A level Typical offer
AAA or A*ABAAA or A*AB in three A levels.
Combine the study of politics and global affairs to develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and respond to contemporary political challenges.
Deepen and develop your understanding of politics at local, domestic, regional and international levels.
You’ll gain the skills needed to critically analyse contemporary international and domestic socio-political challenges, from political polarisation to climate change. This will give you an effective platform to respond to key political factors that impact everyday life.
In Year 1, you’ll study topics such as political theory and analysis, international relations and British politics, the latter studied from a global and comparative perspective.
In Year 2, you'll increase your knowledge of political theory and international relations, and advance your skills in research design and data analysis. A range of optional units will give you the opportunity to specialise in areas such as foreign policy analysis or technology and politics.
In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation. You’ll also choose from a range of optional units, giving you the freedom to explore topics that interest you and prepare you for your potential future career. Optional units may cover areas like economic crises, war and peace or electoral politics.
You’ll learn from teaching staff with diverse backgrounds and expertise in different areas of politics and international relations. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.
We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study. These include
Many of our politics graduates have gone on to careers in both the private and public sectors, working in the banking and finance industries, media, public administration, and European and international political institutions.
They have worked for organisations such as:
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
This course lasts 3 years. It starts in September 2023 and ends in 2026. Welcome week starts on 25 September 2023.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 60 credits (ECTS) in each academic year. These are usually split into 30 credits for each semester you study. 60 credits are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
5 credits
15 credits
15 credits
5 credits
20 credits
10 credits
10 credits
10 credits
10 credits
20 credits
20 credits
40 credits
You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 8 and 12 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. A small proportion of these contact hours may be delivered online, with the significant majority taught on campus. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 23 to 32 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example, you may do a final year project in the final year.
You will be assessed in a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge.
55% - 75% of your course will be assessed through coursework. The balance of the assessment by examinations and assessment by coursework may depend on the optional units you choose.
The final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 32% and 68% respectively.
You will primarily be assessed individually, but may also be assessed as part of a group.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
The United Kingdom currently subscribes to The Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQ) Directive. The MRPQ Directive provides a reciprocal framework of rules which enables European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals to have their professional qualifications recognised in a state other than the one in which the qualification was obtained. In the event of a no deal Brexit, from 1 January 2021, the MRPQ Directive will no longer apply to the UK. However, it is anticipated that there will be a new system for recognising professional qualifications between the UK, EEA, and Switzerland.
‘This degree is really preparing me quite well for my future because it's giving me the choice to either work straight away or go into graduate study.’
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for politics or international relations. This might include relevant reading, involvement in political or debating societies, voluntary work for charities, or activism for a political party or an NGO.
You do not need to have studied Politics before to be suitable for this course, and your relevant experiences and interests are more important than which subjects you have previously studied.
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
AAA or A*AB in three A levels.
Most of our students will join us with three A levels, but you may have study beyond this (such as a project qualification or additional study in maths) which demonstrates your individual talents that will help you with your degree. We recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
AAB in three A levels plus one of:
If you receive an offer for this course and are studying one of these qualifications you will be given both the typical and alternative offer.
You can find out more about our alternative offers, including a complete list of qualifications we consider on our dedicated page.
36 points overall and 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects.
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual components studied. For this course you will typically need to study a combination of IB Higher Level courses and appropriate vocational study equivalent to three A levels. This vocational study can be any qualification we accept, such as a BTEC National Diploma (RQF) or two BTEC National Extended Certificates (RQF). If you are studying a BTEC National Extended Diploma (RQF) we may be able to consider you on the basis of that alone - please see our Pearson Edexcel BTEC requirements below.
Our typical offer will including individual grades in the relevant components - please contact admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice before you apply.
DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) in a relevant subject area.
We prefer the above qualifications to be in a relevant subject area and are unable to consider qualifications in Public Services, Uniformed Protective Services, Travel and Tourism and other less relevant disciplines. If we make you an offer, we may specify particular units in which you will need to achieve Distinctions.
See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.
D*DD in a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) in a relevant subject area.
We prefer the above qualifications to be in a relevant subject area and are unable to consider qualifications in Public Services, Uniformed Protective Services, Travel and Tourism and other less relevant disciplines. If we make you an offer, we may specify particular units in which you will need to achieve Distinctions.
See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.
T levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.
D3, D3, D3 or D2, D3, M1 in three principal subjects.
Most of our students will join us with three principal subjects, but you may have study beyond this (such as a Global Perspectives course or additional study in maths) which demonstrates your individual talents that will help you with your degree. We recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
**D3, D3, M1 in three principal subjects plus one of:
If you receive an offer for this course and are studying one of these qualifications you will be given both the typical and alternative offer.
You can find out more about our alternative offers, including a complete list of qualifications we consider on our dedicated page.
AA in two Advanced Highers.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AAAAB in their Highers.
A pass in the Access to HE Diploma with at least 36 credits achieved from units achieved at Distinction and 3 credits achieved at Merit or above.
Although we do not specify any particular subjects or units, we expect at least one of your subjects to include academic essay writing.
Pass units worth 120 credits including a minimum of a Pass 2 with 75% in a relevant Level 2 unit.
Typically, we would be looking for you to have studied units worth at least 120 credits, including at least 30 credits at Level 2. We would generally be looking for you to have taken relevant units in essay-based subjects. This information is a guide and we consider students applying with Open University Credits on a case-by-case basis. We will consider your application carefully and take note of any previous qualifications or relevant work experience. We may be able to consider alternative units to those listed. Please contact us to discuss your profile.
Taking OU credits may be counted as degree-level study by the Student Loans Company and therefore may be counted as previous study and have an impact on your ability to access student loans for the entirety of your chosen degree. We recommend that you discuss this in detail with the SLC before following this progression route to the University of Bath.
Your application will be considered individually based on the particular combination of qualifications and subjects that you are taking.
We can consider combinations of accepted qualifications, of which some common examples are:
We can also consider combinations that are not listed and that do not include A levels. You should read the information about essential and preferred subjects and subject combinations. We cannot consider different qualifications in the same subject area.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall score of 90% in the classical, languages or scientific pathway with 9, 9, 9 in three subjects from your final report card.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
86% overall with 9.0 in one subject.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An average of 4.2 in the common core subjects and an average of 4.8 across six optional programme courses.
These requirements are for the Specialisation in General Studies programme. Please contact us if you are taking a different programme
We consider your grades in final assessment for each subject, or in examinations where you do not have a final assessment for that subject.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
85, 85, 85 in three extended subjects.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
9.0 overall with 9.0, 9.0, 9.0 in three subjects .
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
A weighted average mark of 10.
We may be able to consider your application if you are taking the Højere Handelseksamen (HHX), Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX), Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF). Please contact us to discuss our requirements.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Pass with A in 1000 credits and B in a further 1000 credits.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5, 5, 5 in three elective subjects or 5, 5 in two elective subjects plus 5 in core English or Mathematics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall score of 14 with 15 in two specialities in your final year.
Our requirements for the French Baccalaureate are the same for students studying the International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) for this course.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
9.0 overall with 90, 90, 90 in three state exams.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Pass the relevant certificate with an ATAR or TER of 95.
We can accept any of the following school leaver qualifications meeting these requirements:
-Australian Capital Territory Year 12 Certificate -New South Wales Higher School Certificate -Northern Territory Certificate of Education -South Australian Certificate of Education -Tasmanian Certificate of Education -Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning -Victorian Certificate of Education -Western Australian Certificate of Education
Our requirements for the Queensland Senior Certificate of Education are:
Overall Band Position of 2.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Level 3 Diploma achieved with Merit including three Level 3 subjects with 14 credits at Excellence (E).
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
AAA in three subjects.
We do not accept General Studies as one of these three subjects. We do not accept grade A- in place of grade A.
CGPA of 3.4.
Diplomas are accepted case-by-case depending on your profile. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this programme for direct entry and our requirements are the same as for a Canadian Secondary School Diploma. These are listed in the 'Canada' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An average of 80% across four subjects with 85% in one subject.
We do not accept Physical Education as one of these four subjects.
These requirements are for the CBSE and CISCE boards. Please contact us if you are taking this qualification with a different board.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
85% average across 5 or 6 academic grade 12 subjects.
The number of grade 12 subjects we require will depend on your province/territory.
We also accept the Quebec diplôme d'études collégiales. Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk to discuss our entry requirements.
We also accept the Canadian International Matriculation Programme. Our requirements are the same as for the Secondary School Diploma.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section.
We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5.6 overall with 5.8 in a state matriculation exam (excluding Bulgarian).
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.
We accept the Indian 12th Standard and our entry requirements are listed under the 'India' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this programme for direct entry and our requirements are the same as for a Canadian Secondary School Diploma. These are listed in the 'Canada' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall average of 18 with 18, 18, 18 in three subjects.
Your subjects grades will be taken as an average of your school results and external exams where relevant.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
18.5 in the Apolytirion plus AA in two A levels
If you are studying any of the four subjects at an Advanced Level (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology), we may be able to consider you without the further GCE/PIA/CIE A level requirements. Please contact admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall grade of 5 with 5 in three subjects including one Advanced Level subject.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5, 5, 5 in three Advanced Placement Tests.
We accept no more than one Calculus AP as one of these three subjects.
We assess applications from students taking AP examinations on an individual basis.
When assessing your application, we will also be looking for evidence of a high academic standard across a breadth of study, for example through additional AP Tests, your wider school curriculum and SAT or ACT scores if you have taken them.
If you would like advice about your own set of qualifications, please email admissions@bath.ac.uk
We do not accept SAT Subject Tests for direct entry to our degrees.
We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Due to the variety, structure and grading of these qualifications, applications are welcomed from students with these qualifications but we consider them on on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in applying, please contact us on admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice. Please provide copies of your school reports within your email for our consideration.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
77766 in five subjects.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
H1, H1, H2, H2, H3, H3 in six subjects from the Irish Leaving Certificate.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
A score of 9 overall.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
AAA in three H2 level subjects.
3.4 overall.
We accept GCE and International A levels and the IB Diploma whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
CGPA of 80% with 85% in an essay based subject from the final year.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
19 in the Apolytirion plus AA in two A levels.
We cannot accept the Apolytirion unless it is studied alongside A levels. We do not accept Pan Hellenic examinations in place of an A level.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
1.4 overall.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5 in all subjects with 80% in two Higher subjects.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice. If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider a Foundation Year or if you are located here in the UK, explore the qualifications that may be available to you. Please contact us for further advice on admissions@bath.ac.uk
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Fees and funding information for Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons)
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusThese fees are for the academic year 2023/24 only. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
£9,250
UK undergraduate fees are regulated by the government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval.
£21,100
You should budget for an increase of up to 5% each year for every further year of study; we will not increase your fees each year by more than this percentage and the amount will be set out on our fee page in December for the following academic year.
If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansYou could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsYou can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsYou will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma or a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, you may be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process so we can better assess your studies and experiences. If you are studying an Access to HE Diploma or a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, please make sure that your UCAS application is submitted by 15 January: if you apply after this deadline, then it may be too late for us to include you in our interview process.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
Learn more about living and studying at Bath
Visit our undergraduate virtual experienceExplore the essential skills required for the study of political phenomena. Starting from the question of what it is we do when we study politics, you will learn practical skills such as how to read academic articles, how to research around political topics, and how to produce an academic essay on political questions. You’ll study this unit in tandem with the two introductory units of Politics and International Relations.
Explore the history, theories and issues that define the agenda in world politics. Examine world events from new angles and apply what you have learned.
You will be introduced to core theoretical frameworks and apply this analytical toolkit to issues such as war, peace, trade, international cooperation, and diplomacy as well as to contemporary case studies that are regularly updated in line with the latest developments in international politics.
Explore essential concepts and analytical approaches that shape politics and political analysis and develop a sophisticated understanding of the building blocks of political life. You’ll cover a range of political concepts and study different analytical perspectives, from power and liberty to climate and race.
How do we construct good questions to ask about politics? And how do we provide good answers to those questions?
With a focus on how to integrate theory and empirics when solving these puzzles, we will use real-world examples to understand the basic elements of research design in the study of politics. You’ll do so by exploring theory and assumptions, measurement, identification, and how to build an argument about something that is happening in the political world.
You will explore the main issues in (international) politics from a UK perspective. You’ll examine Westminster politics, elections, and sub-state nationalism. You will deal with issues such as race, gender, and climate and how the UK compares internationally. You will also locate Britain’s place in the world from its membership of international institutions such as NATO and the UN, to its relationship with Europe, the United States and the legacy of Empire and colonialism.
Explore the field of comparative politics, defined as the study of political institutions, processes, and outcomes across and within countries. Comparative politics is a broad field, but study in this area is united by a commitment to testing theories using comparisons and answering questions, for example: Why do transitions to democracy succeed in some countries but not others? Does the representation of women and minority groups in politics matter to policy outcomes?
Explore the research, theories and practice of security, conflict, and peace-making. You will learn about the historical trends in conflict and explore main concepts and theories in conflict analysis and security studies. Finally, you’ll examine current conflicts, involving you in coursework that applies analytical tools taught in the unit.
You will approach research methods as a practical skill of addressing specific research problems with various research techniques and types of data. You'll be guided through the process of empirical research: learn how to identify relevant research questions, theorise possible answers, and develop and apply suitable qualitative and quantitative research methods to address the questions with empirical data. You will learn the individual steps through in-class exercises and practical applications.
Exploring the key philosophical traditions upon which contemporary politics is based, you will engage with key political thinkers and topics such as political violence, justice, and democracy. You’ll have the opportunity to develop a capacity to contextualise and evaluate current political disagreements, from arguments over freedom of speech to the role of the state, considering ongoing debates in political thought and theory.
In Year 2, you will study 20 credits of optional units. You’ll select at least one all-year option worth 10 credits.
Options cover a range of topics, such as foreign policy making, international political economy, the politics of technology, and UK Parliamentary democracy.
For your dissertation you’ll design and conduct a research project under supervision in an approved topic in politics (this may include related political aspects of related subjects such as social policy, media, etc.).
In the final year, you will study 40 credits of optional units.
Options cover a range of topics, such as emerging powers, peacebuilding, the politics of culture and national identity and contemporary UK politics.
You’ll study these optional units alongside your dissertation.