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Course information

Entry requirements

UCAS code

L2L5

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
IB: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655

Length

3 years full-time

Department

Politics and International Relations

Course overview

This degree provides a grounding in some of the major aspects of politics and international relations. You'll learn about international systems and global governance political theory, UK, European and US politics, international political economy and undertake area-based studies of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Why study BA Politics and International Relations at Goldsmiths

  • We offer a distinctive approach that combines the study of politics and international relations, giving you the opportunity to gain broad knowledge and experience of both disciplines.
  • The Department of Politics and International Relations provides a lively interdisciplinary environment, specialising in the study of institutions and conflicts in a way that crosses boundaries between traditional understandings of political phenomena.
  • You’ll be able to choose from an unusually wide range of module options which explore the aesthetics of terrorism, critical approaches to security, the politics of development, US politics and foreign policy, the geopolitics of the Middle East, and contemporary movements from the Arab Spring to ISIS. We offer a range of area-based modules covering the Middle East, China and East Asia, Africa and Latin America.
  • We have a lively events programme that attracts renowned speakers, meaning that you'll have the opportunity to hear the latest political arguments, theories and ideas.
  • Our unique work placement module gives you the opportunity to gain work experience relevant to the degree and we also give you the opportunity to study abroad.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Professor Saul Newman (for information about applying).

Watch videos about your course

What you'll study

Note about optional modules (if available): The below is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.

Year 1 (credit level 4)

In your first year, you take a total of 120 credits comprised of these compulsory modules:

Module title Credits
UK and European Comparative Governance and Politics 30 credits
World Politics 30 credits
Identity, Agency & Environment 1 15 credits
Identity, Agency & Environment 2 15 credits

You then choose from the following option modules:

Module title Credits
Political Theory and Ideologies 30 credits
Colonialism, Power, Resistance 30 credits
Issues in Political and Cultural Economy 30 credits

Year 2 (credit level 5)

In your second year, you must take the following compulsory modules:

Module title Credits
Global Governance and World Order 15 credits
Contemporary International Relations Theories 15 credits
The Goldsmiths Elective 15 credits

You will then take optional modules to the value of 75 credits from a list approved annually by the Department of Politics and International Relations. As part of this, you will have the option of taking up to 15 credits from another department or from another University of London institution (if deemed suitable by the department).

Example optional modules include:

Module title Credits
Political Economy 30 credits
Chinese Politics: The Revolutionary Era 15 credits
Rough Politics 15 credits
US Politics and Foreign Policy 15 credits
The Politics of Climate Change 15 Credits

Year 3 (credit level 6)

In your third year, you write a research dissertation (30 credits) and then choose from a list of optional modules provided annually by the department to a value of 90 credits.

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work and projects. 

The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*: 

  • Year 1 - 63% coursework, 38% written exam 
  • Year 2 - 85% coursework, 13% written exam, 3% practical work 
  • Year 3 - 99% coursework, 1% practical work

*Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for 2022/23. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices. Find out more about how this information is calculated.

Examples of optional modules include:

Module title Credits
Colonialism and Non-Western Political Thought 15 credits
Migration, Technology, and Humanitarianism 15 credits
Sustainable Development 15 Credits
The Politics of Memory 15 Credits
Ethics and Economics of Environmental Protection 15 credits
Work placement (Politics) 15 credits
Fascisms, Old and New 15 credits
The Politics of Popular Music 15 credits

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Entry requirements

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Alternative qualifications

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.

We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades.

Fees & funding

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

From August 2021 EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for 'Home' fee status. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will be classified as 'International' for fee purposes, more information can be found on our fees page.

  • Home - full-time: £9250
  • International - full-time: £19640

If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our careers service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.

Careers

Skills

This programme will develop you intellectually, and will enhance your transferable and communication skills – learning to plan your workload, to research solutions, and to express your ideas coherently.

Careers

Our politics graduates go on to a wide variety of careers. Some go on to postgraduate study or further training in law, accountancy, social work, business administration, or to specialise in one area of their academic studies, whilst others go directly into employment.

Recent politics graduates have found employment in administration and management; in various departments of central and local government; in finance, in the media; in research and computing; in voluntary agencies; in health, education and housing management; the probation service; in company management, and as lecturers and teachers. You can read more about career options on our Politics and International Relations careers pages.

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.