BA (Hons) International Relations

The study of International Relations covers key issues of international threats, conflict, competition, cooperation, development, and globalization, provides a solid understanding of international organizations such as the UN and the European Union. IR as a discipline also covers structures of power and influence. Our program develops a range of analytical skills to help you interpret and explain the processes at work in unfolding current events. In a world of complex interdependence, such skills are of increasing relevance to many areas of business, industry, and government.

Year 1

• The Changing World: A History of International Relations since 1945
• Introduction to International Relations

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Why Politics Matters
• Justice, Authority, and Power
• Introduction to Global Political Economy (GPE)
• Debates in American Politics
• Modern Democracies
• Securing Global Order

Year 2

• Contemporary International Relations Theory
• International Organisation: Mitigating Anarchy

OPTIONAL MODULES

• U.S Government and Politics
• British Government and Politics
• Russian Politics and Society
• Work Experience in Politics, International Relations, and Philosophy
• Foreign Policy
• The International Politics of the Middle East: A Century of War and Diplomacy
• INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OF EURASIA: Challenges of Globalisation and Geopolitics
• The Practice of Politics
• Freedom and Equality
• Why Policy Changes
• The Politics of the European Union

Year 3

• Dissertation in Politics and IR – ISP

OPTIONAL MODULES

• The Missing Dimension: Conspiracies, Spying, and International Relations
• The U.S. Presidency
• Policing International Order
• The Extreme Right in Western Europe
• Politics of Development
• Israel/Palestine: Key Debates and Issues
• Parliamentary Studies
• Global Governance of Peace and Security
• Understanding Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
• Human Rights: Concepts, Norms, and Identities
• Modern Russia
• Britain and war since 1945: War, Cold War, and society
• The Rise of China

Employability

This course provides an invaluable lens through which to see and approach the world, which appeals to many employers. You might work in journalism, the civil service of the European Parliament, or as a political researcher for an MP or think tank. You might join international organizations such as aid and development agencies, charity foundations, or businesses. Approximately 25% of graduates from this course study for higher degrees. Some of our well-known graduates include Laurence Mann, the political private secretary to David Cameron, Farah Faisal, Higher Commissioner for the Maldives, and Paul Rimmer, Director at the Ministry of Defence.