Politics and International Relations

Subject in detail

Subject aims

The Politics and International Relations degree programme will enable you to develop a critical understanding of political theories and concepts and to apply this to the study of individual states and political movements and to their interaction in the global order.

As part of this programme you will:

study political ideas and the politics of nation states and their future in a globalising world
study global affairs, including the sources of conflict and security in today’s world, the development of international organisations, international political economy, and the analysis of how states make foreign policy
develop analytical skills and a critical perspective towards problems
follow a focused programme of study within a flexible framework that allows a wide choice of options
work in a friendly research-led environment where you will enhance your academic and transferable skills.

Teaching and learning

Our programmes are modular, consisting of self-contained units, taught and assessed on a semester basis. As you progress through each semester and successfully pass the assessment, you will receive credit for the units, thus providing you with a clear indication of your academic progress.

Teaching takes the form of lectures and seminars. Lectures in the first two years are quite formal, but all units have seminars for interaction between the teacher and a small number of students. In the final year of study the focus moves towards seminars and student-led learning. All our units are supported by electronic resources.

All teaching staff are available to see you in regular office hours or by appointment. Personal Tutors and Placement Offices will also support you during your placement year.

Methods of assessment

Assessment consists of a combination of coursework essays, class exercises, projects, oral presentations and examinations.

We place strong emphasis on developing presentation and discussion/communication skills which, in many units, is part of the assessed work.

Units & programme structure