Undergraduate Course

Integrated Master in Politics: Politics and International Relations

How to apply

Overview

The details

Course: Politics and International Relations

UCAS code: L234

Start date: October 2026

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 4 years

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Government

What is the Integrated Master in Politics (MPol): Politics and International Relations?

The Integrated Master in Politics (MPol): Politics and International Relations is a four-year degree, or five years with an optional placement or year abroad. It combines undergraduate and postgraduate study in a single integrated programme.

Develop advanced analytical skills, deep political insight, and gain a master's qualification that can lead to meaningful careers in government, international organisations, or postgraduate research.

Why this course

The Integrated Master in Politics and International Relations (MPol) lets you fast-track your studies and graduate with both an undergraduate and master’s qualification - reducing visa and application complexity.

You’ll study in a department known for influential research in international politics, diplomacy and global governance. Our work informs policy debates, appears in leading journals and engages with major international organisations, creating a research-active environment where ideas are tested against real-world challenges. Here, you'll build analytical skills and critical perspective, helping you to understand and navigate complex global issues.

With an optional placement or study abroad year, you’ll put your skills to work in real-world settings, expanding your professional experience and global perspective before you graduate.

This course will help you develop the advanced analytical, research and problem-solving skills that employers value, preparing you to approach complex global challenges with confidence and contribute effectively in a wide range of professional settings.

Who should apply

Students aiming to fast-track their studies while reducing visa and application complexity
Those seeking sharper skills in policy analysis and leadership
Aspiring MPs, advisors, campaign managers, and policy strategists
Ambitious students targeting careers in government, political consulting, or public service leadership

What you’ll learn

Political systems and behaviour: Understand how democracies, authoritarian states, and elections function - and why people vote the way they do
Politics at home and abroad: Explore war, diplomacy, and security, connecting global events to domestic politics
Ideas and policy: Investigate ideology, human rights, and climate politics, and how they shape real-world decisions
Research skills: Develop data analysis and research design skills used by leading political scientists
Master's-level expertise: Advance to postgraduate study in your final year to deepen your knowledge and professional edge

Your learning experience

Integrated degree: Progress seamlessly from undergraduate to postgraduate study in one programme
Optional study abroad year: Spend an additional year at a partner university to broaden your global perspective and gain international experience, explore destinations through Study Abroad at Essex
Optional placement year: Add a year in industry to build professional skills and contacts with Placements at Essex
Applied learning: Access specialist facilities, including behavioural science labs and advanced data software
Expert supervision: Study in a department with world-leading research in politics and international relations

Careers and outcomes

An Integrated Master in Politics and International Relations (MPol) can prepare you for careers in:

National government and politics: Civil service, political parties, parliamentary policy units
Policy design and advocacy: NGOs, campaigning organisations, and policy advisory roles
Research and consultancy: Political strategy, polling, and think tank analysis
Media and communications: Political journalism, campaign strategy, and public affairs
Public leadership: Local government, legislative analysis, and policy implementation

Employers of our graduates

Graduates from the Department of Government have progressed to roles in:

The United Nations
UK Parliament and Civil Service
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)
International NGOs and humanitarian organisations
Global think tanks and consultancies

Meet the researchers

Dr Zorzeta Bakaki

Expert in international organisations, conflict resolution and environmental politics.

Department of Government, University of Essex

Dr Zeta Bakaki has over ten years of experience studying how countries work together. Her research looks at how international cooperation affects war and peace, focusing on the role of organisations, mediation, trust, and the environment. She has worked with data from countries like Brazil and Haiti and uses large global datasets in her research.

Dr Florian Kern

Expert in African politics, comparative politics, and mixed methods

Department of Government, University of Essex

Dr Kern has over a decade of experience researching politics in Africa and around the world. He has completed extensive fieldwork across the continent and has worked with the Overseas Development Institute and the Uganda Land Alliance. He has also presented his research to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ugandan Embassy in London.

Why choose Essex?

2nd in UK for research outputs in politics and international studies (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
9th in the UK for International Relations (Guardian University Guide 2026)
Our alumni include Members of Parliament, a Speaker of the House of Commons, a Home Secretary, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and many more leaders shaping global affairs

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

A-levels: AAA-AAB or 144-136 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
BTEC: DDD or 144-136 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 144-136 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
IB: 35 - 33 points in the IB Diploma or 144-136 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. Our Maths requirement can be met with either: 2 in Standard level Maths; 2 in Higher level Maths; or 5 in IB Middle Years Maths.
IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 144-136 UCAS tariff points, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
T-levels: 144-136 UCAS tariff points. We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. We make Contextual Offers, of up to two A-level grades (or equivalent) below our standard conditional offer, to applicants from underrepresented groups residing in the UK. Our Contextual Offers policy outlines the full eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a Contextual Offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team at ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Undergraduate Admissions team at ugquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.

Structure

Course structure

We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules, and optional modules chosen from lists. Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The course content is therefore reviewed on an annual basis to ensure our courses remain up-to-date so modules listed are subject to change.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Introduction to Politics

(30 CREDITS)

What is “Politics”? How have people conceived of political analysis, the state, laws, wars and political parties, across cultures and over time? Gain an understanding of essential concepts in the study of politics and explore the economic, social and intellectual trends that have made democracy possible.

View Introduction to Politics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: CORE

Introduction to International Relations

(15 CREDITS)

This module offers a formative background in the study of international politics. We seek to provide the essential tools and theoretical concepts used to analyse international politics so that a better understanding of specific historical events or contemporary issues is given.

View Introduction to International Relations on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

Contemporary Topics in International Relations

(15 CREDITS)

Why do states sometimes go to war? What conditions can promote peace and international stability? When are states able to form cooperative agreements to promote trade, combat terrorism, or address climate change? Explore issues in international relations which help address complicated questions concerning cooperation and conflict between countries.

View Contemporary Topics in International Relations on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Authority and Morality

(15 CREDITS)

Is the advice of historic political writers like Machiavelli still relevant for politicians today? Do we have a moral obligation to obey the law even when the law is unjust? Would it be preferable to live in anarchy? And where does the idea of human rights come from? In GV151 we study some classical texts in the Western tradition in order to understand how moral and political ideas have shaped the institutions that govern our lives today, and how they can help us make sense of current politics.

View Authority and Morality on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: OPTIONAL

(45 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

Career Portfolio

(0 CREDITS)

Develop the employability, citizenship, and life skills to successfully compete in the graduate job market after graduation. You complete a portfolio of employability skills and develop a critical understanding of the world of work.

View Career Portfolio on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

International Relations: Theories and Approaches

(15 CREDITS)

How should we approach relationships between different countries? Explore different theoretical lenses through which the world can be viewed, including bargaining theory, liberal institutional approaches, and emotion-based, psychological models of the behavior of international political actions.

View International Relations: Theories and Approaches on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Conflict Analysis

(15 CREDITS)

Understand the evolving field of conflict resolution through exploring the causes and effects of armed conflict across the world, and scrutinising the theory and practice of how this can be managed peacefully.

View Conflict Analysis on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS

(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 04: OPTIONAL

(45 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 05: OPTIONAL

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

Career Portfolio

(0 CREDITS)

View Career Portfolio on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 02: OPTIONAL

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 03: OPTIONAL

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 04: OPTIONAL

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Career Portfolio

(0 CREDITS)

View Career Portfolio on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS

(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS

(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 03: CORE WITH OPTIONS

(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 04: OPTIONAL

(45 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 05: OPTIONAL

(30 CREDITS)

Teaching

Teaching is arranged to allow a lot of freedom in how you organise your learning experience
Lab sessions allow you to improve your technical research skills
Opportunities to gain work experience on placements and internships

Assessment

Assessed through a combination of written coursework, presentations, class participation, and end-of-year examinations
If you undertake a placement, you will prepare an assessed report on this experience

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£9,790 per year

International fee

£22,600 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

If your course has the option to include a placement year or study abroad, and you choose to do so, you will pay the following:

Placement year

20% of your standard tuition fee for that year

Study abroad

Full year abroad

15% of your standard tuition fee for that year

Single term abroad

Standard tuition fee

Scholarships and financial support

There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

Fees and funding guide

Home/UK fees and funding information

International fees and funding information

What's next

Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.

2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Saturday 11 April 2026 - April Open Day

Saturday 20 June 2026 - June Open Day

Find out more

Applications for our full-time undergraduate courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full details on how to apply can be found on the filling in your UCAS undergraduate application web page.

Our UK students, and some of our EU and international students, who are still at school or college, can apply through their school. Your school will be able to check and then submit your completed application to UCAS. Our other international applicants (EU or worldwide) or independent applicants in the UK can also apply online through UCAS Apply.

The UCAS code for our University of Essex is ESSEX E70. The individual campus codes for our Loughton and Southend Campuses are 'L' and 'S' respectively.

You can find further information on how to apply, including information on transferring from another university, applying if you are not currently at a school or college, and applying for readmission on our How to apply and entry requirements page.

If you receive an undergraduate offer to study with us in October 2026 and live in the UK, you will receive an email invitation to book onto one of our Open Days. These events provide the opportunity to meet your department, join interesting taster sessions, tour our campus and accommodation, and chat to current students. You can visit our Open Days event page for more information, including terms and conditions.

A sunny day with banners flying on Colchester Campus Square 4.

Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

Find out more

View from Square 2 outside the Rab Butler Building looking towards Square 3

If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

Chat to us

Got a question about this course? Chat with Professor Natasha Lindstaedt from the Department of Government.

Chat with Natasha

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At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Integrated Master in Politics: Politics and International Relations

Overview

What is the Integrated Master in Politics (MPol): Politics and International Relations?

Why this course

Who should apply

What you’ll learn

Your learning experience

Careers and outcomes

Employers of our graduates

Meet the researchers

Dr Zorzeta Bakaki

Dr Florian Kern

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

Contextual Offers:

International & EU entry requirements

Structure

Course structure

Components

Modules

Teaching

Assessment

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

International fee

Placement year

Study abroad

Full year abroad

Single term abroad

Scholarships and financial support

Fees and funding guide

What's next

Open Days

2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Applying

Visit Colchester Campus

Virtual tours

Sign up for emails

Apply now

Visit us virtually

Book an open day