International Relations BA (Hons) degree

Program Overview

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The International Relations BA (Hons) degree equips students with critical analysis skills and theoretical understanding of the global landscape, enabling them to examine and engage with issues concerning foreign policy decision making, security, conflict, international development, international politics, and dynamic regions of the world. This program offers optional placement years, study abroad opportunities, and language learning modules, enhancing employability and career prospects in international relations, politics, government, diplomacy, development, and related fields.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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International Relations BA (Hons) degree

The International Relations BA (Hons) degree provides students with the knowledge to understand responses to international political, economic and social challenges since the mid twentieth century. This program aims to equip students with critical analysis skills and theoretical understanding of the global landscape, enabling them to examine and engage with issues concerning foreign policy decision making, security, conflict, international development, international politics, and dynamic regions of the world. This degree will develop students' understanding of international relations, including concepts like sovereignty, national interest, and globalization. They will examine how states interact with one another, how power is exercised at the international level, and the role of international institutions in shaping global politics.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

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Semester 1:

• Academic Foundations in International Relations, Politics and History:
Introduces students to academic integrity, research skills, and critical analysis, alongside an exploration of political ideologies and themes from c.1750 to the present.
• Contemporary World Arena:
Explores various aspects of the contemporary global and regional arena, examining key actors and relevant issues.
• Power, Politics & Ideology in Modern Europe:
Offers an in-depth analysis of Europe's history from 1750, exploring ideological families, political and intellectual developments, and contrasting orthodox and Eurocentric perspectives.

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Semester 2:

• University-wide Language Programme:
Opportunity to learn or improve language skills.

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Year 2:

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Semester 1:

• Theories and Methods in Political Research:
Explores dominant approaches in political research, focusing on selecting topics, research methodologies, data collection, and completing a coherent research proposal.
• Foreign Policy Analysis:
Examines the processes and dynamics of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA), through case studies of policy formulation and implementation.
• Critical Security Studies:
Introduces the concept of security through various lenses, examining critical frameworks and questioning traditional understandings of security.
• Foreign Policy Analysis:
Explores the frameworks of FPA (Foreign Policy Analysis) and its implementation, using case studies.
• Politics of Development:
Examines the challenges and issues concerning development and global inequalities, considering the role of politics.
• Small Wars:
Analyzes historical and contemporary Small Wars, focusing on the evolution and conduct of such conflicts and the motivations and strategies of insurgent and counterinsurgent forces.
• Globalization: Citizenship & Development:
Examines the impact of globalization on political and development geographies, exploring theoretical frameworks and case studies.

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Semester 2:

• Research Design:
Focuses on developing skills in research design, involving topic selection, research methodologies, source analysis, data presentation, and ethical research conduct.
• The American Century: US Politics and Society in the 20th Century:
Explores significant institutional, social, intellectual, and political developments in US history throughout the 20th century.
• Political Simulation:
Introduces students to "practical politics" through role-play exercises, simulating negotiations and decision-making processes in real-world scenarios.
• Globalization: Economy & Innovation:
Analyzes the economic and cultural implications of globalization, exploring its impact on geographies and societies.
• The European Union:
Examines the historical evolution, institutions, actors, purposes, processes, and functions of the European Union, alongside the theoretical and analytical perspective of its integration processes and policy areas.

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Year 3 (Final year):

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Semesters 1 & 2:

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Compulsory Modules:

• Dissertation:
Students conduct independent research on a topic of their choice in a selected area of their degree, developing research and analytical skills.
• The World Today in Real-time:
Analyses current affairs and engages with contemporary global challenges through a series of presentations and discussions, enabling synthesis and application of program learnings to real-world scenarios.

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Semester 1:

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Optional Modules (choose one):

• State, Violence and Terrorism:
Analyzes the concepts of terrorism, state violence, and political violence through case studies, exploring causes, definitions, responses, and their implications for international security.
• The Asia-Pacific in Global Politics:
Explores the changing political scene of the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on its role in global politics and dynamics, its diverse actors, and contemporary challenges.
• International Politics of the Middle East:
Introduces students to key issues in Middle East politics from local, regional, and global perspectives, employing relevant conceptual tools and analyzing empirical evidence to understand contemporary challenges and historical developments in the region.
• University-wide Language Programme:
Continues the development of language skills.

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Semester 2:

• Emerging Threats in the 21st Century:
Expands understanding of new and emerging security threats in the 21st century, covering topics such as climate change, cyber security, terrorism, and pandemics.
• Conservation: Principles and Practice:
Explores the history, approaches, and techniques associated with conservation of ecological communities, landforms, archaeological sites, and the potential conflict between economic and social activities and environmental protection.
• Beyond the Western Canon: African and Asian Philosophy:
Introduces non-Western philosophical traditions, encouraging critical assessment and comparative analysis between Western and Eastern philosophical thought. The program offers optional placement years (between years 2 and 3) to gain practical experience in relevant fields, enhancing employability and career prospects. There are also opportunities to study abroad, immersing oneself in diverse cultures and academic settings while further refining language skills and expanding learning experiences.

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Assessment

• A range of assessment methods are employed, including written examinations (essays, short-answer questions), coursework (essays, projects, reports), individual presentations, group work, and a dissertation project.
• Emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills, critical thinking, research competence, and clear communication through written and oral presentations.
• Individual modules may have specific assessment formats and weightings relevant to their content and learning objectives, which will be outlined in individual module handbooks.

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Teaching

• The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, independent study, group work, and online learning resources, tailored to accommodate the individual learning styles and needs of students.
• Lectures provide students with a broad understanding of key concepts, theories, and historical developments within the field of International Relations.
• Seminars offer a more interactive learning environment where students can engage in discussion, ask questions, and apply theoretical frameworks to specific case studies and current affairs.
• Tutorials provide individual or small-group support, enabling personalized guidance and clarification of complex concepts under the supervision of experienced academics.
• Independent study plays an important role in this program, encouraging students to develop research skills, critical analysis, and self-directed learning by exploring sources and engaging with various theoretical perspectives beyond taught sessions.
• Group work promotes collaborative learning and communication skills as students work together on projects, presentations, and analysis of case studies, enhancing teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
• Online learning resources offer flexibility and access to additional learning materials, including further readings, podcasts, video lectures, and interactive simulations, augmenting traditional classroom instruction.
• The teaching team comprises experienced and passionate academics, each with expertise in specific areas of international relations, offering a diverse range of perspectives and insights in their respective fields.
• Staff are dedicated to supporting students throughout their studies, providing individual guidance and mentoring alongside effective teaching and assessment practices.
• Regular office hours and dedicated contact points ensure personalized support and open communication for students to address any queries or concerns with their learning or program progression.

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Careers

• This degree opens doors to various career opportunities in international relations, politics, government, diplomacy, development, and related fields.
• Graduates have successfully secured roles in various organizations such as the United Nations, NGOs, research institutions, government departments, and private sector companies, demonstrating the program's versatility and success in preparing students for real-world applications of their acquired knowledge.
• Transferable skills developed during this program, including analytical thinking, critical evaluation, written and oral communication, research, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability, are highly valued by employers across diverse sectors and enhance career prospects in various professional fields.

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Other

• This program offers the opportunity to learn new languages through optional language modules in French, German, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, or Arabic.
• This can significantly enhance employability prospects and open doors to careers involving international communication and interaction with diverse cultures.
• Opportunities to engage in research projects, independent study, or extracurricular activities allow students to explore specific interests and develop individual strengths beyond the core curriculum, enriching their overall educational experience and personal growth.
• Students have opportunities to participate in student societies and clubs related to their academic discipline and broader interests, fostering a supportive and enriching learning community with shared passions and goals.

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UK fees Full-time course per annum £9,250 Placement year Approx. 20% of the full-time fee International fees Full-time course per annum £23,000 Placement year Approx. 20% of the full-time fee University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Additional costs There may be additional costs related to completion of your research project (dissertation). Depending on the topic you choose to research and the nature of the project there may be travel costs, field expenses and postage costs that you will need to meet.