Politics and International Relations

This degree will work with you step by step to research and learn about Britain’s wider place in the world, international relations, including international law and to gain the skills of diplomacy, ranging from the tools of soft power to defence and security. It offers you the chance to debate contemporary politics and international relations and to address the twenty first century global challenges of: terrorism, global warming, migration, climate and health.

Gain a rich understanding of the workings of modern politics and international relations as you incorporate strands from international law and diplomacy. You will explore Britain’s wider place in the world through a theoretical approach to both contemporary politics and international relations. You will also examine interstate relationships across Eurasia, Africa, Asia and North America. The degree includes preparation for employment across the areas of social activism, development, charity, administration, diplomacy, international sustainable heritage and corporate sectors. Every student will be equipped to understand how to analyse, share and think about global politics. You will gain expert skills in analysis, negotiation, international communication, and an underpinning in international law.

Year One
In your first year, you will receive a solid grounding in the theoretical approaches and research methods in the study of Politics and International Relations. The course introduces you to the political histories and contexts of Britain, Russia, China, and the United States.

Year Two.
In your second year you will begin to shape your degree around your own research interests. You will explore populism and the extreme right, Brexit, IR contemporary issues, Russia and Eurasia, and political ideologies. These subjects allow you to prepare for your third year dissertation project.

Year Three
By your final year, you will have a strong sense of what political area you would like to focus on for your final dissertation project.
Alongside your thesis, you will have the opportunity to explore more specific aspects of Politics and International Relations, including: the politics of twentieth century European dictators, Pan-Africanism, the effects of globalisation, and the evolution of international law.

Our BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations course uses a range of assessments methods, including:
-Essays
-Source evaluations and reviews
-Research projects
-Collaborative project work
-Dissertation.