BSocSc Politics and International Relations

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
BSocSc (Hons)
Duration
3 or 4 years
Typical A-level offer
AAA
Typical contextual A-level offer

AAB

Find out more about contextual admissions.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Typical International Baccalaureate offer

6,6,6 at Higher level, 36 points overall.

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Apply through UCAS

Course overview

  • Study at a top 10 UK university for Politics and International Studies (THE World University Rankings 2022).
  • Study a wide range of political topics, covering comparative and international politics and political theory.
  • Develop research skills designed to understand and explain issues including conflict, justice, freedom, power, and equality.
  • Enjoy the option to study abroad.
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Joshua tells us why he chose to study Politics and International Relations

Open days

We are pleased to announce that we are returning to hosting on-campus open days in the summer and autumn.

Please see open days for the dates, registration, and other information.

If you're a prospective student, you can also find out more about student life by chatting with our student ambassadors at a time that suits you, and ask any questions you may have about life at Manchester. 

Please check our Coronavirus FAQs for the most up to date information regarding events. 

You can also look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

Scholarships and bursaries, including the Manchester Bursary , are available to eligible home/EU students.

Some undergraduate UK students will receive bursaries of up to £2,000 per year, in addition to the government package of maintenance grants.

You can get information and advice on student finance to help you manage your money.

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Social Sciences
Contact name
Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 543 4029
Email
Website
http://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/subjects/politics/
School/Faculty overview

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Compare this course

Entry requirements

A-level

  • AAA
  • We do not accept two A/S Levels grades in place of one A-level.
  • Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A-level subjects: Accounting, Anthropology, Business Studies, Classics, Economics, English Language/Literature, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Law, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Use of Mathematics and World Development.
  • We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept the combination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.
  • We accept the Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) as equivalent to an A-level if taken alongside two full A-levels from the list of acceptable subjects above.

AS-level

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade B or 6 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

International Baccalaureate

6,6,6 at Higher level, 36 points overall.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For detailed information please refer to our country-specific requirements and requirements for foundation years .

For general requirements not listed above see  Accepted entry qualifications from your country .

Still need help? Email us at  socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk .

Scottish requirements

We typically ask for grades of AAABB in Scottish Highers. In addition, we accept Scottish Advanced Highers and Highers in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers at grades AAB.

or

Two Advanced Highers at grades AA, plus two additional Highers at grades BB.

Applicants taking a different combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk for further advice. Applicants not taking English language or Mathematics at Higher level must achieve grade B in English language and Grade B in Mathematics at SCQF Level 5.

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this. We consider the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate as equivalent to an A-level on a grade-for-grade basis.

European Baccalaureate

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We typically require 85% overall in European Baccalaureate with a minimum of 80% in English Language.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

Foundation year

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve AAA in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAA in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.

For all other foundation programmes please see our full list of approved UK foundation programmes .

Pearson BTEC qualifications

The School accepts Pearson BTEC Level 3 qualifications for entry as long as it is in a relevant subject and taken alongside A-levels. The A-level you are taking must be included in the list of subjects found in the A-level entry requirements above.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma - accepted with grades DDM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma - accepted with grades D*D in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma - accepted with grade M in combination with two A-levels at grades AA in different subject areas to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate - accepted with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grades AA in different subject areas to the diploma.

We do not accept the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate.

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

The School accepts OCR Cambridge Technical (CTEC) Level 3 qualifications for entry as long as it is in a relevant subject and taken alongside A-levels. The A-level you are taking must be included in the list of subjects found in the A-level entry requirements above.

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - accepted with grades DDM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Cambridge Technical Diploma - accepted with grades D*D in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma - accepted with grades MM in combination with two A-levels at grade AA in different subject areas to the diploma.

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - accepted with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade AA in different subject areas to the diploma.

We do not accept the Cambridge Technical Certificate.

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

  • Typical applicant - A mature student returning to education after a number of years.
  • Typical offer - Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 level 3 credits (39 Distinctions/6 Merits).

Cambridge Pre-U

Applicants are expected to achieve D3, D3, D3, including either a social science or humanities subject, in the Cambridge Pre-U. Applicants can either take three Pre-U qualifications or study them in conjunction with A Level subjects. 

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Core Maths

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student.

A Core Maths qualification does not satisfy the requirement of achieving A-level Mathematics for the School of Social Sciences.

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

  • GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade B.
  • IELTS 7.0 overall with no lower than 6 in any component.
  • TOEFL (IBT) 100 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subset.
  • iGCSE English (Second Language) grade B.
  • An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

Advice to applicants

Applicants submitting mitigating circumstances

If you are submitting information about mitigating circumstances that have affected, or are likely to affect, your academic performance, you should include this in the referee's report.

We cannot take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application.

(Examples of mitigating circumstances include family illness, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school of college.)

How your application is considered

Applications are considered on the basis of an assessment of past and predicted academic achievements, the academic reference and personal statement.

Interview requirements

We do not interview.

Returning to education

We welcome applications from anyone who is returning to education.

Overseas (non-UK) applicants

Applicants classed as international students who are studying Foundation Year Programmes, will be considered on the basis they have completed their High School education in full. Please see our list of approved UK foundation programmes and entry requirements  for more information. We also accept a number of qualifications from around the globe. For further information please see our country-specific information pages. If you still need help please email us  socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk .

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only.

NB Some English Language test results, such as IELTS of TOEFL, are only valid from two years from the test date.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

We consider applicants who are resitting.

Contact: socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you can apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.

In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may refer back to previous applications or registrations at the University.

If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should include additional evidence of your suitability for the course.

If you are applying through clearing you will need to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing places will be subject to availability.

Course details

Course description

The BSocSc (Hons) in Politics and International Relations is our single honours course for politics specialists.

Our teaching and top-level research is structured around three core themes:

  • Comparative Politics; 
  • International Politics; 
  • Political Theory. 

In Year 1 and 2, you will take course units from across the three core areas, plus options from other disciplines, such as Economics, Sociology, History, Philosophy or Languages.

By your final year, you will have an advanced understanding of politics, which reflect the research expertise of our staff.

Our significant size allows us to support internationally recognised research across a range of areas including several large and distinctive research clusters

This also contributes to the quality of our teaching; we offer you a variety of course units that builds directly on our research expertise.

We will help you to develop solid intellectual foundations within the discipline, while also giving you increasing choice and diversity of subjects and approaches as you progress through your second and third years.

You can also apply to spend Year 3 studying abroad at one of our partner universities as part of a four-year degree option.

Aims

  • Provide the opportunity to study Politics in the breadth and depth that a single-honours specialisation makes possible.
  • Help you develop solid intellectual foundations within the discipline while offering a choice of subject matter and approaches as you progress.
  • Develop your intellectual independence and autonomy.
  • Help you develop the skills to undertake independent research of a high standard.
  • Develop your intellectual flexibility and adaptability - the ability to learn how to succeed.

Special features

Award-winning teaching

Politics staff have:

  • won the Manchester Student Union teaching awards;
  • achieved recognition at the University teaching awards;
  • achieved national recognition, three times winning the Political Studies Association Sir Bernard Crick Prize for Outstanding Teaching.

Course content informed by research

We offer a wide variety of course units that build directly on our research expertise.

We are also home to one of the longest running election studies in the world, the British Election Study while our research examines issues such as the critique and critical challenge of orthodoxies, security, migration, war, gender, ethics, resistance, and international institutions.

Manchester Leadership Programme

Take the MLP as part of your degree and learn directly from leading Manchester academics and high-profile leaders from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

You will discover the challenges facing society in the 21st century, and the leadership approaches needed to address them.

You will also undertake volunteer work, giving back to society and developing the kinds of skills and experiences that graduate employers seek.

Study abroad

If you would like to broaden your horizons and your degree, you can apply to study overseas for a year at one of our partner universities. You apply in Year 2 to spend a year abroad in Year 3. If successful, you will put together a programme of study at the host university in consultation with your Academic Exchange Advisor, to complement your studies at Manchester. You will then come back to Manchester to study for a fourth year and graduate with a degree title including 'with International Study'. See The University of Manchester Study Abroad pages for more information, including eligibility criteria, destinations, costs and funding.

Teaching and learning

Most course units feature formal lectures supported by smaller tutorials or seminars where you explore the contents of lectures and required reading in greater depth.

Tutorials and seminars are key to improving your written and oral communication skills through group discussions, essay-writing and presentations.

You are assigned an Academic Advisor who can advise you on selecting course units and career opportunities.

We foster a vibrant Politics learning community among our staff and students through several initiatives, including an annual undergraduate conference, a seminar series, peer-mentoring scheme and an undergraduate journal.

Coursework and assessment

We offer a wide array of assessment types throughout your course, including:

  • policy briefs;
  • book or article reviews;
  • presentations; 
  • learning logs;
  • field reports;
  • blogs;
  • podcasts.

Assessment is primarily by essays and/or examination (in January and May-June) in the first year.

Course content for year 1

Year 1 introduces the three core areas of comparative politics, political theory, and international politics, as well as training in research and study skills.

You can take up to 40 credits outside Politics.

Course units for year 1

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Making Sense of Politics POLI10302 20 Mandatory
Introduction to International Politics POLI10601 20 Mandatory
Introduction to Political Theory POLI10702 20 Mandatory
Introduction to Comparative Politics POLI10202 20 Optional
British Politics: Power and the State POLI10401 20 Optional
Politics of the Global Economy POLI10502 20 Optional

Course content for year 2

You will develop your understanding in the three core areas, taking at least 20 credits in each, and begin to focus on your own areas of interest.

You can take up to 20 credits outside Politics.

Course units for year 2

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Politics by Numbers POLI20311 20 Optional
Security Studies POLI20332 20 Optional
Questions About International Politics POLI20521 20 Optional
Politics & Society in Britain Since 1940: From Blitz to Brexit POLI20531 20 Optional
Arguing About Politics: Political Theory in the World POLI20602 20 Optional
The Politics of Globalisation POLI20711 20 Optional
The Politics of Development POLI20722 20 Optional
Gender and Politics in Comparative Perspective POLI20742 20 Optional
The Politics of Policy Making POLI20802 20 Optional
Ideals of Social Justice POLI20881 20 Optional
Injustice and Resistance POLI20961 20 Optional
Environmental Politics POLI20982 20 Optional
Comparative West European Politics POLI21001 20 Optional
Southern European Politics POLI21012 20 Optional
Asia-Pacific Security POLI21041 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 15 course units for year 2

Course content for year 3

You will pick your final areas of specialisation, including a dissertation on a topic of your choosing.

Course units for year 3

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Dissertation A POLI30300 40 Mandatory
The Politics of the European Union POLI30032 20 Optional
Morality and Markets POLI30112 20 Optional
The Politics and Philosophy of Nationalism POLI30191 20 Optional
Gender, Sex and Politics POLI30231 20 Optional
Elections and Voters in Britain POLI30242 20 Optional
Liberalism and Empire POLI30252 20 Optional
Dimensions of Peace and Conflict: Disciplinary and Regional Approaches POLI30262 20 Optional
Political Morality and Dirty Hands POLI30271 20 Optional
Chinese Politics POLI30282 20 Optional
Public Policy Problems POLI30292 20 Optional
Ethical Issues in World Politics POLI30321 20 Optional
Using Nudge to Change Lives POLI30331 20 Optional
Introduction to International Political Economy POLI30721 20 Optional
Gender, War & Militarism POLI30791 20 Optional
Africa & Global Politics POLI30862 20 Optional
War Memories and Reconciliation in East Asia POLI31011 20 Optional
Intimate Geopolitics of Global China POLI31021 20 Optional
Children, Family and Social Justice POLI31032 20 Optional
Understanding Political Choice in Britain POLI31041 20 Optional
American Politics: Why Do They Do That? POLI31061 20 Optional
Knowledge Production in Peace-building: Practices and Processes POLI31082 20 Optional
Global Capitalism, Crisis and Revolt POLI31091 20 Optional
Contemporary Parliamentary Studies and the British Political Tradition POLI32041 20 Optional
Postcolonial Politics POLI32062 20 Optional
Sex, Bodies and Money: Feminist, Queer and Intersectional Political Economy POLI32091 20 Optional
United States Foreign Policy: Dominance and Decline in a Complex World POLI32132 20 Optional
United Nations Security Council in Practice POLI32151 20 Optional
Race, Ethnicity, Migration POLI32162 20 Optional
Ukraine Rises: Democracy, Protest, Identity and War in Comparative Perspective POLI32171 20 Optional
Capitalism and Sexuality POLI32182 20 Optional
Indian Politics in Comparative Perspective POLI32192 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 32 course units for year 3

Course content for year 4

If completing a year abroad, you will take the Year 3 course content in Year 4.

What our students say

Read profiles of our students to find out more about studying Politics at Manchester.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

The University of Manchester is a popular choice for advancing your career.

Our graduates currently work for:

  • Google; 
  • Thomson Reuters;
  • Deloitte; 
  • HMRC; 
  • Royal Danish Embassy; 
  • Ministry Of Justice; 
  • Greater Manchester Chamber Of Commerce; 
  • Cicero Consultancy;
  • Essex County Council.

Postgraduate study with us is also a popular option for students.

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you will have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability.

Find out more on our careers and employability  page.

Associated organisations

We are affiliated to the European Consortium for Political Research and we are a corporate member of the University Association for Contemporary European Studies (UACES).

We also play an active part in the Political Studies Association, International Studies Association, European International Studies Association, and the British International Studies Association.