BA (Hons)International Relations and Politics

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65 to 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 79, with at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 17 in Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 54 with no individual score below 51.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 105 is required.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Portsmouth offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at both domestic and international students and are awarded based on various criteria such as academic excellence, financial need, and specific areas of study. 

Chancellor's Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. It provides a significant fee reduction for the duration of the student's course.

Vice-Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international students from selected countries who are applying for undergraduate or postgraduate taught courses. It offers a fee reduction of up to £4,000.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The university offers scholarships specifically for students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships vary in value and eligibility criteria.

Sports Scholarships: The University of Portsmouth recognizes the achievements of talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their development and academic success. These scholarships provide financial support, training facilities, and other benefits.

Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at the University of Portsmouth offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance or have a particular interest in a specific field of study. These scholarships are often subject-specific and may vary in terms of eligibility and value.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics program at the University of Portsmouth have a diverse array of career opportunities available to them in the fields of politics, diplomacy, government, international organizations, research, and more. With a strong foundation in international relations and politics, as well as critical thinking and analytical skills, graduates are well-prepared to pursue meaningful and impactful careers.

Diplomat: Graduates may pursue careers as diplomats, representing their country's interests abroad and engaging in diplomatic negotiations, advocacy, and diplomacy. They may work for government agencies, embassies, consulates, or international organizations, addressing global challenges and fostering international cooperation.

Policy Analyst: Graduates may work as policy analysts, analyzing political trends, issues, and developments to inform policy formulation and decision-making. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, research institutes, or non-profit organizations, conducting research, writing reports, and providing recommendations on a wide range of political and policy issues.

Political Campaign Manager: Graduates may work as political campaign managers, overseeing political campaigns for candidates, parties, or advocacy groups. They may be responsible for developing campaign strategies, coordinating volunteers and staff, organizing events, managing communication and outreach efforts, and analyzing campaign data.

Government Advisor: Graduates may work as government advisors, providing expertise and advice to government officials on political, social, and policy matters. They may work for government ministries, departments, or agencies, advising on issues such as foreign policy, national security, public administration, and legislative affairs.

International Development Specialist: Graduates may pursue careers in international development, working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, or development agencies. They may be involved in designing, implementing, and evaluating development projects and programs aimed at addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and social justice.

Political Risk Analyst: Graduates may work as political risk analysts, assessing political, economic, and social risks for businesses, investors, and organizations operating in global markets. They may analyze geopolitical trends, conduct risk assessments, and provide recommendations to mitigate political risks and maximize opportunities.

Researcher: Graduates may work as researchers, conducting academic or policy-oriented research on political issues, international relations, and global affairs. They may work for universities, research institutes, think tanks, or consulting firms, contributing to knowledge production and policy debates on a wide range of topics.

Journalist or Correspondent: Graduates may work as journalists or correspondents, covering political news, events, and developments for media organizations. They may report on political campaigns, elections, policy debates, international conflicts, and diplomatic negotiations, providing analysis and insights to the public.

Nonprofit Manager: Graduates may work as nonprofit managers, overseeing the operations and programs of non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, or civil society organizations. They may be responsible for fundraising, program management, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, working to address social and political issues at the local, national, or international level.

Public Relations Specialist: Graduates may work as public relations specialists, managing communication and public outreach for political organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups. They may be responsible for developing communication strategies, managing media relations, organizing events, and shaping public perception on political issues.