Politics and International Relations

Politics and international relations is a degree that addresses some of the most pressing questions of our time, examining how power is organised within and between states, what drives conflict and cooperation on the world stage, and what it means to live in an era of rapid and often disorienting global change. Politics provides the theoretical and empirical tools to understand domestic political systems, while international relations extends that analysis to the structures and processes of the global order, including diplomacy, trade, security, and human rights.

At Coventry University, this three-year full-time degree invites you to step into the shoes of change-makers, developing the insight and skills to understand and help shape the political world. You will engage with concepts of power, democracy, justice, conflict, and international governance, examining real-world cases from across the globe and developing the research and analytical skills that political and international careers demand. The programme includes a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and work placements, giving you a combination of professional experience and international exposure that is genuinely valuable in a field where employers expect real-world awareness alongside academic knowledge.

Politics and international relations graduates go on to careers in the civil service, government, diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, journalism, international business, and public affairs. The analytical and research skills the degree builds, combined with the professional experience gained through placements and the international awareness developed abroad, make graduates well prepared for competitive roles in these sectors. Many also pursue postgraduate study in politics, international relations, public policy, law, or security studies, deepening their expertise for academic or specialist professional careers.