Politics and International Relations

Explore democracy, freedom and security in the 21st century. Analyse key theories, compare systems and examine global events, debates, and concepts in international relations, security and political economy.

Global perspectives
Gain international insights through student exchange opportunities in countries like Canada, the USA, Poland and the Czech Republic – bringing global politics to life beyond the classroom.

Expert-led, research-informed teaching
Learn from leading academics whose research spans NATO, Middle Eastern protest movements, global environmental politics, and EU governance - ensuring your education is cutting-edge and relevant.

Flexible, skills-focused curriculum
Shape your degree with flexible modules and creative assessments that build practical, career-ready skills for diverse professional paths.

This course is for you if...

• you are interested in debating global issues, current affairs and major political events

• you are aiming for a career that makes a difference into today's political landscape

• you are ready to broaden your horizons with international exchange opportunities

• you are looking to gain practical skills through varied, real-world assessments that prepare you for your future.

Course Modules

Year 1
Investigate the most pressing issues facing our world, where they have come from and the international systems and political and economic ideas that shape our contemporary world. You’ll explore the evolution of politics, current affairs, climate crises and major political events in historical and regional contexts.By the end of year one you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to help you thrive in your degree programme, having gained vital research techniques and analysed the relationship between politics and international relations via innovative and engaging forms of assessment.

Year 2
Immerse yourself in the issues that you care about in the world and use your newfound knowledge and skills to analyse global systems. Learn how to do foreign policy analysis and explore concepts of national and human security, identity and global political economy. You will explore contemporary debates and develop a critical mindset, evaluating evidence and scrutinising arguments to take your knowledge further in ways that you can apply in your future career. Or you can put your global mindset into practice, studying abroad with our international student exchange programme.

Optional placement year
Undertake an optional placement year where you can build a number of key employability skills. Put theory onto practice, get a taste for your chosen career and expand upon your professional network.

Final year
In your final year, you’ll do comprehensive research on a topic of your choice with expert supervision that helps bring together the skills developed on your journey so far. You’ll deepen your knowledge of politics and IR by studying topics including NATO, the media, understanding conspiracies and post-truth politics, environmental politics, the politics of the USA, the Middle East, the EU, or Africa. Or you can make your degree your own, choosing modules from across our school that interest you the most. By the end of your degree, you will be making your mark, ready to be a part of the change.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.