International Relations with Foundation Year BA (Hons)
Get ready to take on a Bachelor's degree in international relations with this foundation year course. You'll get a guaranteed place on our BA (Hons) International Relations degree when you complete your foundation year.
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Key information
UCAS code:
L255
Typical offer:
32 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent
Clearing Hotline: 023 9284 8074
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Apply now through Clearing
If you have your results, you can apply directly to us now to start in September 2024.
If you want to kickstart your career in international relations but aren't yet ready to embark on a full undergraduate degree, this foundation year course is for you.
During this foundation year degree, you'll get all the background knowledge and skills you'll need to move on to our full Bachelor's degree in international relations. So, it's ideal if you don't yet meet the entry requirements, if you've taken a break from study, or if you need a bit of extra support to get uni-ready.
You'll spend a year studying with us on campus, through ICP. You'll get the knowledge and academic skills needed to take on a bachelor's degree, learning how to analyse information, do research, and improve your academic writing.
The skills you'll learn will help you work in teams as well as on your own in culturally diverse workplaces. You'll develop your understanding of new workplaces and environments, and how to adapt to new environments.
After your foundation year, you'll be ready to move onto the first year of BA (Hons) International Relations.
A guaranteed place
Once you’ve successfully completed your foundation year, you'll be ready to progress onto BA (Hons) International Relations with a guaranteed place.
Course highlights
- ICP is based on the University of Portsmouth campus so you'll have access to all facilities, support and societies
- When you finish your foundation year successfully, you get a guaranteed place on BA (Hons) International Relations
- Get used to how lectures, seminars and tutorials work, so you can move onto your degree ready for success
- Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a bachelor's at university
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing Hotline: 023 9284 8074
Clearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Apply now through Clearing
If you have your results, you can apply directly to us now to start in September 2024.
Guaranteed accommodation
Apply now and you'll be offered a guaranteed room in halls if you accept your offer within 48 hours of receiving it.
Connected Degrees®
Only at Portsmouth you have the choice to take a traditional sandwich placement before your third year, or to take your placement after your final year.
Upbeat music plays over information about Connected Degrees® from the University of Portsmouth.
Discover how Clearing works
Clearing 2024 opens on 5 July and closes on 21 October
Every year thousands of students find their ideal undergraduate course through Clearing. Clearing matches students who are looking for a different course or university from their original choice, or who are applying for the very first time after 30 June, to courses that universities still have places on.
The majority of people apply through Clearing once they receive their exam results on A level / T level results day (15 August 2024).
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
Yes, we welcome Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do.
The majority of UK students apply through Clearing once they receive their A level / T level results in August 2024, so as an international student if you already have your exam results you can apply when Clearing opens.
Make sure that you have time to get your visa, funding, and English language certification sorted out before the beginning of term.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office for advice.
The entry requirements for courses can change in Clearing but if you want an idea of what grades we usually accept, take a look at our undergraduate course pages.
Even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements, we'd still encourage you to apply as you could still get a place.
Book your place at our Clearing visit day
Join us on campus Thursday 8 August, 10am-3pm
Yes, our four career-focused undergraduate courses at our growing London campus are available to apply for through Clearing.
Webinar: Applying to uni through Clearing
Yes, you can join our webinar on Tue, Aug 6, 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM BST and we'll tell you all about the Clearing process.
Clearing Hotline: 023 9284 8074
Entry requirements
International Relations with Foundation Year entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS points - 32 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent. Other qualifications such as Vocational A levels (AVCE), BTECs and Access courses will also be considered (calculate your UCAS points)
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- UCAS points - 32 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent. Other qualifications such as Vocational A levels (AVCE), BTECs and Access courses will also be considered (calculate your UCAS points)
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
When you study international relations, you'll explore topics like conflict between nations, global migration and populist politics, gaining the skills you'll need to play your part in improving equality and creating positive change.
After this foundation year course, you'll move straight on to our BA (Hons) International Relations degree, which will help you develop the kind of analytical expertise needed for careers within government agencies, NGOs, charities, think tanks and international organisations.
Your understanding of complex international issues will help you stand out to employers in local and national government, security, tech, intelligence, and with global charities and institutions like the UN.
Read Samantha's storyDuring my degree, I was lucky enough to be a delegate at Harvard’s National Model United Nations Conference with hundreds of other university students from around the world.
Placement year opportunities
Once you've completed your foundation year and moved on to your full Bachelor's degree, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
Taking an optional placement year will give you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role. We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
Previous students have been on placements to organisations such as:
- The Ministry of Defence
- The House of Commons
- National Museum of the Royal Navy
- Otra Cosa (Peru)
- SEK International
- Freedom from Torture
- Victim Support London
- Tools for Self Reliance
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. In year 1, each module is worth 20 credits.
What you'll study
Foundation year
In your foundation year, you'll gain the knowledge you need to move on to the first year of BA (Hons) International Relations. It will bridge the gap to uni, with the knowledge and academic skills you'll need to start.
Throughout the year, you'll learn to critically engage with information, undertake literature reviews, enhance your academic writing, and gain awareness of different types of research.
When you successfully complete this year, you'll get a guaranteed place on the first year of the BA (Hons) International Relations degree.
The module introduces candidates to the interesting challenges that ICT presents today and covers many anchor points that may serve as a bridge to their interests and lifestyles.
It also means you understand the value of scholarships, allowing you to move on to postgraduate programs at the University of Portsmouth.
You'll explore theories of international relations, the nature of the international system, and factors like conflict, globalisation, and international organisations. You'll also dive into key global issues such as climate change, gender, and human rights.
You'll learn to conduct research using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. You'll also enhance your ability to understand and construct arguments, evaluate the rationale and evidence behind claims, assess the credibility of sources, and deliver well-structured, critically reasoned arguments and opinions both verbally and in writing.
You'll gain an appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of people and their environment, understanding how people, politics, and place are intertwined. You'll also be introduced to criminology, analysing urban crime from a sociological perspective, its causes, and its effects on society.
You'll get an overview of key areas like observation, interpretation, and critical analysis. This module helps you appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of anthropology and intercultural studies.
You'll appreciate how these fields intersect and impact each other, gaining insights into the connections between people, their environment, and societal practices. Additionally, you'll be introduced to technological innovations and examine how they are applied in society from a sociological perspective.
The module will explore the judiciary and other legal practitioners, including judgments, law reporting, and sentencing, as well as barristers and solicitors. You'll gain an understanding of local courts such as magistrates, county, and crown courts, and delve into legal research techniques focusing on the language and discourse of statute and common law.
You'll gain an overview of the history of legal scholarship. By the end of the module, you'll have a solid understanding and the ability to apply essential legal knowledge and skills. This will prepare you to progress onto degree level study at the University of Portsmouth.
Years 2, 3 and 4
After your first year, you will transfer to BA (Hons) International Relations. The modules you study in years 2, 3 and 4 (and year 5 if you do a placement year) can be found on the relevant course page.
Optional placement year
When you transfer to BA (Hons) International Relations, you could do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years, or after your final year of study. This allows you to get valuable experience working in the industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- coursework
- examinations
- presentations
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this foundation course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
You'll be taught by experts that have both industry and research experience.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and practical classes for about 15 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching once you begin your BA (Hons) International Relations degree.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
This course isn't currently open to EU or International students.
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
This course isn't currently open to EU or International students.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
How to apply
Apply now through Clearing
If you have your results, you can apply directly to us now to start in September 2024.
September 2025 applications
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – L255
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
This course isn't currently open to EU or International students.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.