International Relations and Politics with Foundation Year

Why study International Relations and Politics with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University?

• We placed 5th nationally for International Relations and Politics in the ‘teaching on my course’ theme in the 2025 National Student Survey - out of 88 universities

• 100% of students on this course said teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025)

• Develop your own political voices and choose how to actively engage with world affairs

• The option to do a year-long work placement in an international-related organisation

• Participate in field trips to visit and understand the complex workings of institutions and think tanks

• Join a highly motivated and research active academic community

• Attend the Perspectives in IR research seminar series

About your course
This innovative degree will provide a grounding in international relations theory while examining in-depth issues of enduring international significance. By examining the challenges the world faces today, we will encourage you to develop your own opinions and actively engage in politics.

The degree takes an expanded definition of International Relations and covers a range of subjects from economics, politics, law and culture to examining the actions of international organisations, nation-states and non-state actors. It provides you with an essential grounding in international relations theory and a range of specialist modules, which examine in-depth issues of enduring international significance, such as conflict, state-building, and the role of multilateral organisations.

To develop your knowledge and interest in the varying topics and roles that people do, we will hold and attend regular events and workshops with practitioners and experts.

Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the interest and ability to study for a degree, but do not have the qualifications to enter directly onto the International Relations and Politics honours degree programme yet. Once you pass the Foundation Year (level 3) you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

Please visit the Liverpool John Moores University website for detailed module information.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

Teaching is a combination of class discussions, lectures and workshops with core academic staff and invited practitioners, experts and guest lecturers. The aim is to give you as much insight into the world of international relations as possible and this is best achieved through a mix of academic discussion and real-world experiences.

The aim in all the assessments is to test your understanding of international relations and politics. We all learn in different ways, and our assessments are a mixture of essays, essay plans, , presentations and research project.