Politics and International Relations with Foundation Year

By studying Politics and International Relations at Sheffield Hallam University, you will develop the skills to formulate and defend complex ideas – and the ability to think clearly and objectively. From local councils to the United Nations, you’ll learn from well-connected, global experts – preparing yourself to make a difference to local, national and international policy.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year.

How you learn All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

On this course you’ll gain the skills you need for your political career. Your classwork is supplemented by guest speakers from the public, academic, non-governmental and campaign sectors. Not only do they provide different perspectives on real-world issues, they also offer an insight into the knowledge and skills you’ll need to work in their sectors.

You’ll be taught by experts who help to build a friendly, interactive community where you can become the best you can possibly be. Our staff are recognised nationally – for example, one of our experts was recently invited to participate in EU research for the UK government. We also have great links locally with media outlets, Sheffield City Council and the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce – all really useful networking opportunities if you’re completing a placement during your studies.

You learn through:

Lectures and seminars Expert teaching Guest speakers Away days Workshops E-learning Placement opportunities An international field trip Debates

**Applied learning Live projects** You’ll undertake live projects as part of your degree, getting a taste of how to use the skills you learn on the course in the real world. For example, you could be undertaking research for the local council to help them with contemporary issues – on a project which also feeds into your assessments and enhances your CV.

You can also choose from a range of elective modules such as gender, peace & (in)security, understanding human rights, terrorism and counterterrorism, and international political economy. You’ll undertake a more demanding commissioned project, working in a team to meet the needs of local and international organisations.

Field trips During the course, you can join a five-day field trip, at no additional cost, to Brussels to learn first-hand about the EU’s policy-making environment. You can also attend conferences in your first and final years.

And there are opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner universities – with the possibility of funding through the Turing Scheme.

Work placements During the second year, there’s the opportunity to undertake an eight-week structured work placement. This gives you real-world experience to prepare you for your future career.