What is politics and international relations?
There has never been a more exciting time to study for a degree in politics. Rapid changes in domestic and global politics have an almost daily impact on our lives, from traditional party politics to new forms of direct action in global settings. Our courses give you the opportunity to understand and debate issues you are passionate about with like-minded peers and leading academics.
How will I study?
Our staff have an international reputation for research excellence, publishing numerous books and articles every year. Our teaching has been officially recognised as excellent and members of staff have regularly won the University's highly prestigious Lord Dearing awards for Teaching Excellence as well as two national awards for outstanding teaching in politics. As well as lectures and seminars, our staff employ a range of teaching techniques, including presentations, films and simulations. We also use internet-based teaching strategies, providing round-the-clock access to teaching and learning materials.
As you progress through your degree, you will specialise more in politics and international relations and will choose which areas of the discipline to study. Our third year, for example, currently includes modules such as: Causes of War and Peace; Politics and Drugs; British Political Lives; The Making of Foreign Policy; and Feminist Political Theory. But this is just a sample: in the third year alone the School currently offers 30 different modules. Each unit is assessed separately, meaning that there are no daunting 'finals' exams.
Inspirational staff and research
The School offers one of the most dynamic environments for the study of politics on any university campus. Our staff have built national and international reputations for excellence in research and have published numerous books and articles in key journals. They also enjoy extensive links with regional, international and global governmental and non-governmental organisations and contribute to public debate through newspaper articles and TV and radio appearances.
The School includes several research centres and institutes which organise visits by outside lecturers, experts and practitioners. These include the Centre for the Study of Social and Global Issues, the Centre for the Study of European Governance, the Centre for British Politics, the Centre for Normative Political Theory, and the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies. A Centre for Conflict, Security and Terrorism is at an advanced stage of discussion.
Studying abroad
We offer opportunities to study in Europe and further afield, as well as at the Division of International Studies at The University of Nottingham Ningbo China and the School of Politics, History and International Relations at The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.
Further information can be found on our study abroad web pages.
Career prospects and employability
Our graduates have excellent career prospects. Many take on roles in politics and government. Others go into a wide variety of careers, including management, marketing, teaching and broadcasting, and some go on to further study. Politics is the ideal academic discipline to study if you are interested in a career in government and each year we run workshops on civil service careers for interested students. From this year, we are introducing a new career skills module specifically designed for politics students as part of the Nottingham Advantage Award.
The average starting salary for 2010/11 full-time graduates of the School of Politics and International Relations was £20,898.*
* Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time.
Application and interview
Offers are usually made without interview. Students with non-standard qualifications, including mature students, may be invited for an interview.
Open days
Visit days for students offered a place are normally held in February and March. You are welcome to visit at other times – please contact us for dates of University-wide open days, or visit
www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays