Politics and International Relations

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information

This course is moving into one of our new buildings at City campus. Teaching will be delivered at our Collegiate campus during the 2024/25 academic year while we get our new facilities ready. After that you will study in brand new facilities at City campus.

Course summary

• Advance your knowledge of politics, international relations and policy making

• Gain a critical understanding of a wide range of institutions, ideologies and theories

• Explore today’s issues in social justice, climate change and decolonisation

• Learn in a global context, travel abroad, visit embassies and interact with policymakers

• Join an active student community – debating, influencing and publishing articles to drive social change

By studying Politics and International Relations at Sheffield Hallam University, you will develop the skills to formulate and defend complex ideas – and the ability to think clearly and objectively. From local councils to the United Nations, you’ll learn from well-connected, global experts – preparing yourself to make a difference to local, national and international policy.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

On this course you’ll gain the skills you need for your political career. Your classwork is supplemented by guest speakers from the public, academic, non-governmental and campaign sectors. Not only do they provide different perspectives on real-world issues, they also offer an insight into the knowledge and skills you’ll need to work in their sectors.

You’ll be taught by experts who help to build a friendly, interactive community where you can become the best you can possibly be. Our staff are recognised nationally – for example, one of our experts was recently invited to participate in EU research for the UK government. We also have great links locally with media outlets, Sheffield City Council and the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce – all really useful networking opportunities if you’re completing a placement during your studies.

You learn through:

Lectures and seminars
Expert teaching
Guest speakers
Away days
Workshops
E-learning
Placement opportunities
Debates

Key themes

This course covers a broad spectrum, giving you the opportunity to explore your interests through a wide range of pathways. You’ll travel, learn about policy-making environments and talk to practitioners and advocacy groups – as well as having the chance to practise your skills in a model UN setting, work on live projects with local authorities, and interact with real policymakers.

You can choose from a range of elective modules such as gender, peace & (in)security, understanding human rights, terrorism and counterterrorism, and international political economy.

From Brexit, COVID and climate change, to the human issues of social justice, gender and decolonisation, you’ll delve into the big hot-button issues. You’ll leave Sheffield Hallam University able to form political arguments, debate effectively and influence decision makers.

Course support

You’ll be supported by staff every step of the way. This might be by working with others in small groups, or developing your own independent learning style.
You’ll also be supported towards highly-skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:

• Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development

• Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars, and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments

• Industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities