Why study this course?
Examine the relationship between historical events, politics and social issues such as poverty, power, gender and race on our International Relations and Politics BA (Hons).
You’ll have the freedom to explore the social movements that interest you. This could be anything from #MeToo, to the current #BlackLivesMatter drive or the Stonewall riots that started the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in the United States.
More about this course
On this International Relations and Politics BA (Hons) degree, you’ll explore the relationship between social and political issues around the world today and study the historical events that led to current situations.
We want you to tailor your degree so it’s right for you. There will be some core modules where you’ll learn about important events, theories and structures, but you’ll also have lots of flexibility to explore the topics that are important to you.
You could choose to study political unrest in the Middle East, the origin of racism and its impact globally to date, how religion affects political unrest around the world, the role of social media in social movements, acts of terrorism, political spin in the UK in relation to Brexit or the global fight for equality.
Our lecturers are established thinkers and influencers in their specialist topics. From them, you’ll learn key theories around diplomacy, conflict, authority and ethics.
On top of this, you’ll also have the opportunity to gain practical experience via a work placement so that you’re prepared to hit the ground running when you graduate. Being based in London helps to secure work experience in a range of places, including the UK government, non-government organisations (NGOs) or international embassies.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
Global Politics, Economy and Society (core, 30 credits)
Introduction to International Relations (core, 30 credits)
Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy since 1945 (core, 30 credits)
Politics and Government (core, 30 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Approaches to International Relations and Foreign Policy (core, 30 credits)
Comparative Politics (core, 15 credits)
Governance and Public Policy (core, 15 credits)
Political Theory (core, 30 credits)
American Foreign Policy (option, 15 credits)
Contemporary US Politics (option, 15 credits)
Empowering London: Working within the Community (option, 15 credits)
Immigrants and Nativists (option, 15 credits)
Media and Culture (option, 15 credits)
Politics of the Middle East (option, 15 credits)
Shifting Global Power in the 21st Century (option, 15 credits)
Strategy in the Contemporary World (option, 15 credits)
The Politics of the European Union (option, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
International Security in an Era of Globalisation (core, 30 credits)
The Politics of Modern States (core, 30 credits)
Placement 1 Year (alternative core, 30 credits)
Project 1 Semester (alternative core, 15 credits)
Project 1 Year (alternative core, 30 credits)
Action and Identity: Gender and Political Participation (option, 15 credits)
African Politics (option, 15 credits)
Empowering London: Working within the Community (option, 15 credits)
Human Rights and International Conflict (option, 15 credits)
Latin American Politics (option, 15 credits)
Modern British Politics (option, 15 credits)
Public Diplomacy and Global Communication (option, 30 credits)
Where this course can take you
This course will prepare you for an exciting career where no two days are the same. Our work experience opportunities give you valuable experience in this field, so you’ll have a competitive advantage when it comes to looking for a graduate job.
You could go on to follow in the footsteps of our alumni who now work for the UK Department for International Development, the United Nations, national diplomatic services, leading non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or as researchers for Members of Parliament (MPs).
Or you might want to consider further study or research in a specialist topic.
