Why choose Sheffield?

We're proud to be one of the UK's leading departments for research and teaching in politics and international relations.

Video featuring students from the Department of Politics and International Relations speaking about their experiences studying at University.

Why study Politics at Sheffield?

Our students share their stories of why they decided to study politics, why they chose the University of Sheffield, and what they got up to during their time here.

Politics in Sheffield

Sheffield DocFest

Sheffield's famous Documentary Film festival, where you can catch Political films, networking events, and cutting edge exhibitions at the cross roads of art, politics, and technology.

Find out what's on

Festival of the Mind

The Sheffield Festival where the brightest minds from the University of Sheffield collaborate with the city’s cultural and creative industries, to help bring their research to life in exciting, entertaining and innovative ways.

Bring research to life

Image of three people on a panel debating a topic

Festival of Debate

The largest annual politics festival in the UK, including talks, debates, performances, Q&As, speeches and more. All centred around Politics, Economics, and Society.

Find out more

Migration Matters Festival

Migration Matters is the largest Refugee week Festival in the UK. It is a 'pay-what-you-feel' arts festival that celebrates the positive impact migration & refugees have had on Sheffield & the UK.

Learn more

Careers

Your career

A politics degree from Sheffield can set you apart from everyone else. At Sheffield you'll have amazing opportunities to get involved with extracurriculars, career guidance and mentor schemes, international experiences, placement years, and more. Our degree programmes are designed so that students can tailor their course to their own interests and career aspirations giving you the skills and confidence to go wherever you want.

Find out more about the paths our students have taken after graduation below.

Image of Politics alumni and Sky News Journalist, Olive Enokido-Lineham, in a green suit sat by plants

How International Relations led me to become a Sky News Reporter

Olive Enokido-Lineham News Reporter, Sky News, BA International Relations and Politics

"The course deepened my curiosity to learn more about current affairs and what’s going on in the world."

Politics graduate, Joe Twyman, pictured in front of a YouGov banner.

I knew Sheffield was where I wanted to go

Joe Twyman Co-founder and Director, Deltapoll, BA Politics

"Be prepared, be different and be resilient, but more importantly: do it all."

Politics student Joanna in front of the Headquarters of medical tech company B.Braun where she did her placement

Experiencing the entrepreneurial, innovative environment within a company where everyone had such a drive to solve complex problems was fantastic

Joanna Turnbull Employment experience at B. Braun, BA International Relations and Politics

Joanna's work placement at B. Braun allowed her to focus at the crossroads of technology, politics and corporations.

Why Sheffield?

No.1 Students Union

6 years running

From societies and clubs, sports, and entertainment to representation and student voice Sheffield Students' Union is here to make sure nothing stands in your way. Our Students union has been voted No.1 Students' Union in the country for 6 years running in the Whatuni Student choice awards!

Sheffield Students' Union

Rankings

Guardian University Guide

In the Guardian University Guide for 2024 we ranked 8th in the UK for International Relations!

Research Excellence Framework

94 per cent of our research in the Department of Politics and International Relations is rated in the highest two categories in REF 2021 as well as 92 per cent of our research being classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

A city for you

A Green City

Sheffield has a reputation as one of the greenest cities in the UK. With over 60% of the city being green space and the Peak District right on your doorstep, don't be afraid to get your boots dirty!

A University city

The big city vibe that feels like home. Sheffield has lots to discover with two universities in the city, you'll be right in the middle of a vibrant student community.

A guide to Sheffield