MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Placement Year
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
Loughborough University’s BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Placement Year program offers a comprehensive academic foundation and practical experience, preparing students to thrive in the world of global politics, international relations, and diplomacy. The program emphasizes critical analysis, policy evaluation, and the study of global governance, providing students with the tools to understand political systems, international conflicts, and diplomatic strategies. The inclusion of a placement year enhances the student experience by allowing them to gain real-world experience in political environments, international organizations, or NGOs. This practical exposure to the political and international relations sectors significantly improves employability and helps students develop essential skills for their future careers.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Placement Year program is structured to provide students with a thorough understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical political issues. In the first year, students explore core subjects such as political ideologies, comparative politics, and the foundations of international relations. As the program progresses, students delve deeper into specialized topics such as global governance, international security, political economy, diplomacy, and human rights. Students can also choose from a variety of elective modules to tailor their studies to their interests, whether that involves political theory, international law, or global challenges such as climate change and conflict resolution. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of both domestic politics and global affairs, ensuring that graduates are equipped with a well-rounded political education. The program’s placement year provides students with the opportunity to apply their academic learning in a professional environment, gaining invaluable practical experience and insights into the workings of political institutions, international organizations, or media outlets.
Research Focus: Loughborough University is recognized for its strong emphasis on research and the BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Placement Year program integrates this focus into its teaching approach. The university's research in politics and international relations spans several critical areas, including security studies, international law, global governance, and political theory. The research expertise of Loughborough’s faculty informs the program’s curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to cutting-edge research and contemporary debates in the field. Loughborough’s research centers engage with global issues such as conflict resolution, human rights, and international trade, which are integral to the program’s structure. Students have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research projects and benefit from exposure to research methodologies that enhance their academic development. This research orientation prepares graduates for both careers in the political field and potential postgraduate study.
Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Placement Year program at Loughborough University stands out for its focus on industry engagement, with students gaining first-hand professional experience during the placement year. The university has strong connections with a wide range of industry partners, including government bodies, international organizations (such as the United Nations and the European Union), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, and political consultancies. These partnerships provide students with access to internships, work placements, and project-based learning opportunities that offer a direct insight into the political and international relations sectors. The program’s placement year allows students to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios, equipping them with practical skills and enhancing their employability. Loughborough’s Careers Network offers personalized support to help students secure placements and internships, providing them with guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, and career planning.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Placement Year program emphasizes a global perspective, encouraging students to engage with political systems and international relations on an international scale. The program explores the politics of different regions, including Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and examines global challenges such as climate change, migration, international conflict, and trade. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of how global political dynamics shape international policies and governance. The placement year offers students the opportunity to work internationally or with global organizations, providing valuable insights into how global politics operate in practice. Additionally, Loughborough University offers study abroad options, allowing students to experience political environments in different countries and further broaden their global perspective. By examining the interconnectedness of political, economic, and social issues on a global scale, students are prepared to contribute meaningfully to global policy-making, diplomacy, and international relations.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 23000
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 75% 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 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.
International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.
Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.
Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.
Loughborough University’s BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Placement Year program provides students with a robust academic foundation in politics and international relations, along with invaluable practical experience through the placement year. The combination of theoretical knowledge and real-world exposure equips graduates with the skills necessary to pursue a wide array of exciting and rewarding careers across various sectors. The program is designed to help students build essential competencies such as critical thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving, all of which are highly sought after by employers.
Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer: One of the most common career paths for graduates in politics and international relations is diplomacy. As diplomats or foreign service officers, graduates represent their country in international relations, managing foreign policy, trade negotiations, and cross-border diplomacy. The program’s strong focus on global governance, international law, and foreign policy gives graduates a comprehensive understanding of international systems, making them well-suited for roles in embassies, consulates, and international missions.
Political Analyst/Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers as political analysts, where they research and analyze political trends, policies, and events. Political analysts provide crucial insights for government agencies, think tanks, political parties, and the media. They assess the impact of current events, propose solutions to political problems, and provide recommendations for policy development. The research focus of the BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations program equips students with the necessary skills to analyze data, understand political environments, and offer informed opinions.
Policy Advisor/Consultant: As policy advisors or consultants, graduates advise governments, international organizations, NGOs, or private companies on policy development and political strategy. They assess the impact of existing policies and make recommendations to improve or introduce new policies. The program's curriculum focuses on political ideologies, public policy, and political economy, preparing graduates to analyze and advise on complex policy issues. Graduates may work in areas such as economic policy, environmental policy, public health, or human rights.
Public Affairs Specialist: Public affairs specialists work to build and maintain relationships between organizations and the public, particularly in the context of government relations, media relations, and public policy. They help organizations communicate their positions on political and social issues, crafting persuasive messages and engaging with stakeholders. The BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations program's focus on political communication, public policy, and international relations provides graduates with the skills needed to work in public relations, lobbying, and advocacy.
International Development Specialist: Graduates can choose to work in the international development sector, where they contribute to global efforts to reduce poverty, promote sustainable development, and advance human rights. As international development specialists, graduates work for NGOs, international organizations like the United Nations or the World Bank, or governmental bodies. They help design, implement, and evaluate development programs and policies that address issues such as economic inequality, health care access, and education. The program's global perspective and understanding of international institutions and human rights issues make it an excellent foundation for this field.
Human Rights Advocate: Graduates with a passion for social justice and human rights can work as human rights advocates, helping to protect and promote the rights of marginalized populations. Human rights advocates often work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international bodies, or government agencies to monitor human rights conditions, raise awareness of violations, and advocate for policy change. The BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations program’s focus on international law, human rights, and global governance equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in this important area.
International Relations Consultant: International relations consultants provide strategic advice to organizations, businesses, and governments on global political trends, foreign policy, and international law. Graduates can work with multinational corporations, governments, or non-governmental organizations to help them navigate complex international environments. They analyze political risk, evaluate global trends, and offer strategic recommendations for dealing with geopolitical issues. The placement year experience provides graduates with firsthand exposure to the complexities of international relations, making them valuable consultants in this field.
Journalist/Foreign Correspondent: For those interested in journalism, the BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations program provides a strong foundation for reporting on political events and international affairs. Graduates can work as political journalists, reporters, or foreign correspondents, covering breaking news, political developments, and global events for newspapers, television networks, or online platforms. The program’s focus on political communication and global issues makes it an ideal choice for those wanting to pursue a career in political reporting and media.
International Business Analyst/Consultant: Graduates with an interest in international trade and business can pursue roles in international business analysis or consultancy. In these roles, they help organizations understand the political and economic conditions in different countries, advising on market entry, global strategy, and risk assessment. The program's understanding of international relations, political economy, and global governance prepares graduates for roles in multinational corporations, financial institutions, and trade organizations.
Graduate Studies and Academia: Many graduates of the BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Placement Year program choose to continue their academic journey by pursuing postgraduate studies in politics, international relations, public policy, or law. Graduate studies can lead to academic careers or further specialization in areas like international law, security studies, or global political economy. The program’s rigorous academic structure prepares students for the demands of postgraduate education, enhancing their prospects for higher-level research roles and teaching positions in academia.
