BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics
- Part-time study available
- International students can apply
- Overseas study available
- Work placement opportunity
Career Prospects
This course develops not only your knowledge of international relations and politics, but key transferable skills which are vital to a vast range of career prospects. In any well-paid job or career you will need presentation skills and an ability to communicate your ideas clearly. Good writing and research skills as well as the ability to deploy a variety of innovative techniques are essential.
These skills have seen our graduates find employment in local government and the civil service, consultancy, publishing, working for an international organisation (such as the EU), media, and multinational organisations and companies.
Graduates from this course may progress on a number of career paths, and thanks to the transferable skills you develop as part of this course, you have many options. Popular career destinations include:
- Public administration
- Civil service
- Political analysis and research (government advisory departments)
- Local government
- International organisations
- Campaigning organisations (charities, non-governmental organisations)
- Consultancy
- Journalism, publishing and media
- Postgraduate courses, research and teaching.
This course is designed to support your personal development and skills to enhance your employability. You will learn to work to deadlines, write clearly and effectively, present your ideas in a professional style, develop vital research skills and methods of communication. These are all desirable and essential skills necessary for well-paid jobs.
Alumni Profile
Mark Ellams graduated in 2010 (first class) and has worked teaching English as a volunteer in Cambodia. He also spent a year studying in Poland as part of his degree. “The experiences and good times that I had will stay with me forever… All in all a fantastic time… Plus you actually get paid to go and have these fantastic experiences.”
Carl Ollerhead joined the programme in 2005, stayed on to complete the MA in International Relations and Globalisation, and has since been active in local politics. He has worked for the David Miliband campaign in the North-West during the leadership election, and is now a local election agent and organizer, elected to the board of trustees for a local charity group. He has also become the secretary of that group.
Jerry Jallow graduated in 2010 and is now completing his MA in International Development: Politics and Governance at the University of Manchester: “Lecturers and tutors were very good not only in the field of international relations, but also in transferring their knowledge to students. They had time for students, which was also a key factor to my valuable experience, as it gave me the chance to develop an interest in areas that I had never previously thought about.”
Alfred Tortor graduated in 2010 and is now completing an MA in International Relations at Leeds University: “I really enjoyed the professionalism of the lecturers, the informal teaching environment, the easy availability of academic support, and was amazed at the up-to-date learning facilities. I also benefited from the Salford Graduate Gateway Training Programme, which I completed in July 2010 and got a three month placement as a Research and Market Strategist in a media company in Salford Quays. I strongly recommend studying at Salford.”
Industry Links
You may be able to take part in the Parliamentary Placement Scheme, spending six months in the Westminster office of an MP. You may also take part in the Manchester Television Placement Scheme, where you spend two days per week undertaking research for a television programme on current politics for Channel M. You are also encouraged to attend seminars throughout the year, which give you the chance to meet with people from the industry.
The placements, guest speakers and seminars help you to understand how the industry works and informs your career path after leaving University.