Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Government. This four-year Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) program provides a thorough grounding in all major areas of political science and international relations, with an integrated year spent studying at a partner university abroad. You will learn how politics works both within countries and between them, developing vital research and critical thinking skills. 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. You will explore major areas including conflict and security studies, comparative politics, international political economy, and political theory. In your third year, you will experience other cultures and languages by studying at one of Essex's partner universities across the globe. This year abroad broadens your academic and social horizons, enhances your independence and adaptability, and significantly boosts your CV for employers. The program also includes a compulsory "Career Portfolio" module to develop employability and life skills.

Career options for graduates are excellent and notably enhanced by the international exposure and experience gained during the year abroad. This demonstrates maturity, adaptability, and cultural awareness, which are highly valued by employers. Graduates are in demand from a host of employers in political parties, NGOs, international development, the civil service fast stream, management, journalism, police, armed forces, commerce, business, finance, teaching, and graduate research. The University of Essex's strong reputation in political science ensures that graduates hold a qualification from one of the world's leading politics departments. 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 University of Essex fosters 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 (e.g., rated top in the UK for research in Political Science & International Studies in every government assessment exercise since 1986, 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. The opportunity to study abroad further enriches the academic experience and global perspective.