Politics and International Studies with Chinese BA
AAB at A level; graduates earn a median £31,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB
87% of entrants came with A levels · 100% stay on after year 1 · Warwick course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AABtypical A level offer; aab you will need grade 7 or a at gcse in a modern or classical language.
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
Warwick course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
Who actually got in: 87% with A levels, 13% with the IB. 14% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 450 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications4
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| IB | 34 points34 You will also need grade A/7 in a GCSE in a modern or classical language. | — |
| BTEC | —Will be considered as long as essential entry requirements are met. You will need a GCSE level or above in a foreign language. | — |
| Advanced Highers | ABAB in two Advanced Highers where a minimum of AAB has been achieved in three additional Highers subjects, OR AA in two Advanced Highers where ABB/BBB has been achieved in three additional Highers subj | — |
| Access | 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis. Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Di | — |
Years 1–4
What do you study?
2compulsory modules in year 1, 10 optional
Compulsory modules this year: social & cultural skills 65% · language & communication 29% · transversal skills 6%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
Warwick course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 2 core, 10 optional · 60 credits ≈ 600 hours
- Introduction to Politics
What you learn (8)
- identify major theoretical perspectives in political science
- critically discuss key debates within political science
- describe foundational concepts of political theory, processes and institutions
- explain patterns of political change over time
- construct a well-structured academic essay
- analyse and critique arguments in written work
- apply independent study techniques to manage learning
- communicate ideas effectively in academic contexts
- World Politics
What you learn (5)
- outline the history of world politics since 1945
- explain core concepts used to study world politics
- identify contemporary scholarly literature on world politics issues
- analyse ideas about world politics critically in written form
- analyse ideas about world politics critically in oral discussion
10 optional modules
- Chinese 3 for language degree students
What you learn (6)
- apply grammar rules appropriate to the course level
- exchange spoken information on familiar topics and activities
- describe aspects of everyday life in chinese-speaking communities
- interpret spoken descriptions of events and feelings in chinese
- interpret written texts describing familiar events and feelings in chinese
- write texts on familiar or personal topics using correct chinese characters
- Chinese beginners for language degree students
What you learn (5)
- write short texts and messages using accurate characters
- interpret spoken Chinese on everyday personal topics
- apply basic grammar rules appropriate to the level
- interpret written descriptions of events and feelings
- exchange spoken information on familiar topics and activities
- Chinese 2 for language degree students
What you learn (5)
- apply basic grammatical structures appropriate to the level
- converse orally on familiar everyday topics
- describe aspects of daily life in chinese-speaking communities
- interpret spoken chinese on topics of personal relevance
- compose simple written texts and messages in simplified characters
- Chinese 4 for language degree students
What you learn (11)
- describe features of contemporary chinese society and culture
- speak chinese fluently in familiar conversational contexts
- respond spontaneously to unpredictable conversational situations in chinese
- extract relevant information from authentic chinese audio recordings
- extract relevant information from authentic chinese written texts
- compose extended chinese essays on social topics using simplified characters
- compose extended chinese essays on study or work topics using simplified characters
- evaluate cultural texts critically for underlying arguments and context
- engage with scholarly debates relevant to chinese culture
- design an independent research project on a chinese cultural topic
- present research findings on a chinese cultural topic
- Introduction to Quantitative Political Analysis I
What you learn (6)
- apply quantitative methods techniques to real-world political research questions
- explain how political concepts are defined and operationalised for measurement
- calculate core descriptive statistics manually
- compute descriptive statistics using R software
- describe fundamental concepts underlying causal relationships
- explain the logic underlying statistical inference
- Introduction to Quantitative Political Analysis II
What you learn (7)
- explain the logic of two-sample t-tests for comparing group means
- interpret cross-tabulations to describe relationships between categorical variables
- explain the principles underlying ordinary least squares regression
- apply linear regression models to estimate relationships between variables
- perform bivariate statistical analysis using R software
- perform multivariate statistical analysis using R software
- critique quantitative findings presented in political science research articles
- Contemporary Themes in Comparative Politics
What you learn (4)
- explain how comparative politics contributes to the broader study of politics
- describe different approaches used in comparative politics research
- critique the role of quantitative methods in comparative politics research
- relate theoretical literature on comparative politics to current political events
- Foundations of Political Economy
What you learn (4)
- explain how political economy contributes to the broader study of politics
- identify different theoretical approaches used in political economy
- relate academic theories of political economy to current real-world events
- analyse in writing the factors driving economic transformation
- Justice, Democracy and Citizenship
What you learn (5)
- explain key debates around the concept of justice
- explain key debates around the concept of democracy
- explain key debates around the concept of citizenship
- analyse political arguments relating to justice, democracy and citizenship issues
- present critical analysis of political dilemmas orally and in writing
- Exploring International Security
What you learn (1)
- evaluate the role of ideas and ideational approaches in shaping global society
Year 2 · 2 core, 15 optional · 30 credits ≈ 300 hours
- Topics in Political Theory
What you learn (7)
- analyse complex arguments from contemporary political theory texts
- interpret diverse scholarly perspectives within political theory literature
- formulate a reasoned personal judgement on a political theory issue
- compare opposing arguments and perspectives on a political issue
- construct an original argument about core political values
- defend a political argument against sceptical objections
- apply insights from other disciplines to support a political argument
- Foundations of Political Theory
What you learn (5)
- explain how political theory addresses freedom, equality and human nature
- interpret key texts by major political thinkers
- critically evaluate arguments of major political thinkers
- analyse complex ideas in political theory
- construct and defend a written argument on political theory
15 optional modules
- Chinese 3 for language degree students
What you learn (6)
- apply grammar rules appropriate to the course level
- exchange spoken information on familiar topics and activities
- describe aspects of everyday life in chinese-speaking communities
- interpret spoken descriptions of events and feelings in chinese
- interpret written texts describing familiar events and feelings in chinese
- write texts on familiar or personal topics using correct chinese characters
- Chinese 4 for language degree students
What you learn (11)
- describe features of contemporary chinese society and culture
- speak chinese fluently in familiar conversational contexts
- respond spontaneously to unpredictable conversational situations in chinese
- extract relevant information from authentic chinese audio recordings
- extract relevant information from authentic chinese written texts
- compose extended chinese essays on social topics using simplified characters
- compose extended chinese essays on study or work topics using simplified characters
- evaluate cultural texts critically for underlying arguments and context
- engage with scholarly debates relevant to chinese culture
- design an independent research project on a chinese cultural topic
- present research findings on a chinese cultural topic
- Chinese 5 for Language Degree Students
What you learn (10)
- communicate effectively in chinese across varied formal and informal contexts
- extract accurate information from authentic chinese texts of varied registers
- distinguish literary from non-literary writing styles in chinese texts
- apply advanced grammar and syntax to compose extended chinese essays on social issues
- write formal chinese letters accurately and appropriately structured
- evaluate chinese cultural texts critically and relate them to scholarly debates
- design and carry out independent research on a chinese cultural topic
- present research findings on a chinese cultural topic
- explain aspects of chinese culture with deeper insight
- use a wider range of registers and styles when speaking chinese
- Politics of International Development
What you learn (6)
- explain major theoretical debates in development politics
- identify distinct development trajectories across world regions
- evaluate development policies and their underlying assumptions
- review academic literature on international development
- conduct research investigations on development topics
- present coherent arguments through academic writing
- Theories of International Relations
What you learn (5)
- identify core assumptions underlying different international relations theories
- differentiate between competing international relations theories based on their premises
- examine the internal logic and aims of international relations theories
- identify contradictions within contemporary international relations theories
- apply international relations theories to analyse real-world political issues
- States and Markets: An Introduction to International Political Economy
What you learn (6)
- explain key concepts in international political economy
- evaluate competing theoretical perspectives explaining political economy developments
- describe relationships between states and markets using political economy theories
- apply political economy theories to analyse specific themes and cases
- produce clearly structured written arguments on political economy topics
- locate and assess relevant sources for political economy research
- International Security
What you learn (6)
- explain key issues and dynamics in the use of military force
- discuss theoretical debates on security within international relations
- relate security theories to real-world security practices
- identify major security threats facing states and societies
- explain the concepts of war, security and peace
- produce clear written analysis of security topics
- Politics in the United Kingdom
What you learn (9)
- describe the institutions and structures of the UK constitution
- identify key academic research on UK politics
- compare competing scholarly interpretations of UK politics
- analyse UK politics using a comparative approach
- explain the historical origins of current debates in British politics
- construct arguments about British politics using empirical evidence
- relate case studies to theoretical frameworks in political science
- explain major UK public policy challenges such as immigration and climate change
- analyse specific aspects of contemporary UK politics
- Politics of the USA
What you learn (6)
- describe the foundational structures of the US political system
- explain the structure of major federal government institutions in the US
- explain the functions and powers of major federal government institutions
- identify key policy debates in contemporary US politics
- summarise a broad range of academic literature on US government and politics
- evaluate complex ideas relating to contemporary US politics
- Core Issues in Comparative Politics
What you learn (18)
- explain core concepts and theories in comparative politics
- describe methodologies used in comparative political analysis
- describe the structure of national political systems
- evaluate differences between national political systems
- apply political theory to practical case studies
- collect and organise data from secondary and primary sources
- analyse political problems and propose solutions
- advocate for solutions to identified political issues
- critique research material for validity and relevance
- design an original research project in comparative politics
- present own research findings in comparative politics
- present analytical arguments in written form
- present analytical arguments orally
- communicate research findings through an academic conference format
- produce a short film exploring the concept of democracy
- compose a research essay on a comparative politics topic
- develop a final independent research project in comparative politics
- present the outcomes of a final research project
- Gender Matters in Politics and International Studies
What you learn (4)
- evaluate competing feminist theoretical perspectives using critical analysis
- produce written analysis on gender and politics topics
- deliver oral presentations on gender-related political topics
- conduct independent research on gender and politics issues
- The Political Economy of Southeast Asia
What you learn (6)
- describe the historical evolution of Southeast Asia's political economy
- analyse how state-society relations are structured across Southeast Asian countries
- explain the economic effects of different state-society configurations
- identify cross-border flows of money, goods and people in the region
- explain how regional economic flows are regulated and governed
- evaluate historical and current regional economic cooperation initiatives
- Public Policy for 21st Century Challenges
What you learn (10)
- explain how interest groups shape public policy outcomes
- explain how institutional structures constrain policymaking
- explain how ideas shape the direction of public policy
- evaluate competing interpretations of the policymaking process
- identify key actors and institutions involved in policymaking
- compare policymaking approaches across different countries
- evaluate major political challenges facing policymakers
- outline key debates relating to selected contemporary policy challenges
- critique policy responses to contemporary challenges
- propose solutions to address contemporary policy challenges
Year 3 · 0 core, 19 optional
19 optional modules
- Gender and Development
What you learn (6)
- explain core theoretical debates in gender and development studies
- evaluate competing theories of gender and development
- justify a preferred theoretical model with persuasive argument
- carry out independent research on gender and development issues
- apply statistical and qualitative development indicators to analyse gender issues
- structure written academic work clearly and coherently
- EU Policy Making
What you learn (4)
- describe how eu policy processes operate
- evaluate the defining features of eu policy processes
- assess the contributions of key actors shaping eu policy-making
- explain the dynamics of different eu policy sectors
- Dissertation
What you learn (8)
- structure a research project in a logical sequence
- formulate a research question suited to word limit and resources
- construct a sustained argument answering a research question
- select relevant evidence from diverse sources to support an argument
- apply correct citation conventions to acknowledge sources
- manage independent study to meet a fixed deadline
- gather research material from multiple sources
- evaluate the quality and relevance of collected research material
- Politics of Globalization
What you learn (10)
- explain differing scholarly definitions of globalisation
- evaluate approaches used to measure and date globalisation
- critique the roles and functions of major global governance institutions
- assess how global economic restructuring affects gender relations socially and culturally
- analyse how supranational economic shifts affect social actors
- present analysis of globalisation issues through spoken argument
- present analysis of globalisation issues through written argument
- discuss theoretical debates on globalisation's effects on nation-states
- evaluate the influence of financialisation on daily life
- analyse how shifts in production and consumption patterns shape global dynamics
- Critical Security Studies
What you learn (5)
- explain key theoretical debates within critical security studies
- differentiate critical security studies from traditional security studies
- position critical security studies within wider international relations debates
- identify contemporary issues framed as security threats
- describe current dynamics shaping the politicisation of security
- Vigilant State: Understanding Secret Intelligence
What you learn (5)
- explain the historical development of intelligence practice
- evaluate the features of intelligence accountability frameworks
- assess strengths and weaknesses of theories explaining the intelligence cycle
- analyse current issues in national and regional intelligence approaches
- present intelligence analysis in written form
- The Politics of Religion
What you learn (4)
- analyse theoretical debates on the relationship between politics and religion
- evaluate how religion has influenced contemporary political institutions
- explain the ongoing processes by which religion shapes current politics
- apply conceptual frameworks to analyse current religion-politics issues
- The Political Economy of Money
What you learn (4)
- explain theoretical debates on the role of money in political economy
- evaluate competing approaches to the role of money in political economy
- apply theories of money to diverse issues in political economy
- construct a well-substantiated argument on political economy topics
- Violence, Rights, Justice and Peace in the Middle East
What you learn (9)
- describe key historical events shaping the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- identify the main actors involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- apply international relations theories to analyse the causes of the conflict
- evaluate scholarly debates on human rights violations within the conflict
- assess prospects for peacemaking and a just resolution to the conflict
- explain competing conceptions of peace and justice in the conflict
- discuss differing views on the legitimacy of violence in the conflict
- construct independent arguments on the conflict using IR theories
- defend a personal position within key scholarly debates on the conflict
- The Global Energy Challenge: Environment, Development & Security
What you learn (7)
- describe the role of energy in modern society
- explain how energy use relates to energy policy and politics
- identify key political perspectives on energy
- analyse policy choices linked to different political perspectives on energy
- apply political perspectives to examine institutions involved in energy policymaking
- analyse the roles of key actors in shaping energy policy
- evaluate energy policies in relation to changing energy systems
- The Politics of Climate Change
What you learn (4)
- explain political debates surrounding greenhouse gas emission reduction
- analyse the roles of key institutions in climate change mitigation
- evaluate differing political approaches to climate change across sectors
- identify connections between global, national and local climate policies
- Gender, Race and Militarism
What you learn (10)
- explain how gender, race and militarism interconnect
- explain feminist theoretical approaches to war and militarism
- evaluate competing interpretations of gender, race and militarism relationships
- develop an original conceptual framework linking gender, race and militarism
- discuss the relevance of feminist approaches to global politics
- construct coherent written arguments on political topics
- collect and organise evidence from primary and secondary sources
- apply gathered data to support analytical arguments
- critically assess concepts and information for validity
- use digital tools to retrieve and present information
- Race and International Politics
What you learn (6)
- compare how race shapes governance across different policy areas
- critically assess how race drives political contestation in policy debates
- evaluate scholarly literature addressing race within international politics
- explain the historical origins of race as a political concept
- describe how imperial structures shaped the development of race as a concept
- analyse the ongoing influence of race on contemporary world politics
Year 4 · 1 core, 3 optional · 30 credits ≈ 300 hours
- Issues in Political Theory
What you learn (7)
- interpret complex arguments from contemporary political philosophy texts
- critically evaluate arguments found in political theory literature
- formulate a reasoned personal position on political theory debates
- compare opposing perspectives on contested political issues
- construct an extended argument on fundamental political values
- defend a political position against sceptical objections
- integrate ideas from other disciplines to strengthen political arguments
3 optional modules
- Chinese 4 for language degree students
What you learn (11)
- describe features of contemporary chinese society and culture
- speak chinese fluently in familiar conversational contexts
- respond spontaneously to unpredictable conversational situations in chinese
- extract relevant information from authentic chinese audio recordings
- extract relevant information from authentic chinese written texts
- compose extended chinese essays on social topics using simplified characters
- compose extended chinese essays on study or work topics using simplified characters
- evaluate cultural texts critically for underlying arguments and context
- engage with scholarly debates relevant to chinese culture
- design an independent research project on a chinese cultural topic
- present research findings on a chinese cultural topic
- Chinese 5 for Language Degree Students
What you learn (10)
- communicate effectively in chinese across varied formal and informal contexts
- extract accurate information from authentic chinese texts of varied registers
- distinguish literary from non-literary writing styles in chinese texts
- apply advanced grammar and syntax to compose extended chinese essays on social issues
- write formal chinese letters accurately and appropriately structured
- evaluate chinese cultural texts critically and relate them to scholarly debates
- design and carry out independent research on a chinese cultural topic
- present research findings on a chinese cultural topic
- explain aspects of chinese culture with deeper insight
- use a wider range of registers and styles when speaking chinese
- Chinese 6 for Language Degree Students
What you learn (9)
- explain intercultural aspects of business within Chinese-speaking communities
- extract information from authentic Chinese texts of varied genres
- apply advanced grammar and vocabulary to write formal business letters
- compose extended reports using appropriate syntax and register
- communicate verbally in Chinese with accuracy in business situations
- evaluate cultural texts critically
- engage with academic debates on cultural topics
- carry out independent research on a cultural topic
- present research findings on a cultural topic
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£31,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£26k
Median£32k
Upper quarter£41k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 175 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 24, 23
Half of graduates earned between £25,500 and £40,500. Five years on, the median is £41,500. 89% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 76% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 10% left | 100% | 15 |
| In work or study, 15 months on10% studying | 89% | 165 |
| Professional or managerial job | 76% | 115 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £33,000 | 75 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £31,500 | 175 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £41,500 | 180 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
Warwick fees page · source
About £40,200 in fees over 4 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold.
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
89%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 79% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 460 students answered
Highest: 98% agreed on question 20; lowest: 74% on question 25.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 97% |
| Question 2 | 93% |
| Question 3 | 96% |
| Question 4 | 91% |
| Question 5 | 92% |
| Question 6 | 89% |
| Question 7 | 93% |
| Question 8 | 79% |
| Question 9 | 87% |
| Question 10 | 82% |
| Question 11 | 86% |
| Question 12 | 86% |
| Question 13 | 84% |
| Question 14 | 76% |
| Question 15 | 95% |
| Question 16 | 93% |
| Question 17 | 89% |
| Question 18 | 91% |
| Question 19 | 93% |
| Question 20 | 98% |
| Question 21 | 96% |
| Question 22 | 95% |
| Question 23 | 95% |
| Question 24 | 87% |
| Question 25 | 74% |
| Question 26 | 89% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Warwick’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Warwick is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.