Politics and international relations

Join one of the largest Politics and International Relations departments in the UK.

Why study with us

Politics and international relations explore the ways we organise our lives in a globally interconnected world through a complex of huge institutions and practises. There could not be a better time in which to develop your understanding of the most important issues facing us.

After graduation

96% of graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course. (Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21)

Utilise our contacts

We have links with Welsh Government, Westminster, G7, the United Nations, NATO, NGOs, policy-makers and journalists.

We're experts

Our internationally renowned team are experts in political theory, public policy and electoral politics, cyber security, feminism, cold war history, environmental politics, security, intelligence studies and postcolonial politics.

Courses

Entry year

French and Politics (BA)

Full time, 4 years

Develop high-level French language skills and gain an in-depth intercultural understanding of French cultures. Combine this with an exploration of how parliaments and governments function and evaluate political ideas such as power, freedom, democracy

German and Politics (BA)

Full time, 4 years

Develop high-level German language skills and gain an in-depth intercultural understanding of German cultures. Combine this with an exploration of how parliaments and governments function and evaluate political ideas such as power, freedom, democracy

International Relations (BSc Econ)

Full time, 3 years

Investigate a wide range of questions that are critical to our contemporary world. Study modules on topics that include international security, environmental politics, feminism, cyber security, war and peace and postcolonial politics.

International Relations and Politics (BSc Econ)

Full time, 3 years

Gain a deeper understanding of how the political world works, why and how decisions are made by governments and non-governmental organisations, and how the consequences of these actions affect all of us. This programme allows you to investigate the

Italian and Politics (BA)

Full time, 4 years

Develop high-level Italian language skills and gain an in-depth intercultural understanding of Italian cultures. Combine this with an exploration of how parliaments and governments function and evaluate political ideas such as power, freedom,

Journalism, Communications and Politics (BA)

Full time, 3 years

You will analyse and reflect upon changes to both politics and policy driven by the growth of social media, the communications industry and the 24/7 news cycle.

Law and Politics (LLB)

Full time, 3 years

Law and Politics have a huge impact on our lives whatever our age, ethnicity, and social background. This programme allows you to combine these fascinating topics within the interdisciplinary environment of the School of Law and Politics.

Modern History and Politics (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Gain a wealth of skills, open the doors to a variety of career paths, and study politics while exploring key moments in history on our BA Modern History and Politics programme.

Politics (BSc Econ)

Full time, 3 years

Explore how parliaments and governments function, and evaluate political ideas such as power, freedom, democracy, conflict, legitimacy and accountability. You will have the opportunity to choose a module taught in conjunction with Westminster

Politics and Philosophy (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Explore and test the basic beliefs and values that underpin our ideas about Politics. Discover the major philosophical puzzles from history and cultivate your own complex reasoning to address the great questions of today.

Politics and Sociology (BSc Econ)

Full time, 3 years

Combining Politics with Sociology enables you to acquire a broad understanding of society.

Politics and Spanish (BA)

Full time, 4 years

Develop high-level Spanish language skills and gain an in-depth intercultural understanding of Spanish cultures. Combine this with an exploration of how parliaments and governments function and evaluate political ideas such as power, freedom,

Welsh and Politics (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Politics and Welsh BA (Joint Honours) gives students the opportunity to combine governmental and political theory with the study of the Welsh language, its literature and culture.

Our videos

Studying politics and international relations at Cardiff University

Lecturer in Politics, Dr Rachel Minto discusses the disciplines of politics and international relations and the ways in which they help us make sense of the world. Find out more about the questions we ask our students, the range of varied modules available, our close connections to government and policy makers and our dedication to your career, post university.

What our politics students say

Hear from former student Nicolo who studied Politics with us.

What our international relations students say

Hear from Geneva who studies International Relations with us.

Working with Westminster

We’re one of a select group of universities that work in partnership with Westminster to offer a politics module formally approved by UK Parliament.

A young woman holds a sign in protest against global warming

Our current research

Nothing is static in the world of research but we’ve grouped together some of the areas we’re currently asking pertinent questions about and seeking to find out more.

Join a society that means something to you

Regardless of where your political allegiances lie, there is society for you as part of Cardiff Students’ Union.

The course structure at Cardiff is tailored to allow me to specialise in areas of the discipline that are of particular interest to me such as international security. The opportunity to also study a language alongside international relations and politics is amazing. It not only opens up more graduate opportunities, but allows me to develop language skills, analytical skills and gives me the opportunity to spend a year abroad, where I will broaden my language skills further.

Adam Zaman International Relations and Politics (with a Language) BScEcon

Learn more about us

Student on placement at Welsh Government

Beyond the classroom

We offer a range of opportunities that will help you stand out in a competitive employment market.

Where you will study

We are situated at the heart of Wales’ capital city in the civic and legal centre, close to the town centre and transport links.

Our programmes provide a critical insight to our ever-changing world

Studying with us will introduce you to national and sub-national constitutions, public policy and social practises; to regional and international organisations; to the moral and political ideas that drive political movements and change; and to the nature and consequences of conflict, colonialism and great power politics.

Explore our School

Explore Cardiff University

Student support

Get free, impartial and confidential advice on disability and dyslexia, money, careers, counselling and more.

Guaranteed accommodation

If you arrive in September, you're guaranteed a single occupancy room, and you'll be allocated with other first-year students.

Student life

Learn more about our sport and recreation, free language programmes, living costs, learning support and the Students' Union.

Living costs

See how far your money goes by using our living costs calculator.

Next steps

View all politics and international relations undergraduate courses

Explore our courses

Download our undergraduate brochure

Learn more about our courses, School and the wider University.

Contact us

Ask a question via our enquiry form, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

How to apply

Everything you need to know about our application process.

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