Available with:

  • Foundation Year


Course Summary

Discover a world of possibilities with the University's Global Affairs, Politics and International Relations with Geography degree. This dynamic and comprehensive course, hosted at the prestigious University of Chester, offers a unique blend of academic excellence, real-world experience, and a global perspective, providing you with the tools to navigate and influence the complex landscapes of international relations, politics, global affairs, and geographical dynamics.

Embark on a transformative educational journey where the intricacies of global politics and international relations are interwoven with the profound understanding of geographical factors shaping our world. Through this course, you will delve into critical global issues, exploring the interplay between political decisions, cultural dynamics, economic forces, and environmental challenges. The curriculum is meticulously designed to foster analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of the geopolitical world.

At the University of Chester, you're not just a student; you're a future global leader. Benefit from our expert staff, who bring a wealth of professional experience and academic prowess into the classroom. Engage in lively discussions, participate in stimulating workshops, and collaborate on impactful projects. Our state-of-the-art facilities and resources support your academic growth, ensuring a learning experience that is both enriching and empowering.

Beyond the classroom, immerse yourself in a vibrant campus life, with numerous opportunities to join societies, participate in debates, and attend guest lectures by leading experts. Our strong network of alumni and professional connections opens doors to internships and career opportunities, helping you pave the way to a successful and impactful career in global affairs, politics, and international relations.

Why you'll Love it


What you'llStudy

In the first year, you will explore foundational concepts in politics, international relations, and geography. You will examine global systems, political theories, and geographical impacts on societal dynamics. Critical thinking and analytical skills are honed through studying international institutions, geopolitical issues, and environmental challenges, setting a solid base for advanced study.

In Year 2, you will delve into complex global systems, examining international relations theory, global governance, and geopolitical strategies. You will analyse political economy and explore the impact of geography on political landscapes, enhancing your understanding through case studies, research methods, and specialised topics tailored to contemporary global issues.

In Year 3, you will delve into advanced topics, analysing global governance, conflict resolution, and environmental policy to name but a few. You will engage in specialised research projects, critically examining geopolitical strategies and the impact of geographic factors on international relations, culminating in a dissertation showcasing your comprehensive understanding and analytical prowess.

Who you'll Learn from

Dr Michael Francis

Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer, Politics
Dr Michael Francis

Dr Rachel Massey

Senior Lecturer, Politics and International Relations
Dr Rachel Massey

Dr Rebecca Collins

Deputy Head of Humanities, Cultures and Environment; Sustainability and Environment RKEI Director
Dr Rebecca Collins

Dr Djordje Sredanovic

Lecturer, Sociology
Dr Djordje Sredanovic

Dr Suzanne Francis

Associate Professor of Conflict Transformation & Peace Studies; Programme Leader, International Relations
Dr Suzanne Francis

Dr Mark Bendall

Senior Lecturer, Politics and International Relations
Dr Mark Bendall

Dr Daniel Bos

Senior Lecturer in Human Geography and Combined Honours Geography Programme Leader
Dr Daniel Bos

How you'll Learn

Our approach to learning and teaching is broad and includes:

Interactive Lectures: Engaging students in interactive lectures that include multimedia presentations, case studies, and open-ended questions to stimulate discussions and critical thinking.

Small Group Discussions: Promoting peer learning, collaboration, and the exchange of diverse perspectives.

Case-Based Learning: Presenting real-life cases for analysis. This allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, enhancing their problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Research Projects: Research projects that require students to explore specific topics, conduct empirical research, and present their findings.

Ethical Dilemmas and Discussions: Engaging students in discussions about ethical considerations, including topics like oppression, wealth, advocacy, identity, humanitarian support, political systems, and research ethics.

Guest Speakers and Practitioners: Invited guest speakers to share their experiences and insights with students.

Simulation Exercises: Organised simulation exercises where students take on roles.

Beyond the Classroom

On this course, you have the opportunity to spend five weeks working for a host organisation via our Work Based Learning module. You’ll have the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience.

Our Experiential Overseas Learning module offers a unique opportunity to participate in a short-term placement around the world.

This course offers a Year Abroad option - an exciting opportunity to study abroad for a full academic year at one of our bilateral exchange partners or through ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs), a network of over 300 additional higher education institutions worldwide.

Entry Requirements

112 UCAS points

UCAS Tariff 112 points
GCE A Level Typical offer – BCC-BBC
BTEC BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
BTEC Diploma: D*D*
International Baccalaureate 26 points
Irish / Scottish Highers Irish Highers: BBBB
Scottish Highers: BBBB
Access requirements Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above
OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR National Extended Diploma - Merit 2
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DMM
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - D*D* 

Extra Information Please note that we accept a maximum of 8 UCAS points from GCE AS Levels and that the Welsh Baccalaureate (core) and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. 

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72 UCAS points

UCAS Tariff 72 points
GCE A Level 72 points
BTEC BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP-MPP
BTEC Diploma: MM
International Baccalaureate 24 points
Irish / Scottish Highers Irish Highers: CCCC
Scottish Highers: CCCC
Access requirements Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall
Extra Information

Other vocational qualifications at Level 3 will also be considered, such as NVQs. 

Mature students (21 and over) that have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

The University of Chester is committed to a policy of widening access and participation by groups currently under represented in Higher Education. To this end, we will consider a diverse range of entry qualifications and, if you are a mature student and do not hold the minimum formal qualifications, your application will be treated on an individual basis and your previous experience will be taken into account when assessing your suitability to the programme. 

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

£13,950 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. 

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Graduates of a Global Affairs with Geography degree have a wide array of career opportunities across various sectors due to their comprehensive understanding of international relations, geopolitical dynamics, and environmental factors. Some of the career paths include:

  • Diplomacy and Foreign Service
  • International Development
  • Geopolitical Analysis
  • Environmental Policy and Conservation
  • National Security and Intelligence
  • International Business and Trade
  • Urban Planning and Development
  • Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management
  • Academia and Research
  • Journalism and Media

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.