Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Politics and International Relations

at University of the West of England - Bristol - Frenchay Campus United Kingdom

Explore crime from multiple angles, and arm yourself with the specialist knowledge and skills that will get you noticed by employers when you graduate.

Why study criminology?

• To tackle crime, we need to understand it why it happens, what people feel about it, and how it impacts on individuals and society.
• Exploring these issues from different angles is an essential part of discovering more effective deterrents and better forms of rehabilitation.
• Studying this subject will give you the knowledge and skills to play your part in that work whether you choose to move into the criminal justice system itself or a related field.

Why study at UWE Bristol?

• BA(Hons) Criminology teaches you about crime and the criminal justice system, drawing on sociology, law, psychology and philosophy, and applying theories, knowledge and research to real, contemporary issues.
• Work with inspirational practitioners and researchers to explore the different perspectives of victims, offenders, the criminal justice system and the cultural forces at play.
• Learn how to think critically, write reports, interpret data, formulate arguments, and make ethical judgements.
• You'll carry out your own research, hear from guest speakers, and take part in work-based learning through our links with organisations such as the Bristol Young Offenders Scheme, the Institute of Psychotherapy and the police.
• Activities such as volunteering, placements and internships will deepen your professional skills and knowledge further, to make you highly sought after when you graduate

Where can it take me?

• Criminology studies society in all its forms so it's the ideal platform for many careers.
• You could work in government, the police and prison services, the court services, the NHS, educational institutions or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working with young offenders or victims of crime.
• You could also go into social welfare or the private sector, working in private security or law.

We have a strong track record of securing placements with public sector employers like the Treasury, Home Office, and Office of National Statistics; with financial institutions such as Lloyds Bank; and in businesses, charities and international organisations.

Why study economics?

• From environmental sustainability to financial stability, and from wages to wealth, economic forces affect every aspect of our lives.
• Studying BA(Hons) Economics will give you a solid understanding of how and why, and the skills needed to analyse issues and effect change across a wide range of areas, including the public sector, think tanks, financial institutions and charities.

Why UWE Bristol?

• Along with this economics degree we also offer BA(Hons) Economics. On both, you'll apply the latest economic theories to real and relevant challenges, develop critical thinking and debate ideas from a range of perspectives.
• The BSc course gives you the chance to develop your technical skills to a more advanced level and requires A level mathematics. The BA degree provides a rigorous and accessible economics training to those with less mathematical experience.
• On both pathways, you'll be taught by a passionate and enthusiastic team of research-active staff with a growing reputation for being at the cutting edge of new ideas in economics.
• Learn to analyse a wide range of economic issues, such as where does wealth come from? Is our way of life sustainable? Is global trade a force for good? How does the banking and financial system affect our lives? Will robots take people's jobs? Is inequality getting worse and does it matter?
• UWE Bristol takes a unique pluralist approach to teaching economics. As well as using traditional textbooks, you'll draw on ideas from a range of viewpoints and disciplines, placing economics in its broader social and political context.
• With an emphasis on developing key skills and critical thinking while gaining real-world experience, you'll get regular access to industry and policy-making through placements, field trips and guest lectures.

Where can it take me?

•  As a graduate with a degree that's rooted in realism and application, you'll be highly attractive to employers.
• You could pursue a career in government, banking and finance, retail, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or charities.

Delivered at Bristol Zoo, this one-year top-up course enables FdSc Integrated Wildlife Conservation graduates to upgrade to a three-year BSc degree.

Why study Integrated Wildlife Conservation?

• Conserving biodiversity and avoiding the mass extinction of species are huge global challenges. We need wildlife conservationists who can use their skills and scientific knowledge to help tackle these issues and explore new approaches to conserving wildlife. By looking at the nature of global biodiversity, and the effects of habitat loss and climate change, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and tools you need to make a difference in this field.

Why UWE Bristol?

• BSc(Hons) Integrated Wildlife Conservation one year top-up has been designed to provide an opportunity for those who have already completed a foundation degree in wildlife conservation to top up to a full BSc (Hons) degree. In particular, it provides a progression route for graduates of the FdSc Integrated Wildlife Conservation degree, which is taught at Bristol Zoo gardens, and gives you unique access to the zoo's facilities and expertise.
• The degree explores wildlife conservation issues at local, national and global levels, mixing theory with practice. You'll delve into the relationship between wildlife and society, and consider the impact of human activities on the living world. By exploring the steps that can be taken to alleviate biodiversity decline, you'll gain the skills you need for a career in conservation.

Where can it take me?

• You'll be well prepared to go into a wide range of jobs. You could work in national and international wildlife conservation, conservation consultancy, media and wildlife filmmaking, conservation campaigning, wildlife and enterprise, or wildlife conservation research. As a science graduate, your skills will be highly valued and you could go into a range of non-science graduate positions.

Get valuable real-world advice from architecture professionals on this Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) accredited course

Why study architectural technology and design?

• The evolution of architectural forms is influenced by culture and fashion, society and economics, climate and geography, security and self-preservation. 
• For architecture to be able to respond to these factors, we need to apply technology. 
• In the past, technological limitations imposed restrictions on architecture. These days, technology is almost limitless and architectural expression can develop in exciting ways.

Why UWE Bristol? 

• BSc(Hons) Architectural Technology and Design is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). 
• This is one of five courses that cover different specialisms in architecture. We produce sought-after graduates with specialist knowledge and the skill to create exciting buildings.
• This course equips you to become a chartered Architectural Technologist, working at the heart of the contemporary construction industry.
• Gain a solid understanding of technological progression in construction, and where it sits within the history of architecture. 
• Study and apply design concepts and construction technologies to a range of building problems. Sketch and assess buildings that inspire and inform your work on day and residential field trips.
• Learn from industry-experienced tutors and work on a series of live briefs for real clients in our well-equipped studios. Collaborate with students across a range of disciplines and build your professional portfolio with practical design projects.
• Take a year out to work in a professional practice and gain valuable real-world experience that improves your employability.
• Our students become designers who can skilfully communicate ideas and contract managers who can control the procurement process.

Where can it take you?

• There's a wide range of career opportunities for technologists with design skills.
• You could go on to work in architectural and engineering practices in the public or private sectors, or for contractors and developers, project managers and systems manufacturers.

BA(Hons) Politics and International Relations at UWE Bristol is an applied, engaged, and forward-looking programme, which emphasises the importance of theory, policy, and practice in political and global affairs.

Why study politics and international relations?

• We live in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, where local issues are closely linked to global processes. In this changing context, politics impacts our lives in multiple ways. Our course focuses on the connection between politics and international relations and aims to analyse and address political challenges on local, national, and global levels.
• You can expect to gain a unique set of skills on this course, which can lead you to exciting career opportunities, both inside and outside the political world.

Why UWE Bristol?

• BA(Hons) Politics and International Relations at UWE Bristol is an exciting course, focused on delivering high-quality, practice-based teaching and an outstanding student experience, informed by academic research. We offer you a wide range of modules, covering topics such as human rights, gender and sexuality, ethics, race, religion, foreign policy, international security, and public policy. These modules are delivered with a strong emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to practical solutions to local, national, and global challenges.
• Our experienced and dedicated teaching team is passionate about our subjects and bring them alive through our teaching. You'll learn through a combination of lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities, for example role-plays, debates, and policy analysis, all supported by state-of-the-art technology. We design our classes to strengthen your academic, writing, and presentation skills, including activities that will develop your ability to think both independently and critically.
• We have embedded practice-orientated learning at all levels of the course. You'll get involved in activities such as live briefs, simulation exercises, and conflict resolution games, and where possible, we will also offer many opportunities for you to engage in workplace learning through placements. By the end of the course, you will have developed the skills and knowledge to understand and engage with political questions and current affairs.
• We have created an active learning community where students and academic staff exchange ideas in research seminars, roundtable events, and guest lectures. Regular events where possible, also include field trips and careers sessions and including 'meet-the-employer' opportunities with speakers from the Civil Service, NGOs and local and international businesses. These events give you a clear view how politics is researched and practiced and will inspire you to apply the skills you've gained in your degree.

Where can it take me?

• Politics and International Relations graduates are in demand across a wide range of professions and many of our graduates have secured employment in government, the civil service, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), accountancy, human resources, media and journalism.
• Many of our graduates also choose to deepen their skills and knowledge and get involved in research or education, or specialise further with postgraduate study.

This course is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as a spatial degree and has high levels of student satisfaction and employability.

Why Urban Planning?

• Simply put, planning is all about making places 'better'. It's about improving their attractiveness, making them healthier and fairer, and making them more resilient to change. It's about helping to deliver a zero-carbon world and solving problems and dealing with change. Its about the here and now, as well as what goes where and when in the future.
• Planners are the agents of change. Not only are they expected to protect the places that we treasure, they also need to plan for the new homes, jobs and infrastructure that we need. As a planner, you'll need to work collaboratively and creatively, creating the places that can showcase the latest thinking in such things as energy, transport and sustainable design.
• You'll need to work under pressure to ensure that your plans and ideas can happen but ultimately you can help to plan for a better world.

Why UWE Bristol?

• This BSc(Hons) Urban Planning degree will encourage you to consider the contemporary challenges affecting place and society today.
• You will learn how to design and deliver development and change, and find out about the individuals and groups you will need to work with to carry out successful projects. You'll examine current issues such as the impact of driverless cars, and develop the knowledge and skillset you will need to be a future-facing, visionary practitioner.
• Accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute, the course will enhance your employability through opportunities to work on live project briefs across the city and meet active practitioners. You'll also undertake inspiring field work showcasing the differences that planners have brought about.
• You'll be able to work with real-life clients through a professional experience module included in year two, while you can also opt to apply your learning through a year-long placement. Where possible, you can also experience global planning practice through our study exchanges, and develop wide-ranging skills that extend from design to the financial appraisal of a project.

Where can it take me?

• Planning is a global career with opportunities across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
• You could also go on to a career in an area linked to the environment such as housing, tourism, economic development, regeneration, and environmental protection.

Get to the heart of the issues facing society today by taking placements or internships, working with leading experts and developing your own insights into how to make a difference.

Why study sociology?

• In a rapidly changing social landscape, studying society and people's relationship with it is increasingly important.
• By exploring the nature, causes and effects of people's beliefs and behaviour, we can better understand social order and social change.
• Sociologists are particularly good at evaluating, reasoning and communicating. They assess and map the context of social issues and problems skills that employers will value whatever career you choose.

Why UWE Bristol?

• BA(Hons) Sociology focuses on how we can make a difference to 'self and society' using sociological theories and approaches.
• Through a broad range of modules, and with the support of our staff who are leaders in their field, you'll engage with real issues, and develop fresh insights and solutions to help improve people's lives.
• Learn to evaluate evidence, approach problems from multiple perspectives, and build your expertise in research, analysis and communication.
• Carry out your own research projects to develop, test and apply new solutions to contemporary problems. Student projects have focused on the refugee/economic migrant crisis, representations of gender or religion in the media, homelessness, the gender pay gap, the policing of public order and demonstrations, the impact of new technology on cultural industries, and how social class affects attitudes to education. These illustrate just a small number of the types of projects students undertake.
• Gain industry insights from guest speakers, and take part in work-based learning through our links with organizations such as the Bristol Youth Offending Team, Bristol Youth Education Service and the police.
• Activities such as volunteering, placements and internships will build valuable vocational experience, and deepen your skills and knowledge further, to make you highly sought after when you graduate.
• Recent graduate Sophia Hanke was inspired by her course to make a short three-minute film titled 'Welcome to Sociology at UWE Bristol', which features students and lecturers talking about their course.

Where can it take me?

• The broad skills and industry-focused experience you'll gain will make you attractive to a wide range of employers.
• You could pursue a career in research, education, social work, charity work, counselling, politics, journalism or writing, or work in the justice, legal or media sectors.
• You could also go on to do a postgraduate course or research degree.
• Graduating in Sociology from UWE Bristol will open up a variety of interesting and rewarding future possibilities for you. In this short film, some of our recent Sociology graduates discuss how their course has helped them to develop their graduate careers.

Study wildlife from a scientific perspective on this specially-developed degree, created in partnership with Bristol Zoo.

Why study wildlife ecology and conservation?

• Conserving biodiversity, and avoiding the mass extinction of species, are huge global challenges.
• We need ecologists who can use their skills and scientific knowledge to help tackle these issues, and explore new and novel approaches to conserving wildlife.
• By looking at the nature of global biodiversity, and the effects of habitat loss and climate change, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and tools you need to make a difference in this field.

Why UWE Bristol?

• BSc(Hons) Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science explores wildlife conservation issues at local, national and global levels. Created in partnership with Bristol Zoo Gardens, it gives you unique access to the zoo's facilities and expertise.
• Mixing theory with practice, you'll delve into the relationship between wildlife and society, and consider the impact of human activities on the living world.
• Deepen your knowledge of conservation by carrying out work in natural habitats close to Bristol, including the Severn Estuary, the Cotswolds woodlands and grasslands, the Somerset Levels and Avon Gorge.
• Tap into our many links with local conservation organisations, and go on placements, volunteering and where possible, field-based work and residential trips in the UK and overseas.
• Choose our sandwich course option to spend your third year on a work placement in this country, Europe or further afield, applying your knowledge to topical conservation issues.
• Explore the steps that can be taken to alleviate biodiversity decline, and get the strong foundation you need for a career in conservation.

Where can it take me?

• You'll be well prepared to go into a wide range of jobs. You could work in national and international wildlife conservation, conservation consultancy, media and wildlife film-making, wildlife and enterprise, or wildlife conservation research.
• As a science graduate, your skills will be highly valued, and you could go into a range of non-science graduate positions.

Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), this course will enable you to become proficient in advanced mathematical and statistical concepts, and to explore their real-world applications.

Why study mathematics?

• Mathematics is at the root of many of humanity's proudest achievements. It supports innovation and progress in science, engineering, technology, finance and economics.
• For some mathematicians, solving a complex problem is a goal in itself. But Mathematics is also a practical subject that has many real-life applications.
• We use mathematics to model and predict outcomes, from community health to the length of queues in communication networks. And because of the increasing availability and potential of large data sets, graduate mathematicians are in high demand across a variety of industries.

Why UWE Bristol?

• Develop a strong foundation in advanced mathematical and statistical concepts and methods. Apply these to assess and to solve scheduling, decision-making, simulation and modelling problems across industry, finance and healthcare.
• Specialize your program by choosing from optional subjects, including mathematical statistics, education practice, and coding theory.
• Draw inspiration from a teaching team who love their subject. Our lecturers represent a range of backgrounds and experiences, and they use a variety of teaching styles to bring your learning to life.
• Learn to process and evaluate data using industry-standard mathematical and statistical software in our well-equipped computer labs.
• Attend regular presentations from visiting professionals to inform your career choices and industry knowledge. You can take modules involving work-based learning in a school environment to see if teaching is right for you, or gain valuable experience on a placement year.
• BSc(Hons) Mathematics is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA).

Where can it take me?

• When you graduate, a broad range of careers and postgraduate study will be available to you. Destinations include scientific research, business and finance, the civil service, management and teaching.
• Past graduates have found work with the Office for Students, Amazon, the Office for National Statistics, Bank of Ireland and the Ministry of Defence.
• Read how the teaching and peer support Bhavin received during his course has given him the foundation for a rewarding career.

Become a designer of the future by learning the creative and analytical skills of both architects and engineers, and study towards professional status in both fields.

Why study architecture and environmental engineering?

• As the world's resources become scarce, there is a growing need to create buildings that are environmentally responsible.
• This calls for design professionals with the creative and analytical skills of both architects and engineers an unusual mix of skills that is highly sought after by employers.
• It is these future designers who will achieve design excellence, pursuing imaginative strategies for using resources efficiently.

Why UWE Bristol? 

• BEng(Hons) Architecture and Environmental Engineering is a unique, award-winning course.
• This is one of five courses that cover different specialisms in architecture. We produce sought-after graduates with specialist knowledge and the skill to create exciting buildings.
• It can be difficult to know whether to pursue a degree in arts or sciences. This joint degree enables you to work towards professional status in both engineering and architecture, developing your cultural, artistic and technological interests in parallel.
• It's in the overlap between function, aesthetics and physics that true inventiveness can flourish. Each way of thinking stimulates the others, giving you innovative solutions to problems.
• Explore architecture, passive design, environmental physics, environmental systems in buildings and the effective use of energy and materials. Gain a rare mix of knowledge and skills that will prepare you for this expanding sector of design.
• Learn from industry-experienced tutors and practising professionals who bring up-to-the-minute ideas from their active projects.  
• Develop your professional portfolio with a stream of practical design projects from real clients in the Bristol area.
• Go on site visits and residential field trips in the UK and overseas to make sure your design thinking is linked to the world beyond your studies.

Where can it take me?

• With a dual degree, you'll be ready for a variety of careers in architecture, environmental engineering and sustainability consultancy.
• Opportunities are available in small private practices up to large multinationals like Foster & Partners, Arup and Atkins.
• Find out how this course boosted Sophia's communication skills and employability.