Politics + IR uni Recommendations

Hi everyone! I’m an international high school student looking to apply to UK unis for Politics and International Relations. I’m trying to form an overall list of places to apply to, so I wanted to reach out here to hear any recommendations :smile:

* I’m looking for a Russell Group uni with a strong politics and IR department that has scholarship opportunities.
* Preferably located close-ish (under 3 hours) to an international airport.
* In a affordable/cheap city that’s walkable and easy to travel around without a car
* In a city with museums, cute coffee shops and lots of green space

I know I am VERY specific :smile:

So if you have a suggestion that maybe doesn’t fit all of these, I would still love to hear it. Thanks for the help!

Reply 1

N_63737373737

Hi I want to apply to this degree as well and i was wondering if u knew like if a joint honours degree is harder or I’m just better off doing just Ir

Reply 2

Eli_77

Original post by N_63737373737

Hi I want to apply to this degree as well and i was wondering if u knew like if a joint honours degree is harder or I’m just better off doing just Ir

Hi,

I'm certainly no professional so take this with a grain of salt, but I think joint politics and IR has an advantage. Just because IR is an interdisciplinary field, going into it without a previous knowledge of political science might be confusing. It also really depends on why you want to pursue IR. If you want to go into academia I'd suggest poli + IR because it gives you a strong foundation in political science as a social science. But the interdisciplinary aspect of IR on its own might be tempting as well, especially if you want to go straight into the work field. So really it depends on why you want to go into the field and your expectations.

As for whether it'll be harder, I think there might be some differences but becuase politics and IR are so similar, I don't think you'll struggle in studying one if you're passionate about the other.

Hope this helps!!

Reply 3

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

Hi @Eli_77

I currently study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Southampton. The University of Southampton fits the majority of your criteria.

It is located 10 minute bus ride from Southampton Airport and 2 hours from London Gatwick Airport. It is very affordable city and also very easy to walk. For example,I live walking distance from uni and city centre so I tend to walk everywhere and not take the bus at all. However, the bus is very easy to use as it stops right in the middle of the university. If you stay in university owned halls in first year, you will get a bus ticket and be able to use the buses unlimited throughout the year.

There are museums as well such as the John Hansard art Gallery, Sea City Museum and Solent Sky Museum. There is alot of green space - there is parks in the city centre. There is Southampton Common near to the University which is very large green area. And the campus also has green space.

With regards to the course, the department is very strong. For example, graduate outcomes are strong with 96% of students in further study or employment 6 months after graduating. University of Southampton is a Russell Group and there is alot of research that takes place here. For example, Southampton is the first university in the world to have a Centre of Political Ethnography. Regarding the course, there are variety of modules you can take. In second and third year, the majority of your modules will be optional so you can tailor the course to what you like. You can find out about the course here.

Moreover, the University does have a variety of scholarships on offer which you can find out about here

I hope this helps. If you have any questions regarding the university or course, you are very welcome to respond to this message.

Best Wishes,
Gulcin

Reply 4

Jhanak Kumawat

Original post by Eli_77

Hi,
I'm certainly no professional so take this with a grain of salt, but I think joint politics and IR has an advantage. Just because IR is an interdisciplinary field, going into it without a previous knowledge of political science might be confusing. It also really depends on why you want to pursue IR. If you want to go into academia I'd suggest poli + IR because it gives you a strong foundation in political science as a social science. But the interdisciplinary aspect of IR on its own might be tempting as well, especially if you want to go straight into the work field. So really it depends on why you want to go into the field and your expectations.
As for whether it'll be harder, I think there might be some differences but becuase politics and IR are so similar, I don't think you'll struggle in studying one if you're passionate about the other.
Hope this helps!!

Hey!!! Any idea how is University of Manchester for Politics and International Relations??? I have already accepted my offer and so far I haven’t heard a single complaint