Politics and International Relations - Quantitative Methods BSc (Hons)

International student

Course overview

Politics is about power: who holds it, who doesn’t and the consequences of these power relations all over the world. This degree explores these issues - with a focus on developing your skills in data-driven political analysis.

You’ll study the core areas of comparative politics, political theory and international relations, building a comprehensive understanding of how politics shapes domestic and global issues.

At the same time, you’ll gain experience with data analysis and a range of quantitative methods - enabling you to evaluate patterns in political behaviour and assess the impact of policy using evidence.

Course highlights

You'll develop advanced quantitative methods skills in data collection and analysis.
·��ܰ� placements and internship opportunities provide valuable real-world experience that looks great on your CV.
·��ԭ�� abroad opportunities in locations such as China, Europe and the USA.

Proven results

We're ranked in the top 20 in the UK for politics (Complete University Guide 2026).
Politics and international relations graduates earned a median salary of £39,400 five years after graduation (LEO data from 2022/23 tax year, published in 2025).

How you will learn

Teaching is primarily by lecture and seminar. In lectures, all students taking the module are introduced to a topic. In seminars, students are sometimes split into smaller groups to discuss prepared work.

This means that one hour you might be sitting in a big lecture hall listening to a lecture; the next, you could be in a small group trying to work out the meaning of a key political text or tract. In seminars, we sometimes utilise individual and group presentations, films, role-plays and simulations.

As part of our commitment to research-led teaching excellence, we make widespread use of internet-based teaching strategies to complement lectures and seminars. These may be core texts, chapters, articles, video clips or visual materials such as propaganda posters and election manifestoes. This approach will enable you to develop crucial IT skills as you learn the discipline of politics.

Teaching methods

Computer labs
Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Workshops

How you will be assessed

We present you with a variety of different challenges and types of assessment, including exams, essays, verbal presentations and projects. Each unit is assessed separately, meaning there are no daunting final exams at the end of your degree.

You will be given a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how your work is marked. Your work will be marked in a timely manner and you will receive feedback on the tasks you are given.

Assessment methods

Coursework
Dissertation
Essay
Examinations
Presentation
Project work

Contact time and study hours

You'll have at least a weekly average of the following timetabled hours through lectures, seminars and workshops, tutorials or supervision.

Year one: minimum of 12 hours
Year two: minimum of 10 hours
Year three: minimum of 8 hours

Modules

5 modules

Introduction to Political Data and Analysis

Learn the basics of data, statistics and quantitative methods in political science. This module covers everything from summarising and visualising data to using statistical software for analysis. You'll gain valuable skills for interpreting and presenting data in political research.

Introduction to Political Theory

Dive into the world of political thought with this module. Explore the ideas of famous political thinkers and see how their concepts shape today's politics. You'll discuss key political ideas and historical events, making connections between past and present.

Political Theory in Practice

Engage with key political concepts like democracy, legitimacy and freedom. This module challenges you to think critically about these ideas and their implications for real-world politics. You'll develop analytical skills and learn to build strong, justified arguments.

Problems in Global Politics

Uncover the major issues in global politics, from security threats to inaction on climate change. This module uses real-world examples to help you understand the complexities of international relations and the roles of states and non-state actors in addressing global problems, while taking a close look at the nature of ‘global politics’ itself.

Understanding Global Politics

Get to grips with the big questions in international politics and the theories that explain them. You'll explore both traditional and modern approaches to understanding global issues, providing a solid foundation for further study in international relations.

3 modules

British Constitution in Crisis

Examine the structure and significance of the British constitution in the face of recent crises. Topics include parliamentary sovereignty, devolution and the UK's evolving relationship with Europe. You'll explore these issues from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

International Politics of the Asia-Pacific

Explore the diverse politics of the Asia-Pacific region, including political history, systems and identity politics. This module covers contemporary issues like sustainable development and foreign relations, using comparative and historical approaches to deepen your understanding of the region's role in global politics.

Introduction to Comparative Politics

Discover the differences and similarities between modern democratic states. This module covers everything from political systems and constitutions to voting behaviour and the challenges facing democracies today. You'll learn to compare political systems and understand the dynamics of democratic and authoritarian regimes.

1 module

Analysing and Interpreting Political Data

Build on your quantitative skills with a focus on regression analysis. This module teaches you how to manage and manipulate data, estimate models using statistical software and interpret statistical analysis, preparing you for advanced political science research.

10 modules

British Party Politics

Understand the central role of political parties in the British political system. This module examines the structures, ideologies and fortunes of British political parties, helping you grasp their importance in shaping government policy and public opinion.

Democracy and its Critics

Investigate the principles of democracy and the arguments of its critics. This module uses primary sources to explore historical and contemporary debates in democratic theory, helping you develop analytical skills to assess its merits and limitations.

Experiencing National Identity

Explore how national identities are expressed and contested in everyday life. This module examines the role of identity in local and international contexts, teaching you key approaches in qualitative research and data analysis.

Global Security

Explore global security issues from the Cold War to the present day. This module covers everything from state use of force and cyber security to human security and nuclear weapons, building on first-year modules to deepen your theoretical and empirical knowledge of international security.

How Voters Decide

Discover the factors that influence voting behaviour in elections. This module explores whether voters base their choices on party policies, past successes or other factors like media coverage and party leaders. You'll gain skills to evaluate arguments about electoral behaviour.

International Political Economy and Global Development

��ԭ�� the evolution of international political economy (IPE) with a focus on development. This module introduces different theoretical approaches and examines the empirical development of the global economy since World War II, preparing you for advanced studies in international relations.

International Politics in the 20th Century

The module examines major events and themes in 20th-century international politics. The module is taught from the disciplinary standpoint of International Relations rather than that of International History. Various theoretical perspectives and debates are, therefore, brought to bear on explaining and understanding the events of the last century.

Politics and Public Policy in China

Gain a comprehensive introduction to contemporary Chinese politics and public policy. This module covers the evolution of authoritarianism, the structure of the party-state and key policy areas, helping you understand the challenges of governance in China.

Social and Global Justice

Examine key themes in political theory, such as justice and equality. This module looks at contemporary issues like wealth distribution, civil disobedience and environmental concerns, encouraging you to think critically about the role of justice in global politics.

The Transformation of European Politics

Delve into the current debates in European politics, from party systems and elections to populism and immigration. This module covers both long-established and newer democracies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the political and social changes in Europe.

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2 modules

Advanced Quantitative Methods for Social Science

Enhance your quantitative skills with advanced training. This module will provide you with the tools to analyse and interpret complex data in social science research.

Dissertation in Politics and International Relations

This module enables you to undertake a sustained piece of research and analysis into a subject within the discipline of politics and international relations.

18 modules

African Politics

Dive into the key themes and debates in African politics. This module covers nationalist resistance, theories of the African state, political economy and relations with former colonial powers. You'll explore contemporary political developments and understand the complexities of African politics from multiple perspectives.

China in Global Politics

Explore China's role as a rising superpower. This module examines China's foreign policy, political and economic relations with major powers and its global influence, helping you understand the dynamics of China's interactions with the world.

Ideas and Politics in Contemporary Britain

Examine the role of political ideas and ideologies in contemporary Britain. This module looks at how mainstream and non-mainstream parties and social movements influence policies and practices, helping you understand the significance of political ideologies.

Left and Right in Contemporary Politics

Explore the relevance of 'left' and 'right' as organising principles in contemporary politics. This module examines their use in party competition, policy formation, public opinion and media consumption, helping you understand their role in linking mass populations and political elites.

The Middle East and the World

Understand the relationship between the Middle East and the rest of the world. This module covers key events and themes like the Cold War, the Arab Spring and terrorism, providing a deeper understanding of the region's contemporary challenges.

Political Challenges and Multiple Crises in the Global Economy

Analyse political challenges and crises in the global economy. This module covers issues like sovereign default, free trade and climate change, using theories from international relations and political economy to understand global politics.

Political Parties and Party Systems Around the Globe

��ԭ�� the development and functioning of political parties and party systems in democratic states worldwide. This module focuses on post-transitional democracies, using analytical concepts and empirical indicators to understand party organisation and system stability.

Race and Politics

This module seeks to introduce students to theories of race and racialisation, including, but not limited to, postcolonial theory, orientalism, and intersectionality. After learning the basics of these theoretical lenses, students will study the politics of race in different country contexts through countries’ histories of colonialism and imperialism as well as contemporary racial and ethnic disparities.  

Responding to Extremism: Politics, Power, and Ethics

Explore the politics and discourses around extremism and the multiple responses to extremism by states, the international system and civil society actors. This module covers various ideologies and approaches to countering terrorism and extremism, helping you understand the politics and ethics of extremism from multiple vantage points.

Special Relationship? Anglo-American Security Relations

The Anglo-American so-called 'Special Relationship' has provoked controversy since the term was coined after World War Two. To some commentators it has represented an attempt by the UK to hide its decline by lofty rhetoric and becoming the 'poodle' of a Superpower. To others, it has been a relationship that has served the interests of both countries and provided a foundation for Western cooperation. This module explores the salient aspects of a relationship that has been built around security, conventional and nuclear.

The EU as a Global Power

Understand the international role of the European Union. This module covers the foreign policy, security and economic policies of the EU and EU member states.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: The Morality of Capitalism

Investigate the ethical foundations and moral justifications of capitalism. This module examines the benefits and criticisms of capitalism, exploring issues like poverty, exploitation and environmental destruction. You'll develop analytical skills to assess the moral implications of economic orders.

The Politics of Ethnic Conflict

Investigate the relationship between ethnic groups and political conflict. This module examines the rise of nationalism, the role of identity in populist mobilisation and the strategies governments use to manage diversity, using examples from Asia, Africa, Europe and North America.

The Politics of Human Rights

Why are some states better at protecting, respecting, and fulfilling their human rights obligations, while others are not? Understanding the conditions under which governments protect human rights is crucial for the field of International Relations and policy makers alike. This module will discuss cutting-edge research within and beyond the human rights field.

You will learn about autocratic state behaviour, safeguards within democratic systems, the campaigns and challenges of NGOs and international organisations, and the wide-ranging effects of globalisation across the different categories and dimensions of human rights. The module will apply theory and empirical insights from these different fields of inquiry in order to understand the relative protection and enjoyment of human rights across different country contexts.

By the end of the module, you will have a clear understanding about human rights research and its effects on the real world.

The Politics of Inequality

Understand key theories and debates on social, political and economic inequality. This module examines the nature of equality and inequality, exploring which inequalities are permissible and what it means to live in a society of equals.

The Russo-Ukranian War

This module explores the causes and consequences of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It examines the decision to go to war, the unfolding conflict and its international implications.

The Struggle for Democracy

At the dawn of the 21st century, democracy's status worldwide is uncertain. This module examines why some countries are democratic while others are not, how democracy emerged and its impact on people's lives. You'll explore different models of democratisation and think critically about the challenges of crafting democratic regimes globally.

Theories of the Modern State

Understand the power and authority of the modern state. This module examines key theories from historical and contemporary political thought, helping you appreciate the relevance of these theories to modern politics.

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Language study as part of this degree

Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level and you may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.

Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages. If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.

Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree.

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2027 entry.

A levels

AAB

32 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, and citizenship studies

GCSEs

GCSE English grade 4 (C) or above

IB requirements

IB score

32 points overall or 665 in 3 Higher Level certificates

Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme

Applicants to this course may be eligible for our Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme. If you achieve a grade A in an EPQ, Core Maths*, IB Extended Essay or additional AS level qualification* then you will receive a one grade reduced offer for this course.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer or receive an alternative offer based on taking four A levels, your additional qualification will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

* Additional eligibility requirements apply. View further details on this scheme.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DD plus one A level grade A
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus two A level grades AB

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Mature students

At the ��ԭ��, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Notes for applicants

We are looking for students who have the ability and motivation to benefit from our courses, and who will make a valuable contribution to the departments and the university. Candidates are considered on the basis of their UCAS application.

All applications are considered equally on merit; students are usually selected on the basis of academic excellence and personal qualities, as evidenced in their personal statement and reference. Applicants are not typically interviewed.

A year in Data Analytics and AI

Add an extra year to your degree to understand the latest in data analytics and artificial intelligence. You’ll gain practical experience and a solid foundation in computing and statistics, building the technical and professional skills that employers need.

Futureproof your career with this extra year.

��ԭ�� abroad

On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at ��ԭ�� China or ��ԭ�� Malaysia.

If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Teaching is typically in English, but there may be opportunities to study in another language if you are sufficiently fluent.

You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.

The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.

Please note

In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.

Optional placement year

If your course does not have a compulsory placement, integrated year in industry or compulsory year abroad where there is already an opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of that experience, you may be able to apply to undertake an optional placement year. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a placement, our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout this process. Contact placements@nottingham.ac.uk to find out more.

The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information.

Please note

In order to undertake an optional placement year, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an optional placement as part of your course.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Tuition fees

2027/28 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 27/28. It may increase for the academic year 28/29 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), please visit our fees page.

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

If you choose to take an optional placement module, you will need to factor in travel costs, which will be dependent on location of placement and proximity to term-time address.

Scholarships and bursaries

The ��ԭ�� offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our .

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. Full details can be found on our .

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2027 entry.

32 points overall

A levels

AAB

IB requirements

IB score

32 points overall or 665 in 3 Higher Level certificates

A level and GCSE requirements

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, and citizenship studies

GCSEs

GCSE English grade 4 (C) or above

Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme

* Additional eligibility requirements apply. View further details on this scheme.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DD plus one A level grade A
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus two A level grades AB

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The ��ԭ�� does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Mature students

Notes for applicants

A year in Data Analytics and AI

Futureproof your career with this extra year.

��ԭ�� abroad

On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at ��ԭ�� China or ��ԭ�� Malaysia.

You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.

The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.

Please note

Optional placement year

The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information.

Please note

Disclaimer

Tuition fees

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using .

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

If you choose to take an optional placement module, you will need to factor in travel costs, which will be dependent on location of placement and proximity to term-time address.

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Careers overview

At Nottingham, you will acquire a strong academic foundation and a range of excellent intellectual and transferable skills, such as the ability to study independently, communicate effectively, as well as a number of digital competencies.

You will leave us with specialist knowledge of international issues and political systems that will enhance your global career prospects.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates develop careers across the private, public and charitable sectors. Private sector destinations include journalism, broadcasting, television and ﬁlm production, advertising, marketing and personnel as well as the commercial and ﬁnancial sectors. Some go into party politics as parliamentary assistants, councillors in local government and even MPs; others work for the civil service and in research and data analysis.

Third-sector careers include working for non-governmental organisations, charities and development agencies. Some graduates opt for further study or take vocational qualiﬁcations in postgraduate law or teaching.

We’ve had graduates work for:

Home Office
Cabinet Office
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
House of Commons
PwC
BBC Radio 1
BBC News
ITV News

Hear from graduates Lydia and Lauren, who are using their skills in government and the media.

Job prospects

Average starting salary and career progression

Politics and international relations graduates earned a median salary of £39,400 five years after graduation (LEO data from 2022/23 tax year, published in 2025).

Support every step of the way

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service will work with you to boost your employability even further – helping with job and course applications, finding relevant work experience and hosting events that connect you with a wide range of potential employers.

The ��ԭ�� is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers.

We’re also the top UK university for the number of graduates entering highly skilled jobs (HESA Graduate Outcomes survey data 2021–2025 for full-time, UK, UG and PG graduates).

Careers and Employability

Welcome to your campus

At University Park, nature, architecture and student life come together on one unforgettable campus. Explore beautiful green spaces, unwind by the lake and enjoy a vibrant sense of community. It’s the perfect setting for an extraordinary university experience where you can learn, grow and thrive.

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Politics and International Relations - Quantitative Methods - U6UPIRQM

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

5 modules

Introduction to Political Data and Analysis

Introduction to Political Theory

Political Theory in Practice

Problems in Global Politics

Understanding Global Politics

Optional modules

Core modules

1 module

Analysing and Interpreting Political Data

Optional modules

Core modules

2 modules

Advanced Quantitative Methods for Social Science

Dissertation in Politics and International Relations

Optional modules

Language study as part of this degree

Select student type

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£10,050 per year

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

Fees

Careers

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