International Relations and Politics

The highlights

• The future-focused International Relations and Politics curriculum at Derby encourages you to develop an interdisciplinary and problem-solving approach to global problems through interconnections between world history, current affairs and contemporary policy issues facing global leaders, from the climate crisis to the digital transition
• The focus of the programme is on contemporary policy issues at the national and international level, with specific topics including environmental politics, international security, activism and protest movements, the history and politics of China and India, and digital journalism
• This course enables you to study a wide variety of theoretical and methodological approaches, including political and international relations theory, qualitative and quantitative methods, historical methods, communication and media studies methods, and the journalistic method
• We offer you an employability-focused module to develop problem-focused solutions facing different stakeholders in society, such as businesses, government, NGOs and charities
• This course offers global study abroad opportunities with the chance to spend a semester at partner universities in Europe, the United States and Asia

First understand. Then influence.

This course takes an inter-disciplinary approach to the study of world affairs and global issues. Utilising the disciplinary fields of politics, history, journalism and communication studies, the programme offers a comprehensive and critical interrogation of significant global issues.

Embedding the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the course is built around a curriculum structure that supports and enacts sustainability and sustainable development, with key subject areas in environmental politics, equality and political activism, and non-traditional approaches to achieving peace and international security.

This programme will enable you to gain a profound understanding of a range of dynamic processes and trends that affect human societies, polities and the planet, and endows them with the essential critical faculties that they require to navigate and influence some of the world’s most important and intractable questions and problems.

Through exploring and examining the ever-changing political and international systems and processes, the programme cultivates attributes that include open-mindedness, curiosity, adaptability and resilience – qualities that are highly valued by employers.

If these quotes resonate with you, we think you're right for this course:

"I have learned that you are never too small to make a difference." 

— Greta Thunberg, environmental activist

"I'm an idealist without illusions."

— John F Kennedy

"The time is always right to do what is right."

— Martin Luther King Jr.

See issues from all angles

We'll discuss what's going on in the news each week and analyse the impact it's having — from political developments and technological or scientific breakthroughs, to economic matters and social movements. By embedding meaningful learning and assessment opportunities, such as portfolios, policy briefs and data analysis, as well as taking an employability-focused module, you will develop competencies in influencing political and social agendas, negotiating and communicating research findings.

This course covers a huge variety of subjects, from politics and international relations to anthropology, cultural studies, economics, data science, sociology, geography, history, languages, international development, philosophy, marketing and media.

The course engages with topics ranging from political activism to contested cultures and norms; modes of governance to global grand challenges; power structures and notions of democratic consent; environmental politics and fight against climate change; inequalities of gender, race and resources; decolonisation and the politics of the global South; international security and conflict; globalisation and its discontents; and the increasing encroachment on civil liberties by governments and organisations.

Certain modules on the course are designed with built-in flexibility so that content can be modified in real time in light of emerging themes, crises, and political and social processes.

As well as giving you great all-round knowledge, this enables you to analyse issues from different viewpoints and learn that there is never just one way to look at a problem.

We will also ensure you leave with a good understanding of the basics of data science, so that you can carefully assess some of the claims made by politicians and organisations in today's statistics-driven society.

Global and diverse

We're keen to welcome students from all over the world and we have established links with a number of overseas universities. Our students have the opportunity to spend time in another country through the university’s Global Opportunities. Studying abroad will enable you to see the world from a different viewpoint, gain confidence and independence, and improve your communication skills. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in community projects supporting diverse social groups in our city and region.

Solve real problems

During this degree, you will get the opportunity to devise solutions to real problems and present your ideas to external audiences. In Year 2 for example, there is an employability-focused module in which you'll be expected to work with a group, organisation or company on a project that either recommends or implements change. Then in Year 3, you'll develop a research project about a specific policy problem as part of the independent study module, which will help you develop your expertise in a specific policy area. You will then get the opportunity to present your findings at a conference. So even while you're studying, you will have the chance to start making a difference.

Students have previously presented on the challenges that local charities and businesses, including Toyota UK and Community Action Derby, are facing with regard to implementing corporate social responsibility principles in practice.

Boost your employability with a placement year

Take an optional placement year to put your skills into practice in a real-world setting. We’ll support you in finding a placement and throughout your time in industry. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience for your CV, build contacts, and explore career options before you graduate.

The following are modules in which students may require Research Ethics Approval: Effecting and Negotiating Change and Independent Study in International Relations and Politics.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Our teaching methods will be varied, interactive and engaging and designed to develop the skills you will need for the future. You will take part in:

• Face-to-face lectures, including guest lectures
• Seminar discussions and debates
• Group projects
• Practical workshops
• Interactive simulations
• Presentations
• Study visits
• Peer-to-peer learning
• Problem-based learning

How you are assessed

Varied assessments methods are used across the programme, such as:

• Essays
• Research reports
• Data analysis
• Presentations
• Personal development reflective journal
• Podcasts
• Blogposts
• Policy briefs
• Applied project – develop a practical solution or intervention to address a challenge facing a societal stakeholder

In your final year, you will undertake an Independent Study module which incorporates data analysis and you'll also need to write a dissertation.

When you have completed this programme, you will be well-informed about the major global issues of our time and have a range of skills that employers really value, including communication and problem-solving skills, ability to analyse evidence objectively, cultural awareness, resilience and leadership skills. This stimulating and varied programme, therefore, equips graduates for a wide range of careers, including:

• Local party politics
• Parliamentary assistant and government advisor
• Civil service
• Think tanks
• Consultancy
• Large multi-national corporations
• International and regional inter-governmental organisations
• Charities and NGOs

2026 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2026 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.