BA (Hons) International Relations

Program Overview

Goldsmiths' BA (Hons) International Relations program delves into the complexities of a globalized world, examining global challenges and international relations from diverse perspectives. It emphasizes critical thinking, transferable skills, and a focus on Non-Western and Global South actors, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, government, and NGOs. The program also offers a work placement module, providing practical experience in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Investigates the dynamics of a constantly changing world.
• Focuses on global challenges of the 21st century.
• Provides in-depth understanding of world politics, international relations between states, security and conflict, global cooperation and governance.
• Reflects the College's reputation for critical thinking in the arts, humanities and cultural studies.
• Prioritizes Non-Western and Global South actors, challenging the post-Cold War liberal international order.
• Studies 'high politics' such as war, multilateral cooperation, international trade and finance, along with international politics 'from below' including climate change, migration, human rights, human security and indigenous demands for global justice.
• Explores ‘the international’ in diverse sites of cultural practices, including the politics of vision, non-Western political thought and music.
• Aims to provide transferable academic and research skills suitable for the workplace or postgraduate study.
• Offers work placement module with international relations sector organizations such as policy think-tanks, development agencies and NGOs.
• Located in London, providing easy access to Westminster, global business, and diverse diasporas.
• Creates a global academic family with students from over 130 countries and alumni around the globe.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Compulsory modules:
• World Politics
• Colonialism, Power, Resistance
• Everything is a Text
• Optional modules (choose one):
• Political Theory and Ideologies
• UK and European Comparative Governance and Politics

Year 2:

• Compulsory modules:
• Theories and Methods in International Relations
• Global Governance and World Order
• Security Studies
• The Goldsmiths Elective
• Optional modules (choose 60 credits from approved list):

Year 3:

• Dissertation (30 credits)
• Optional modules (choose 90 credits from approved list):

Examples of current optional modules:

• Colonialism and Non-Western Political Thought
• Migration, Technology, and Humanitarianism
• Sustainable Development
• The Politics of Memory
• Ethics and Economics of Environmental Protection
• Fascisms, Old and New
• The Politics of Popular Music
• Work placement (Politics)

Assessment:

• Assessed by diverse methods including coursework, examinations, group work, and projects.
• Specific assessment methods are module-dependent.

Teaching:

• Scheduled learning including lectures, seminars, and workshops.
• Significant amount of independent study is expected.
• Emphasis on critical and analytical thinking.

Careers:

• Equips graduates for careers in international relations such as:
of International Development)
• International institutions (UN)
• Foreign aid development agencies
• International NGOs (Oxfam, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International)
• International policy think-tanks and consultancies
• Private sector organizations with international trade and investment
• Prepares graduates for further study (MA, postgraduate research) in related areas.

Other:

• Work placement module offers experience in the NGO sector including:
• Charities
• Think-tanks and pressure groups
• Bodies connected with international organizations
• Businesses
• Political parties
• Guaranteed placement opportunities for qualified students.
• Students encouraged to find their own placements with support provided.
• Students must demonstrate appropriate academic achievements to participate in the placement.

Annual tuition fees

These are the UG fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year. Home - full-time: £9250 There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme.