BA (Hons) International Relations

Teaching & Learning

Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through several modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.

Year 1

What you'll learn

Politics, Ethics & Justice

Explore a series of real-world concerns as a starting point to examine issues in contemporary political theory. Topics such as freedom, equality, violence, and rights will be explored to provoke critical engagement and reflection on the contested nature of contemporary political theory.

International Actors & Institutions

Examine key actors and institutions in the international system, focusing on international relations. You will analyze the roles of key states, regional organizations, international organizations, NGOs, and transnational actors in the global order. The module explores how their power, roles, and significance have evolved due to changes in the international system, influencing processes of interaction, cooperation, and conflict.

World Politics

Understand the nature and structure of the international system and the evolution of modern states. Topics include the 20th Century States System, from the decline of pax-Britannica to the inter-war crisis, the emergence of pax-Americana, the establishment of key international institutions, the Cold War, its end, the rise of non-state actors, globalization, a decline of the West, the rise of China, ongoing economic crises, and democratization.

Introduction to Political Economy

Gain a critical introduction to the history and contemporary evolution of political economy. Engage with key historical thinkers and theoretical approaches to develop a qualitative understanding of political economy.

Understanding International Relations

Study major theories of international relations, including realism, liberalism, Marxism, the English School, and constructivism. Examine methodological issues in social studies, including classical, positivist, and post-positivist concerns.

These modules collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of political theory, international relations, political economy, and global politics, offering insights into theoretical frameworks and practical applications in contemporary contexts.

Year 2

What you'll learn

Active Citizenship

Investigate the concept of citizenship and engage actively by undertaking a voluntary placement related to your course. Reflect on these experiences to enhance your employability skills.

Understanding Security

Gain an overview of contemporary security issues, examining perspectives from the state to the individual. Explore how security threats have evolved and continue to change.

Global Inequalities

Research inequalities present at local, national, and global levels. Explore how people are affected disproportionately due to factors such as gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, age, disability, and immigration status.

Environment & World Politics

Study contemporary environmental debates, with a focus on climate change and its consequences. Evaluate evidence of global environmental crises and efforts at global cooperation. Consider issues such as responsibility, environmental movements, and alternative models of development.

Global Development Pathway:

Political Economy of Development

Take a critical political economy approach to development in the Global South. Study the evolution and dynamics of development policy from post-WWII state-led efforts to contemporary neoliberal globalization. Engage with various theoretical approaches to understand development challenges in the Global South.

Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution

Gain insight into key concepts and theories related to post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding. Explore different behavioural contexts and dimensions of peacebuilding, and define goals and processes for building peaceful societies.

Human Rights Pathway:

International Human Rights

Explore the historical evolution of international human rights law at the United Nations. Analyze the rights covered by conventions and examine how the UN and human rights advocates use legal mechanisms to promote and protect human rights globally.

Debates in Human Rights

Examine various debates within the field of human rights, exploring different theoretical frameworks used in its study and practice. Discuss specific controversial topics within human rights, challenging the complex nature of human rights as a moral framework for political action.

Politics Pathway:

Britain in the World

Review the recent history of British foreign policy since 1945, focusing on contemporary debates following Brexit. Explore topics such as the British Empire's legacy, the development of the Commonwealth, strategic relationships with the US and EU, and Britain's role in global governance systems.

State & Power

Investigate the nature, development, and prospects of the state using diverse theoretical approaches. Address fundamental questions about the state's role in society, power dynamics, political influence, business influence, arguments for state growth or reduction, and the impact of globalization on state sovereignty.

Option modules may include

International Relations Pathway:

Introduction to Marx

Gain insight into key concepts, methods, and debates within Marxism. Develop critical thinking skills to reflect on the political relevance of Marxism today, particularly its critique of capitalism as a historically specific mode of production.

Britain in the World

Review the recent history of British foreign policy since 1945, exploring debates on Britain's global position post-Brexit. Topics include the legacy of the British Empire, the development of the Commonwealth, strategic relationships with the US and EU, and Britain's role in global governance. Key events studied include the Suez Crisis, entry into the European Community, the Falklands War, negotiations over Hong Kong, the Iraq War, and Brexit.

Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution

Understand key concepts and theories in post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding. Explore various behavioural contexts and dimensions of peacebuilding, focusing on defining goals and processes to foster peaceful societies.

Theories of Peace & Security

Develop an understanding of key theories regarding peace, warfare, and security in the 21st century. Analyze their relevance to contemporary global practices and challenges.

International Human Rights

Explore the historical evolution of international human rights law at the United Nations. Examine rights covered by conventions and the role of the UN and human rights advocates in promoting and protecting human rights globally.

Political Economy of Development

Take a critical approach to political economy in the Global South. Study the evolution and dynamics of development policy from post-WWII state-led efforts to contemporary neoliberal globalization. Engage with various theoretical perspectives to understand developmental challenges in the Global South, exploring roles and relationships among global, national, and local institutions and actors.

Debates in Human Rights

Examine various debates within human rights, analyzing theoretical frameworks used in the study and practice of human rights. Explore controversial topics within the field, challenging perspectives on human rights as a moral framework for political action.

State & Power

Investigate the nature, development, and prospects of the state using diverse theoretical approaches. Address fundamental questions about the state's role in social life, its influence on social development, and its interaction with power dynamics, including the influence of business and globalization on state sovereignty.

Year 3

What you'll learn

Dissertation

Focus on a subject of your choice related to International Relations and your career aspirations. Select an International Relations-based dissertation topic and engage with relevant theoretical, methodological, and empirical material. Plan and deliver a comprehensive piece of work that links theory with critical reflection on your subject matter and research findings.

Rethinking Diplomacy

Investigate contemporary diplomacy and international relations, examining traditional and modern diplomatic practices. Analyze how changes in the international system, including the Cold War and post-Cold War dynamics, the rise of new international actors, and technological advancements, influence diplomatic operations and international relations.

Governing Globalisation

Gain an introduction to global governance and globalisation, exploring their intersection and implications for future world-order institutionalisation. Develop critical thinking about the mechanisms shaping global governance in the context of globalisation.

Global Development Pathway:

Community Development

Explore key issues in community development and change at grassroots levels. Study policy contexts influencing community development, addressing funding, diversity, and accountability issues within community development practices.

Human Rights Pathway:

The Politics of Human Rights

Focus on the politics surrounding the human rights movement, including its operational context and key stakeholders. Participate in workshops to deepen understanding through group work and practical exercises on human rights issues.

Politics Pathway:

Policy Making

Examine actors, mechanisms, and practices of policymaking, focusing on specific case studies. Engage with decision-making theories and policy process models to understand institutional dynamics and other theoretical approaches influencing policy complexity.

Option modules may include

Advanced Surveillance

Investigate the intersection of terrorism, security, and human rights. Analyze how states respond to terrorist threats through security policies and the resulting impact on civil liberties and human rights.

International Peacekeeping

Develop comprehensive knowledge and critical appraisal skills in evaluating various approaches to international peacekeeping.

Making Sense of British Politics

Examine pivotal events in British politics over the last century, including the financial crisis, austerity measures, Brexit, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Gain insights into current challenges and future developments in British politics, building skills in critical analysis and evidence-based argumentation.

Decolonising Politics

Explore current debates on the enduring influence of colonialism on contemporary politics. Engage with critical theoretical perspectives on 'coloniality' and race, applying these ideas to analyze contemporary political issues.

Migration & Displacement

Study the social and political dimensions of global migration and displacement. Examine the causes and governance of displacement, considering responses at local community levels and the broader geopolitical impact.

International Relations Pathway:

The Politics of Human Rights

Examine the political dynamics of the human rights movement, its operational context, key stakeholders, and theoretical frameworks. Participate in workshops to delve deeper into human rights issues through practical exercises and group work.

Non-Violent Resistance

Focus on social justice and nonviolent resistance movements globally. Analyze activism in various geographical contexts and on different issues, such as corruption, land rights, oppression, and environmental protection, through case studies and workshops.

International Political Economy

Explore International Political Economy (IPE) theories and debates surrounding globalization. Critically examine how different theoretical perspectives analyze and critique the contemporary global political economy.

Policy Making

Examine contemporary policy-making processes at the national level. Analyze actors, mechanisms, and drivers of policy change through specific case studies. Engage with decision-making theories and models to understand the complexity of policy processes and institutional dynamics.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Examine and critically evaluate different interpretations of International Relations through a global outlook, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the origins, evolution and contemporary dynamics of, and challenges to, the international system and world political issues and events.
2. Outline, contrast, evaluate and apply key theories, concepts and ideas within the study of International Relations, to analyse ideas, practices and issues in the international system.
3. Engage in and reflect on political participation; develop the academic, personal and employability skills necessary for intellectual, vocational and personal development and demonstrate global awareness and outlook in their application.
4. Gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and primary sources, and demonstrate digital literacy in the critical and reflective use of ICTs in the retrieval and presentation of information.
5. Creatively and effectively devise, plan and carry out research using a range of appropriate sources, methods and technologies, and present findings in a range of formats.
6. Identify, critically analyse and advocate solutions to problems, while recognising the importance of communicating effectively in speech and writing, referencing and ethical requirements of study and time management skills, to become a mature, enterprising and independent learner.

This course will give you the skills needed for a role on the global stage of international relations and politics. Your choice of course specialisms will help tailor your expertise to the career you want to pursue.

You could work in the civil service, in consultancy, for voluntary or community groups, or in the media. You'll also be well placed to further your studies by selecting from our range of postgraduate courses. Opportunities include an MA in Peace & Development, an MA in International Relations and an MA in International Human Rights Practice.

• Diplomat
• Government Advisor
• Journalist
• International Charity Worker