge is held in communities not only in academic institutions.



• You will be studying in a thriving community alongside students taking related degrees which informs our delivery.

At Brighton, you'll study in a way that prepares you for your future. Through practical, hands-on learning, you'll graduate with confidence to kick-start your career. 100% of courses offer work experience, and opportunities like placements and study abroad will make your CV stand out. Almost 9 out of 10 of Brighton’s UK graduates are working or studying just 15 months after finishing their course (Graduate Outcomes, 2025).

Located on the south coast, students benefit from living and studying in the 3rd best city in the UK (Time Out). It’s independent and inclusive; a place where everyone belongs. The music and arts scene is up-and-coming, and the city hosts a full schedule of entertainment and events year-round.

The University of Brighton doesn't just want you to succeed, but to feel good too! From their flexible admissions process to academic and wellbeing support networks, Brighton will help you smoothly transition to university. You’ll be invited to Belong at Brighton events to ensure you have the best start to university.

If you’d like to visit the university to see whether it’s right for you, attend a Clearing campus tour or visit day. Click Visit Website below to book your place.