Politics and International Relations - BA (Hons)

Program Overview

This Politics and International Relations degree provides a comprehensive foundation in global affairs, political theory, and history. Students analyze current events, explore diverse perspectives, and develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills. The program offers optional language learning or work experience opportunities, preparing graduates for careers in government, diplomacy, and international organizations.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Year 1:
• Introduction to Politics and International Relations
• Global Affairs
• A History of Now
• Political Thought
• Year 2:
• The Research Toolkit: Design and Delivery
• From World War to Cold War
• Give Peace a Chance: Fundamental Issues and Perspectives on Contemporary International Relations
• Ruskin Module (15 credits)
• The United States in the 20th Century
• EU Economy
• Intoxicants and Intoxication
• The British Empire 1783-1919
• International Human Rights Law
• Welfare State to European State: Britain 1906-1975
• Mobilities and Migration
• Year 3:
• Undergraduate Major Project
• Hitler to the Hashtag: Political Communication in Peace and War
• From Theory to Practice International Relations in the 21st Century
• A Global History of Government and Society, 1945-1999
• Research Communication
• Gender and Sexuality in Britain: 1880-2000
• Race, Racism and Ethnic Identity
• From Communism to Consumerism: Russia since 1917
• Global Feminisms
• From Workhouses to Universal Credit: The Past, Present and Future of the British Welfare State
• The Era of Thatcher and Blair
• The Making of Modern Media
• Comparative and Global Criminal Justice
• Counter-Terrorism Policing
• Organised Crime

Assessment:

• Essays
• Exams
• Case studies
• Optional work experience
• Presentations
• Final-year Major Project

Teaching:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Classroom time
• Access to original documents of figures such as Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill
• Guest speakers from leading politicians
• Access to libraries across town
• Language learning or work placement opportunities

Careers:

• Political party
• Diplomacy
• Civil service
• International organizations
• Hedge fund trader
• Teacher

Other:

• Students will gain a range of transferable skills, including data analysis, use of different sources, and innovative assessment methods.
• Students will have the opportunity to study a language or undertake a work placement as part of their course.

Tuition fees and student loans for UK students (2024/25) £9,250 UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) Both full-time and part-time students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. Part-time students should be studying more than a quarter (25% intensity) of a full-time course each year. You'll start repaying the loan in the April after you graduate. If you start a course on or after 1 August 2023, you won't repay anything until you earn more than £25,000. This is called repayment Plan 5. At this point, you'll repay 9% on everything you earn over £25,000. After 40 years (from the April after graduation), all remaining debt is wiped. If you started a course on or before 31 July 2023, you won't repay anything until you earn more than £27,295. This is called repayment Plan 2. At this point, you'll repay 9% on everything you earn over £27,295. After 30 years (from the April after graduation), all remaining debt is wiped. For example for students who are on repayment Plan 5: If you earn £25,500, you'll repay £45 a year or £3.75 a month That's because £25,500 is £500 above the threshold, and 9% of £500 is £45. What you repay depends on how much you earn after university. The more you earn, the more you pay back. This information also applies to: Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland EU, EEA and Swiss nationals benefiting from citizens’ rights under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement. Tuition fees for international students (2024/25) £15,900 International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter