International Relations and Politics

In an age of globalisation, our daily lives are affected by what happens across the world. From the financial crisis to war and conflict, international relations matters. It shapes government policy, affects our job prospects and impacts the lives of people from all parts of the world. If you want to explore the role of state and organisation in an increasingly interconnected world, this international relations and politics degree is the right choice for you.

In many cases, global politics and the decisions made by those in power can have significant consequences for populations and how they live. As part of this politics and international relations course, you’ll debate different ideologies and policies in global politics, developing your understanding of why wars occur, why states cooperate (or don’t cooperate) with each other, and how these ideas affect lives.

Designed with a strong international focus, you’ll also have the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad, immersing yourself in a different culture and experiencing new ways of life. These experiences will provide you with the real-world experience needed to stand out in a competitive employment industry.

You will:

• Develop a thorough understanding of different ideologies and policies in global politics

• Acquire a range of transferable skills needed to launch your professional career

• Understand how lives are affected by both politics and the relations between relations

Course Modules

Year one

• International History (2) 1945-Present

• International Politics I

• International Politics II

• Introduction to Comparative Politics

• The Cold War

• International Organisations

Year two

• Theories of Power and Domination

• Contemporary International Relations

• Researching in Politics

Optional modules may include:

• Political Communication: Media and Democracy

• Regimes and Dictatorships from 1918

• US Foreign Policy Since 1945

• Terrorism and Irregular Conflict

• Intelligence, Security and Politics in Britain 1909-94

• Contemporary Security

• Contemporary Information Warfare

• US Political History

Year three

• Dissertation

Optional modules may include:

• Chinese Foreign Policy Since 1949

• International Political Economy

• Corruption in Contemporary Politics

• British Counter-Insurgency Since 1945

• Social media and politics: digital democracy

• Global Environmental Politics

• Politics Placement

• Intelligence and Cyber Warfare

• Threats to Democracy