International Relations with Foundation

Explore global relations near the 2021 G7 summit site, examining law, economics, diplomacy and governance. Blend theory with practice to grasp decision-making and represent Plymouth at Model UN, sharpening critical thinking on global issues.

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.

Confidence-building foundation
Start with a supportive foundation year to boost confidence regardless of background, then tailor your degree with innovative modules across politics, culture and society to match your passions and career goals.

This course is for you if...

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

• you are looking to build confidence and skills through a supportive foundation year

• you are excited by international exchange opportunities in other countries

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

Course Modules

Foundation year
You will experience a supportive environment to assist in the transition to successful study in higher education. You will learn about academic writing, critical thinking skills and begin to develop your research skills, as well as develop your knowledge and understanding through an introduction to key aspects of international relations, and other relevant areas of law and social science.

Year 1
Investigate daily headlines and topical news, discovering 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 international relations and the social sciences via innovative and engaging forms of assessment.

Year 2
Immerse yourself in the issues that you care about in the world and use your new found 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 third 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 IR by studying a range of topics including NATO, understanding conspiracies and post-truth politics, the media, environmental politics, the EU, the politics of the USA, the Middle East or Africa. Make your degree your own, choosing modules from across our school that interest you the most.By the end of your final year, 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