Politics and International Relations

The world of Politics and International Relations is both turbulent and fascinating. The global order is being reshaped by conflicts, climate change, growing inequality and challenges to Western dominance. As the world’s first Department of International Politics we have pioneered the study of global politics for over 100 years and continue to tackle the world’s most pressing problems.

We offer students high-quality teaching on a wide range of modules (around 20 to choose from in Years 2 & 3), an intellectually stimulating but friendly environment and a real sense of community. You will learn about key political concepts such as power, security, democracy, development, freedom and sovereignty, and how these are contested in contemporary politics both inside countries and on a global scale. You will explore different political systems and global institutions and learn about the driving forces behind political, economic and socio-cultural changes across the world. You will study the core challenges facing global politics today, such as political populism and nuclear tensions, the climate crisis, colonial legacies, escalating conflict and the dilemmas of migration. You will also learn about different regions and countries, like the Americas and Russia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

As well as honing your academic skills, our modules will equip you with the know-how you’ll need for life after Uni, like writing blogs and policy briefs, giving presentations and using your creativity to solve problems. We even run role-play simulation modules every year which develop skills in negotiation, persuasion, collaboration and teamwork – just what’s needed in the political arena. Our graduates go into a wide range of careers, such as diplomacy, journalism, civil service or working for political parties, NGOs or international organisations like the UN, as well as graduate pathways in business, industry, education and the public sector.

Opportunities – Politics and IR students at Aberystwyth can:

Join our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ – a role-playing exercise in political and diplomatic manoeuvres and a highlight of the course.

Apply for our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme: a three to four week internship for second years working alongside an MP in Westminster or an MS in Cardiff.

Get involved and feel part of our departmental community through activities, like the regular ‘Roundtable’ discussions on key global events, Interpol Society activities, the student journal ‘Interstate’, Student Diversity Group and our social events.

Spend a semester abroad studying in many destinations, across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific.