Programmes

Politics & International Relations

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These degrees offer the opportunity to explore the debates, ideas, and issues that permeate global affairs. The modules will provide you with the theoretical tools you need to gain a well-rounded understanding of the world around you and of your place in it. You will also be empowered to use an array of lenses to develop your insight into how and why global events occur and how the world can be changed for the better.

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Why choose

Politics and International Relations

  • Politics and International Relations offers a highly complex but flexible degree programme which allows students to explore such diverse subjects as Political Science, Philosophy, History, and Business Studies
  • Develop a real-world expertise into current political affairs, across the European campuses as well as globally
  • Learn the skills that will make you highly employable in a vast range of industries and sectors, and empower yourself with a deeper insight of the world around you and of your place within it
  • Develop a high level proficiency in advanced academic writing, speaking and debating to work in the world’s best global affairs private and public sectors

Students who are:

  • Interested in global politics, diplomacy, or international relations
  • Curious about how governments and global institutions operate and interact
  • Natural analytical thinkers who enjoy engaging with current events and global issues
  • Eager to pursue an interdisciplinary and globally focused degree
  • Aiming for careers in public policy, NGOs, or international organisations
  • Global Political Knowledge: Gain deep understanding of core theories, debates, and global political issues.
  • Political Thought & Comparison: Explore influential thinkers and how political science compares societies across time and place.
  • Applied Learning: Engage with real-world problems through debates, role-plays, and collaborative projects.
  • Professional Skillset: Build key skills in teamwork, communication, digital tools, and critical and creative thinking.
  • Personal Development: Reflect on your strengths, growth areas, and future aspirations.

Forward College Bachelor’s tuition programme includes:

  • 100% small group teaching (on average 15 students per class)
  • Weekly one-on-one tutoring for individualised feedback and guidance
  • Frequent evaluations to track your progress throughout the year and ensure your success at the final exams
  • Induction programme where you will better understand your learning style and adopt the most relevant learning methods for you

Job Market

Our Politics and International Relations degrees equip students with valuable intellectual and practical skills, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities.

Graduates have gone on to work in:

  • International organisations and NGOs: Plan International, OECD, World Forum (Berlin), European Youth Parliament (Germany), Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity

  • Government and diplomacy: German Parliament (Berlin), Consulate of Finland (Rabat), Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye (Paris), Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Embassy in Warsaw, European Commission Representation in France, Service Civique in Académie du Climat

  • Other sectors: banking and finance, media and publishing, education, and local and national government roles

Master’s Opportunities 

Many students also pursue further study, receiving offers from top institutions such as:

  • Sciences Po

  • London School of Economics (LSE)

  • Hertie School

  • King’s College London

Popular postgraduate fields include: international affairs, law, human rights, business administration, and international development.

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Studying Politics & International Relations at Forward has been incredible. Discussing theory alongside current global issues sharpens my critical thinking, and modules from philosophy to history and business are preparing me for a future in diplomacy.
Jolina, Class of 2026
The Forward College programme has prepared me very well for my future in diplomacy and political communication.
Emirhan, Class of 2024 MSc Politics and Communication at
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I joined Forward College for its innovative teaching and focus on practical skills. Studying here lets me travel, learn, and build the resilience and emotional intelligence I need for the demanding work of my dreams.
Kitana, Class of 2024 Membership Relations, Marketing, and Comms at
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I wanted to push myself within an environment of curious, passionate, and ambitious people from all over the world.
Carolina, Class of 2025 Internship at the
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Forward provided me with a space where I could safely experiment, make mistakes, and push myself beyond my academic limits.
Myriam, Class of 2024 MSc International Security at
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Forward gave me the freedom to grow in unexpected ways, building leadership and entrepreneurial skills. It helped me define my next step: a Dual Master’s at Hult.
Karolina, Class of 2025 MSc in Management and Marketing at
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I chose Forward for its mix of academic excellence and practical learning in a global setting. Small touches, like professors knowing your name, personalised cups in the campus kitchen and interactive discussions instead of lectures, make it truly unique.
Majken, Class of 2027
Forward lets me study a challenging LSE-designed course while moving country each year. The flipped classroom pushes me to engage deeply with Politics and International Relations, and my international cohort gives me a truly unique perspective.
Arabella, Class of 2027
I’ve always been fascinated by marine life and hope to work in ocean conservation at the UN. Beyond a degree, Forward gives me internships and NGO experience that will help me reach a top master’s and, one day, the UN.
Ben, Class of 2027
I’ve always been curious about how the world works and why. Politics and IR lets me explore different cultures, perspectives and political systems through many lenses.
Sofia, Class of 2025 Double Bachelor’s in Politics & International Relations and Business & Leadership

Some of the Companies where our graduates work

What sets this programme apart?

World class Bachelor’s

designed by the LSE

International

3 years, 3 countries, 100% international students

High quality teaching

100% small classes (~15 students)

Leadership programme

Entrepreneurship, Digital skills, Soft skills

Pathway to top master’s

76%* admitted in a top 10 European university or Business School

In summary

Y1 Lisbon Y2 Paris Y3 Berlin

Small Classes

English

Accommodation guaranteed

From €19,500/year

Financial aid & student roles available

Are you eligible

Discover if you are eligible for our programmes

Take the test

Start your application

Take the first step towards your study journey. 

Apply

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FAQ

Students pursuing Politics & International Relations study political science and international relations, including global politics, diplomacy, and public policy.

Politics & International Relations graduates can pursue careers in government, diplomacy, NGOs, international organisations, or consulting.

Politics & International Relations students develop analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and the ability to understand complex global issues.

Yes, Politics & International Relations is a good choice for international careers as it prepares students for roles in global organisations, public policy, and international environments.

Yes, Politics & International Relations  graduates pursue postgraduate studies in international relations, political science, law, or public policy.

Many of our Politics & International Relations graduates continue their studies at leading universities, including Sciences Po, the London School of Economics (LSE), King’s College London and Hertie School. Others begin their careers at international organisations and public institutions such as the OECD, European Commission, Plan International, the German Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as across diplomacy, finance, media and education.

For Politics and International Relations, average weekly contact time varies by pathway, with Bachelor’s students attending 8–10 hours per week, Bachelor’s+ students 12–13 hours, and Double Bachelor’s students 14–15 hours. In addition, all students complete approximately 2 hours of formative assessment per week and attend a 20-minute 1:1 academic tutorial. Students should also expect around 4 hours of self-study time per week, including preparation for formative assessments, regardless of programme.  

Typically, classes are scheduled across 4 days per week, although some terms may occasionally include 3 or 5 teaching days.

Students should expect around 2 hours of preparation per course each week, including readings, assignments, and “Learning Cells” group work with 2–3 students.

Yes, the class timetable remains fixed throughout the term. Assessments and tutorials are scheduled in addition to regular classes. The full schedule is shared before the start of the term, while tutorial sessions are booked by students through available fellow time slots.

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Accreditations and Award

Forward College is a Recognised Teaching Centre of the University of London (UoL). As such, our students are also students of the University of London and will graduate from the University of London […]

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Careers after Forward 

Most of our graduates apply to top Master’s around the world either following the academic field they have invested in – with a natural path towards master programmes at LSE and King’s College […]

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Want to learn more about our BSc in Politics & International Relations?

Watch the recording of our webinar to explore the structure of the programme, experience a typical class, and discover the academic journey and career paths it can open.

Watch here