Politics and International Relations BA(Hons)

Program Overview

Students develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills through diverse assessment methods, preparing them for careers in politics, diplomacy, and related fields. The program offers flexibility in exploring specific areas of interest and benefits from a dedicated team of experienced academics and a thriving student community.

Program Outline

This program provides a comprehensive understanding of contemporary political and international relations issues. Students will explore topics such as Brexit, the rise of China, international political economy, and human rights and humanitarian intervention. Key objectives:

• Equip students with critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to engage with complex political issues.
• Offer flexibility in exploring specific areas of interest within politics and international relations.
• Develop research and communication skills through diverse assessment methods, including film, podcasts, and political speeches.
• Prepare students for careers in politics, the civil service, diplomacy, foreign affairs, and related fields.

Outline

Year 1

Students will gain a foundation in core political science and international relations concepts through six modules:

• Introduction to the Global Challenges Lab: Design and conduct research on a UN Sustainable Development Goal, creating blogs, podcasts, and short films for communication.
• Political Ideas: Provides a broad overview of political science and theory, focusing on key concepts and applying them to political processes, institutions, and ideologies.
• Foundations in World Politics: Historical perspective on the modern international political system, exploring imperial legacies, anti-colonial resistance, global governance, and historiography.
• Globalisation, Conflict and the Environment: Introduces key concepts and theories in international relations and global studies, applying them to topics like environmental sustainability and conflict.
• Politics in Practice: Field trips, Q&As with political actors, and engagement with political communications.
Introduction to data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis methods.
• Comparative Political Systems: Examines features of politics, including institutions, actors, and processes, in at least two states with differing political systems (democratic, partially democratic, or authoritarian).
Introduces concepts of power and the state.

Year 2

Students deepen their knowledge and specialize in areas of interest through options alongside core modules:

• Colonialism in the Contemporary Global Order
• Researching Politics
• Debating Contemporary International Relations
• International Institutions
• Options (examples): Authority, Justice and Democracy, UK Politics, Gender, Race and the Environment, Global Challenges Lab: Research Communication, Nations and Nationalism, Experiencing the Workplace: Practices and the Community, Global Challenges Lab: Policy Solutions

Final Year

Students further develop specialized knowledge and research skills through options:

• Race and International Relations
• Politics Dissertation
• Options (examples): Radical Political Economy and Anarchist Politics, Global Social Policy, Politics in the Middle East, Human Rights and Humanitarian Intervention, Sexual Utopias: Imagining Radical Futures

Assessment

Students will be assessed through a variety of methods aligned with the learning outcomes of each module, including:

• Essays and other written coursework
• Presentations and group projects
• Examinations
• Policy briefs and research reports
• Creative projects, such as films, podcasts, and data visualizations
Feedback will be provided to students in a timely manner to support their progress and understanding.

Teaching

The program is taught by a dedicated team of experienced and enthusiastic academics. Teaching methods include:

• Interactive lectures and seminars
• Guest lectures from practitioners and policymakers
• Field trips and site visits
• Small group tutorials and workshops
• Opportunity to participate in research projects
The university uses a variety of teaching and learning technologies to enhance the student experience. Students have access to online resources, a dedicated library space, and state-of-the-art computing facilities.

Careers

Graduates of this program are equipped with a strong foundation in critical thinking, research, and communication skills, making them well-prepared for diverse career paths in:

• Politics and Public Policy
• Civil Service
• Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
• International Relations
• Non-Governmental Organizations
• Education and Research
• Media and Communications
• Business and Management
Students can expect to benefit from:
• Small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty
• Regular seminars, workshops, and guest lectures with prominent figures in politics and international relations
• Opportunities to participate in field trips and study abroad programs

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP International (full-time) 15,900 GBP