BSc Politics and International Relations (L200)
2027 entry | view 2026 entry
Course summary
Our BSc Politics and International Relations degree is ambitious and bold. We explore power, who exercises it and with what consequences. You'll gain expert insight into the politics of different countries, regions and systems, as well as global and local political issues and movements.
Bristol is home to prominent scholars and many of our academics are global leaders in areas of political study, including:
- international relations
- security
- gender
- political philosophy
- international development
- peace-building
- environmental politics.
Their expertise spans the politics of Latin America, Africa, South and East Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the US and Britain.
At Bristol, you'll be joining a vibrant academic community. We provide regular workshops, guest speakers, reading groups and social events. We also support the student societies associated with this programme.
Skills development is woven throughout your programme, enabling you to graduate with valuable, transferable skills that ensure you are well placed to pursue your career goals.
Learn how the political sphere operates, specialise in areas that fascinate you and go on to make a real difference in the world.
What you'll gain: skills and careers
Career paths
- Journalism
- Law
- Civil Service
- Business analysis
- Business strategy
- Public affairs
- Communications
Skills taught
- Advanced analytical thinking
- Critical evaluation
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Communication skills
- Decision making
Graduate employers
- UK Government
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Ecotricity
- Bank of England
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Course structure
Year one
Includes compulsory units which establish a solid grounding in the discipline. You'll have greater choice as you progress through the course.Year two
Offers an extensive range of units which provide introductions to specific fields, enabling you to begin tailoring your degree to your own interests.Year three
Provides you with an exceptional range of units based on staff research interests and expertise.Mandatory units in the first and second years will equip you with the necessary skills to succeed in your dissertation in your final year. You'll also be assigned an individual academic supervisor who will support your independent research and writing on a topic of your choice.
Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
AAA including an essay-based subject. Essay-based subjects include: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art and Design (all pathways); Business Studies; Chinese; Classical Civilisation; Classics; Drama; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Film; French; Geography; German; Government and Politics; Greek; Health and Social Care; History; History of Art; Italian; Latin; Law; Media Studies; Music; Performance; Philosophy; Politics; Portuguese; Psychology; Religious Studies; Russian; Social Care; Social Policy; Sociology; Spanish; Theatre Studies and Welsh.
ABB. Essay-based subjects include: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art and Design (all pathways); Business Studies; Chinese; Classical Civilisation; Classics; Drama; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Film; French; Geography; German; Government and Politics; Greek; Health and Social Care; History; History of Art; Italian; Latin; Law; Media Studies; Music; Performance; Philosophy; Politics; Portuguese; Psychology; Religious Studies; Russian; Social Care; Social Policy; Sociology; Spanish; Theatre Studies and Welsh.
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
DDD in any essay-based Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in an essay-based subject. Essay-based subjects include: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art and Design (all pathways); Business Studies; Chinese; Classical Civilisation; Classics; Drama; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Film; French; Geography; German; Government and Politics; Greek; Health and Social Care; History; History of Art; Italian; Latin; Law; Media Studies; Music; Performance; Philosophy; Politics; Portuguese; Psychology; Religious Studies; Russian; Social Care; Social Policy; Sociology; Spanish; Theatre Studies and Welsh.
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in an essay-based subject. Essay-based subjects include: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art and Design (all pathways); Business Studies; Chinese; Classical Civilisation; Classics; Drama; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Film; French; Geography; German; Government and Politics; Greek; Health and Social Care; History; History of Art; Italian; Latin; Law; Media Studies; Music; Performance; Philosophy; Politics; Portuguese; Psychology; Religious Studies; Russian; Social Care; Social Policy; Sociology; Spanish; Theatre Studies and Welsh.
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Advanced Higher: AA including an essay-based subject, and Standard Higher: AAAAB. Essay-based subjects include: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art and Design (all pathways); Business Studies; Chinese; Classical Civilisation; Classics; Drama; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Film; French; Geography; German; Government and Politics; Greek; Health and Social Care; History; History of Art; Italian; Latin; Law; Media Studies; Music; Performance; Philosophy; Politics; Portuguese; Psychology; Religious Studies; Russian; Social Care; Social Policy; Sociology; Spanish; Theatre Studies and Welsh.
Access to HE Diploma in Humanities, Social Sciences, Law or History (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) in a single essay-based subject. Essay-based subjects include: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art and Design (all pathways); Business Studies; Chinese; Classical Civilisation; Classics; Drama; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Film; French; Geography; German; Government and Politics; Greek; Health and Social Care; History; History of Art; Italian; Latin; Law; Media Studies; Music; Performance; Philosophy; Politics; Portuguese; Psychology; Religious Studies; Russian; Social Care; Social Policy; Sociology; Spanish; Theatre Studies and Welsh.
More about Access to HE entry requirements
More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
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Search international qualifications
More about UK qualifications.
Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Politics and International Relations can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2026 entry. The statement for 2027 entry will be available in summer 2026.