Politics & International Relations

Think innovatively and drive positive change globally. With a hands-on approach, this course offers real-world experience in politics and international relations.

In an era of global change, the need to understand politics and international relations has never been more urgent. Step into the shoes of change-makers, gaining the insight and skills to help shape change.

Global Politics: explore the complexities of the global stage: why our world remains divided into nation-states, how domestic politics and international dynamics interact, and the forces that inform key political decisions.
Power: discover how power shapes societies within borders and influences relationships between them, learning to decode the campaigns, elections, protest movements and political ideologies that define our world today.
Project-based learning: work on complex problems, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Your assessments are project-based and are designed to reflect the careers of politics and international relations graduates.

Why you should study this course
Applied learning: apply theories and ideas to role-play simulations and real-world policy challenges that put you in the position of policymakers.
Academic community: work closely with our teaching staff who provide a welcoming learning community.
Critical thinking: in an age of information and disinformation overload, studying politics and international relations helps you to develop the vital skills of critical judgement, analysis of evidence, informed decision-making and skilful and precise use of language.
Innovative assessment: build a broad portfolio throughout your studies, from writing op-eds and policy papers to producing short documentary films and other industry-relevant material.
Global curriculum: study the politics and international relations of the Americas, South and East Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

This course includes a sandwich (placement year) option.

Course Modules

This course has a common first year. The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Year One Modules:
Order: Power and Authority in a Changing World
Chaos: Catastrophe and Violence
Identity: Belief, Vision, and Values
Motion: Migration, Trafficking and Colonisation

Year Two Modules:
Dictatorship and Democratic Breakdown
Power Politics: Emerging States in the Global Order
Global Security, Reconciliation and Human Rights
Protest, Dissent, and Resistance

Sandwich Year:
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Final Year Modules:
The Politics of the Global South
Political Communication, Propaganda and the Media
Independent Project

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
Optional Modules