International Relations and Politics

The highlights

• A course for people who want to really understand the world we live in and have a burning desire to make things better

• It's unique because it blends the study of history, politics and journalism to shed light on the root causes of today's societal issues

• Develop problem-solving skills and a 'can do' attitude that will help you go into a wide range of job roles including in politics, campaigning, think-tanks, NGOs, charities, civil or diplomatic services

This unique BA (Hons) in International Relations and Politics is for people who want to understand and influence what is happening in the world — at either a local, regional, national or international level. It's the perfect time to launch this programme because never in human history has so much rapid change been apparent. The climate crisis, biodiversity and habitat loss, the Covid-19 pandemic, the rise of populism, threats to free speech and democracy around the world, ageing populations: these are just some of the challenges we face as we begin the 2020s.

At the same time there are many areas of opportunity. New and sustainable technologies promise a future with clean energy and zero-emissions vehicles, while social media enables people to work together to challenge prevailing orthodoxies, prejudices and governments. There is youth activism and widespread movements for racial and societal justice.

If you want to play a role in shaping some of these crucial global issues, this BA (Hons) in International Relations and Politics is a great starting point. The world needs well-informed, culturally aware citizens who can research and analyse the data, problem-solve and negotiate — and this is exactly what you will learn to do on this degree.

What you will learn about:

• Political power, by studying politics and government at all levels, from parish councils to the UN

• Policy making and influencing: How to bring about meaningful change by researching, analysing and proposing solutions to defined issues in society, the environment, or in government

• Analysis and reporting: The journalistic approaches used to research, analyse and report on the big issues of the day. You'll also work alongside journalists to produce your own news stories

• Cultural contexts: The different norms, attitudes, and disadvantage of the past and today and how this affects attitudes and behaviours. You'll learn to to work sensitively and with cultural intelligence.

We will also ensure you leave with a good understanding of the basics of data science, so that you can carefully assess some of the claims made by politicians and organisations in today's statistics-driven society.

How you will learn
Our teaching methods will be varied, interactive and engaging. They include:

• Online and face-to-face lectures, sometimes involving guest speakers

• Seminars that encourage lots of debate and discussion

• Work experience and real projects

• Self-directed study

How you are assessed
In your final year, you will undertake an Independent Study module which incorporates quantitative data analysis and you'll also need to write a dissertation.

Careers
When you have completed this degree, you will be well-informed about the major global issues of our time and have a range of skills that employers really value, particularly:

• negotiation and conflict resolution

• being able to analyse evidence objectively, including using basic data science techniques

• communication

• problem-solving

• cultural awareness.

You can put these skills to good use in a range of high-level careers, such as in politics, journalism, campaigning, think-tanks, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), charities, the civil or diplomatic services, and inter-governmental institutions.