The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements
International Relations and Politics
BA (Hons)
Key facts
UCAS code
L290
Start dates
September 2022 / September 2023
Location
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Part time: up to 6 years
Department
UCAS Tariff Points
104
Overview
Are you fascinated by the way global affairs shape our world? Would you like to develop informed opinions about pressing political issues - and make sense of this uncertain world?
When you choose to study International Relations and Politics at Oxford Brookes, you’ll join a vibrant and exciting community. You'll be taught by world-class academics who share your passion and are experts in their fields. You'll investigate the world's most fundamental challenges like:
- Nationalism and populism
- World poverty and global trade justice
- Human security, terrorism and peacebuilding
- Climate change and the challenges of global development.
In a world that is constantly in flux, this course will help you make sense of it. You'll enjoy a dynamic and inclusive environment, ideal for students who are socially, politically and environmentally conscious. You’ll be supported by academics who’ll guide you as you dissect and debate real-world issues. And you’ll graduate with skills and experience that will make you highly desirable to prospective employers.
How to apply
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 104
A Level: BCC
IB Points: 29
BTEC: DMM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 88
A Level: CCD
IB Points: 27
BTEC: MMM
Further offer details
For combined honours, normally the offer will lie between the offers quoted for each subject.
Applications are also welcomed for consideration from applicants with European qualifications, international qualifications or recognised foundation courses. For advice on eligibility please contact Admissions: admissions@brookes.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.
If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Many of our courses consider applications for entry part-way through the course for students who have credit from previous learning or relevant professional experience.
Find out more about transferring to Brookes. If you'd like to talk through your options, please contact our Admissions team.
Application process
Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCASPart time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityInternational applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityFull time international applicants can also apply through UCAS
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Please note tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
We do not expect students to purchase any compulsory course books, as they are all available in the library. If students wish to purchase additional books to supplement their reading, this is at their own discretion.
Students organise placements themselves, and are responsible for their own travel and associated costs - it is advised that they organise placements bearing this in mind. Oxfordshire based placements are accessible via public transport - often via the University’s subsidised BROOKESbus service, which is free to bus pass holders. Placements in London will incur higher travel costs; for example, a day return ticket on the Oxford Tube costs £14 (subject to change, for the latest fares see the Oxford Tube website). It is encouraged that students explore opportunities for their placement provider to cover travel costs if they opt for a placement which is not local.
Learning and assessment
Your focus in Year 1 will be on learning the fundamental themes of Politics and International Relations. You’ll explore a broad range of ideologies and systems while developing the skills needed to succeed.
In Year 2, you'll delve into the history of modern political thought as well as the 'Great Debates' of International Relations. As you progress, you’ll gain strong skills of analysis and debate. You'll develop critical perspectives and will learn to marshal facts and opinions into logical order.
In Year 3, you’ll be able to choose from a range of specialist modules studying closely with academics who are expert in these fields. You'll also undertake a piece of independent research under supervision.
Work placements
As an International Relations student, you’ll also have the option of undertaking a work placement in Year 2. This placement gives you hands-on experience, ensuring you’re both qualified and career-ready by the time you graduate.

Learning and teaching
You’ll learn in a stimulating and friendly environment, where you’ll be encouraged to share perspectives and exchange ideas that may even make you rethink your own. Your modules will explore real world issues, such as global environmental politics, populism in Europe, terrorism, the rise of authoritarianism, migration, sexism, racism.
By challenging and discussing issues, you’ll be well prepared to transfer these skills to your writing through essays, as well as hands-on exploration of some of today’s most pressing issues. This may include creating a role play or video, or even creating a board game.
You’ll be part of a supportive learning community that’s big enough to offer a wide range of modules, yet small enough to have personal support from your expert tutors throughout the course.
Want to put yourself in the shoes of a world leader? Well you may be able to get involved with the Model United Nations and argue ‘your country’s’ perspective on world affairs.
Field trips
Depending on your module choices, you may have the opportunity to visit a local initiative that is tackling global politics on a local level. For example, you may visit a local organic farm and see how, and why, they provide an alternative to the globalised food system and the impact on a local level.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
Assessment is by coursework and examination.
With a wide range of modules on offer, you’ll be able to focus on your personal areas of interest. Your coursework will be highly practical and industry-relevant.This may include:
- policy brief writing for NGOs
- negotiation simulations
- small class debates.
Some modules involve an element of examination at the end of the semester, but others are assessed solely on the basis of your work during the semester.
Your dissertation takes the form of a 10,000 word piece of work entirely on a topic that interests you. Previous dissertations include:
- Is counter-terrorism counter productive?
- Trump, Brexit and Nationalism
- The relationship between football and politics
- The role of Arab women in peacemaking.
Study Abroad
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Oxford Brookes. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.
After you graduate
Career prospects
You’ll graduate with a deep awareness of current affairs and an awakened social consciousness. Your time on the course will advance your understanding of some of the most pressing issues facing society. The practical skills gained throughout your course mean you’ll graduate confident and employment-ready.
Some of our graduates go on to postgraduate study, while others go directly into the workplace. Careers include:
- the diplomatic service
- journalism
- local government
- law
- trade unions
- international organisations.
You’ll also have the opportunity to attend 'Life After Uni' networking events, helping you build your network and explore areas of work within the IRPO sector. Past speakers include:
Focus has included topics like: working as Humanitarian Programme Coordinator or a International NGO Country Director. Careers in research for humanitarian organisations. Developing a career in government social research.
Further study
A number of our graduates have progressed to postgraduate study, and we are keen to encourage our undergraduates to undertake their own research as part of their studies.
As well as offering supervision in a range of areas for research degrees, the department also runs an International Relations master's programme, which places an emphasis on gaining critical perspectives on contemporary theory and practice. You can do either an MA in International Relations or an MA in International Security.
Our Staff
Dr Lucy Ford
Lucy helped set up the Green think tank Green House and is on their advisory board. She is also a research fellow at Schumacher Institute, an interdisciplinary systems think tank on environmental, social and economic issues.
Read more about LucyDr Michael Lister
Read more about MichaelFree language courses
Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Related courses
Information from Discover Uni
Full-time study
Part-time study
Programme Changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.