Politics and International Studies BA
AAA at A level; graduates earn a median £31,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAA
90% of entrants came with A levels · 99% stay on after year 1 · Warwick course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AAAtypical A level offer; aaa
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: ABB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
Warwick course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
Who actually got in: 90% with A levels, 10% with the IB. 9% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 175 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 | 36 points36. | — |
| BTEC | —Will be considered as long as essential entry requirements are met. | — |
| Advanced Highers | AAAA in two Advanced Highers, and AAB in three additional Highers subjects. | — |
| 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 1–3
What do you study?
3compulsory modules in year 1, 6 optional
Compulsory modules this year: social & cultural skills 53% · transversal skills 28% · language & communication 19%.
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 · 3 core, 6 optional · 90 credits ≈ 900 hours
- Political Research in the 21st Century
What you learn (7)
- evaluate strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research methods in politics
- evaluate strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research methods in politics
- identify ethical dilemmas arising during academic research, including plagiarism
- apply strategies to resolve ethical dilemmas in research
- apply foundation-level university study skills independently
- critically analyse a range of sources for research purposes
- relate academic skills to transferable skills needed in employment
- 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
6 optional modules
- 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, 12 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
12 optional modules
- 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, 20 optional
20 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
- United States Foreign Policy
What you learn (6)
- explain theoretical debates underpinning us foreign policy analysis
- assess consequences of us foreign and defense policy decisions
- relate us international role to broader international relations debates
- identify classic and contemporary scholarship on us foreign policy
- critique complex ideas on current us foreign policy in writing
- critique complex ideas on current us foreign policy orally
- 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
“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 14, 13, 23
Half of graduates earned between £25,500 and £40,500. Five years on, the median is £41,500. 96% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 70% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 11% left | 99% | 160 |
| In work or study, 15 months on11% studying | 96% | 55 |
| Professional or managerial job | 70% | 40 |
| 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 £30,150 in fees over 3 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold.
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
91%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 84% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 140 students answered
Highest: 99% agreed on question 20; lowest: 77% on question 25.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 98% |
| Question 2 | 95% |
| Question 3 | 96% |
| Question 4 | 91% |
| Question 5 | 91% |
| Question 6 | 90% |
| Question 7 | 93% |
| Question 8 | 78% |
| Question 9 | 88% |
| Question 10 | 86% |
| Question 11 | 86% |
| Question 12 | 88% |
| Question 13 | 82% |
| Question 14 | 78% |
| Question 15 | 96% |
| Question 16 | 93% |
| Question 17 | 90% |
| Question 18 | 93% |
| Question 19 | 96% |
| Question 20 | 99% |
| Question 21 | 98% |
| Question 22 | 99% |
| Question 23 | 97% |
| Question 24 | 93% |
| Question 25 | 77% |
| Question 26 | 91% |
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.