Politics and International Relations BSc

Program Overview

It offers a unique approach to research with an emphasis on real-world applications, giving students valuable experience to excel in a range of careers in the public and private sectors.

Program Outline

BSc Politics and International Relations - University of Exeter

Degree Overview:

• Objectives: The program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of how government is formed and how politics operates on a global scale.
It emphasizes the practical application of data science skills for research and impactful insights into the political world.
• Description: The program is run by the Centre for Computational Social Science (C2S2) and offers students the opportunity to develop practical data science skills.
It includes an optional work placement lasting 3 to 6 weeks, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world settings. The program prioritizes small group teaching, fostering active discussion, debate, and close interaction with academic staff.

Outline:

• Structure: The BSc Politics and International Relations program is a 3-year full-time degree.
It consists of compulsory (core) and optional modules, each worth 15 or 30 credits. Students need to complete 120 credits per year.
• Course Schedule:
• Year 1:
75 credits of compulsory modules and 45 credits of optional modules.
• Compulsory Modules:
• Introduction to Social Data (SSI1005) - 15 credits
• Data Analysis in Social Science 1 (SSI1006) - 15 credits
• Power and Democracy (POL1019) - 15 credits
• Globalisation of World Politics (POL1017) - 15 credits
• Critical Skills for Politics and International Relations (POL1000) - 15 credits
• Optional Modules:
Students choose 45 credits from Level 1 of the Politics and International Relations program.
• Year 2: 90 credits of optional modules and 30 credits of compulsory modules.
• Compulsory Modules:
• Research Design in the Social Sciences (SSI2004) - 15 credits
• Data Analysis in Social Science 2 (SSI2005) - 15 credits
• Data Analysis in the Workplace (SSI2002) - 15 credits
• Optional Modules:
Students choose 90 credits from Level 2 of the Politics and International Relations program.
• Year 3 (Study Abroad): 120 credits.
Students spend their third year studying at a partner university.
• Compulsory Module: Year Abroad (SSI3999) - 120 credits
• Year 3 (Final Year):
30 credits of compulsory modules and 90 credits of optional modules.
• Compulsory Module: Quantitative Dissertation (SSI3019) - 30 credits
• Optional Modules:
Students choose 90 credits from Level 3 of the Politics and International Relations program.
• Data Analysis in Social Science 1 (SSI1006): This module builds upon the foundation laid in SSI1005, delving deeper into data analysis techniques relevant to social science research.
• Power and Democracy (POL1019): This module explores the concepts of power and democracy, examining their theoretical frameworks and practical applications in various political systems.
• Globalisation of World Politics (POL1017): This module analyzes the impact of globalization on international politics, focusing on its effects on state sovereignty, international institutions, and global governance.
• Critical Skills for Politics and International Relations (POL1000): This module equips students with essential critical thinking and communication skills necessary for success in the field of politics and international relations.
• Year 2:
• Research Design in the Social Sciences (SSI2004):
This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of research design principles, enabling them to conduct rigorous and ethical social science research.
• Data Analysis in Social Science 2 (SSI2005): This module expands on the data analysis techniques covered in Year 1, introducing more advanced methods and software applications.
• Data Analysis in the Workplace (SSI2002): This module focuses on the practical application of data analysis skills in real-world work settings, preparing students for careers in data-driven fields.
• Year 3 (Study Abroad):
• Year Abroad (SSI3999):
This module encompasses all the credits earned during the student's year abroad at a partner university.
• Year 3 (Final Year):
• Quantitative Dissertation (SSI3019):
This module culminates in the completion of a substantial research dissertation, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific research question.

Assessment:

• Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Exams
• Essays
• Projects
• Individual and small group presentations
• Dissertation in the final year
• Criteria: Assessment criteria are designed to evaluate students' understanding of course concepts, their ability to apply theoretical frameworks to real-world situations, their research skills, and their communication abilities.

Teaching:

• Methods: The program employs a diverse range of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Practical exercises, project, and group work
• Independent study
• Faculty: Students benefit from the expertise of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are actively engaged in research and teaching.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes small group teaching, fostering active discussion and debate among students.
This approach encourages critical thinking and the development of strong communication skills.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the BSc Politics and International Relations program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in both the public and private sectors.
Some common career paths include:
• Management consultant
• Parliamentary Caseworker and Researcher
• Civil Servant
• Film Production Coordinator
• Officer Cadet
• Analyst
• Trainee Insurance Broker
• Investment Assistant
• Estate Agent
• Communications Officer
• Opportunities: The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in competitive job markets.
Graduates are sought after by organizations such as:
• Accenture
• National Health Service
• Barclays PLC
• Ogilvy and Mather
• Treehouse PR Ltd
• Easton Aerospace
• Orchards of London
• Cornells
• Arcadia Group
• Outcomes: The program equips students with valuable skills, including:
• Analytical, critical, and independent thinking
• Independent research
• Problem solving
• Discussion and group work
• Collecting, assessing, and presenting evidence
• Written and verbal communication
• Articulating ideas and constructing arguments
• Organizing, planning, and time management

Other:

• Study Abroad: The program offers a four-year "with Study Abroad" option, allowing students to spend their third year studying at one of the university's partner institutions.
This provides students with the opportunity to broaden their academic and cultural horizons and gain valuable international experience.
• Employment Experience: The program also offers a four-year "with Employment Experience" option, allowing students to spend their third year completing a graduate-level work placement within the UK.
This provides students with practical experience and valuable skills that enhance their employability.
• Proficiency Options: Students can choose to specialize in a second subject by completing 60 credits of modules in that subject.
This can enhance their employability and broaden their intellectual horizons. Some proficiency options include:
• A Foreign Language
• Data Science
• Entrepreneurship
• Innovation
• Law
• Leadership
• Social Data Science
• Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award: The university offers the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award, which encourage students to participate in employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering, and employment.
These programs contribute to students' career decision-making skills and success in the job market.
• Career Zone: The university's Career Zone provides students with a range of support services, including careers fairs, skills workshops, training events, and advice on graduate opportunities and volunteering.

UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £23,700 per year