BA (Hons) Politics with International Relations

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Politics with International Relations at the University of Winchester offers an immersive exploration of domestic, regional, and global politics. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent study, students develop a thorough understanding of political forces, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary issues. The program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to analyze complex political landscapes and participate actively in policy-making processes.

Program Outline

You'll explore how environmental concerns, human rights, political conflicts, power dynamics, and globalization shape our world. The program equips you with the skills and knowledge to analyze the complex landscape of contemporary politics and participate actively in policy-making processes.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Develop a thorough understanding of global political forces and major historical eras.
• Analyze world politics through various theoretical frameworks.
• Assess the contemporary state of countries like the US and China.
• Examine the ethical implications of the post-economic crash era.
• Grasp the evolving politics of food production, consumption, and distribution.
• Tackle themes like liberty, extremism, populism, and national identity.
• Investigate the evolving political landscape of the 21st century.

Structure:

The program consists of three years, each comprising 120 credits. You'll encounter a mixture of lectures, seminars, and independent study to foster both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Independent Learning:

You will be expected to progressively cultivate independent learning skills, progressively building expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving, and analysis. This includes access to numerous learning resources and guidance from academic staff.

Outline:

Years 1 & 2

• Introduction to Global Politics and Philosophy: Explores key political themes, theoretical perspectives, and methodologies.
• Introduction to International Relations: Unveils the evolution of the discipline, major theoretical approaches, and historical eras.
• United States Politics and Society: Delves into American political ideas, institutions, and contemporary controversies.
• Human Rights in the Global Political Economy: Critically examines human rights discourses in the context of globalization.
• Introduction to British Politics: Delves into contemporary debates, historical development, political parties, and foreign relations.
• Principles of Micro‐ and Macro Economics: Introduces economic models, behavior of agents, and policy choices.

Optional Modules:

(Choose three or four per year)

• Global Governance: Explores international institutions, debates, and reform.
• Research Methods: Provides an overview of quantitative and qualitative research methods in the Social Sciences.
• Gender, Power, and Global Politics: Explores the intersection of gender and power in the globalized world.
• The ‘War on Terror’ and the ‘Axis of Evil’ and Beyond: Critically examines the discourse and implications of the "War on Terror."
• International Law: Introduces the foundations and principles of international law.
• Discourses Of War: Examines the diverse discourses surrounding war throughout history.
• Independent Study Module: Pursue an independent research project under faculty supervision.
• Security Studies: Theory and Practice: Explores theoretical and practical aspects of security studies.
• Political Leadership and Communication: Analyzes leadership styles and effective communication strategies in politics.
• The Modern American Presidency: Investigates the role and evolution of the American presidency.
• Southern Cultures: Explores the cultural, social, and political dynamics of the Global South.
• Global Political Economy: Analyzes the interplay of politics, economics, and power in the globalized world.
• The Changing Face of Politics: Party, Activism and Community: Examines the evolving landscape of political participation and activism.
• Volunteering For Politics and Global Studies: Combines academic learning with volunteering opportunities in political and global studies fields.
• Power: Theory and Applications: Analyzes various theoretical perspectives on power and its applications.

Year 3

• Dissertation: Conduct independent research and produce a dissertation of 8,000-10,000 words on a chosen subject.
• Foreign Policy Analysis: Examines the decision-making processes and factors shaping foreign policy in various contexts.

Optional Modules:

(Choose three or four)

• Debates in Globalisation: Explores the ongoing debates and challenges surrounding globalization.
• Political Islam: Examines the relationship between Islam and politics in the contemporary world.
• Diplomatic Studies: Analyzes the history, practice, and challenges of modern diplomacy.
• Contemporary Civil War: Investigates the causes and consequences of civil wars in the contemporary world.
• Politics, Energy, and the Environment: Explores the interplay of politics, energy systems, and environmental concerns.
• China: 21st Century Challenges: Investigates the rise of China and the challenges it faces in the 21st century.
• Case Study in Political Philosophy: Conservatism: Examines the theoretical foundations and practical implications of conservatism.
• Sexual Violence and Politics: a political, historical, and cultural investigation: Investigates the role of sexual violence in politics throughout history and across cultures.
• Global South: Politics, Inequality and (In)Security: Analyzes the political, economic, and security challenges facing the Global South.
• The Politics of Food Production, Consumption, and Distribution: Examines the political dynamics surrounding food systems.
• Liberty and Extremism: Explores the relationship between liberty and extremism in the contemporary world.
• Populism and National Identity: Investigates the rise of populism and its impact on national identities.
• The Ethics of the Post-Crash Economy: Examines the ethical implications of the economic crisis and its aftermath.
• Writing Global History and Politics: Develops skills in researching and writing global history and

UK / Channel Islands /Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland International Year 1 £9,250 £16,700 Year 2 £9,250 £16,700 Year 3 £9,250 £16,700 Total £27,750 £50,100 Optional Sandwich Year £1,850 £3,340 Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440