Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Government. This three-year Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) in Politics and International Relations provides a thorough grounding in all major areas of political science. You will learn how politics works both within countries and between them, developing vital research and critical thinking skills prized by employers. The course addresses fundamental questions such as why international conflicts arise, why democratic countries might not go to war with each other, and the role of international organizations. It explores major areas including conflict and security studies, comparative politics, international political economy, and political theory. You'll move from opinions to evidence, learning to ask "how do you know?" and supporting your arguments with strong evidence. The curriculum is designed to make you fearless and independent in your thinking, encouraging you to question everything and draw on a broad range of facts and ideas. The program also includes a compulsory "Career Portfolio" module to develop employability and life skills. Optional opportunities for a year abroad or a placement year are available, extending the degree duration to four years.

Career options for graduates are excellent and diverse, benefiting from a qualification from one of the world's leading politics departments. Graduates are highly sought after by employers in various sectors, including political parties, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international development, the civil service fast stream, management, journalism, police, armed forces, commerce, business, finance, teaching, and graduate research. Notable alumni include the former President of Costa Rica, Dr. Oscar Arias, and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP. The emphasis on research, critical analysis, and the career portfolio module ensures graduates are well-equipped for the job market.

The University of Essex is a forward-thinking environment with a diverse international community. Its Department of Government is a centre of world-leading research excellence for the social sciences, consistently ranked among the most prestigious in Europe for its outstanding record of teaching, research, and publication (rated 6th in UK for research power in politics and international studies, REF 2021). The university offers a location close to beautiful countryside that's only an hour away from London by train, combining a peaceful setting with easy access to a major global city. Academic staff are actively involved in advising governments and commenting on political events, bringing real-world relevance to the curriculum and offering unparalleled access to leading minds in politics.