A degree in Politics and International Relations offers you the opportunity to deal with a subject that is vital to understanding the key issues of our society and our world today. This course has a special emphasis on the international and global dimension of politics and you will be working with a subject team who are recognised experts in the field. During your time at Liverpool Hope, you can take part in our extensive programme of visiting speakers, fieldtrips, and overseas exchanges.
The programme specifications for this subject can be downloaded below.
Politics and International Relations
Why choose this subject?
Level 1
• The Arts Of The Possible: An Introduction To Politics
This course introduces key ideas in politics necessary to an understanding of the foundations of politics. Areas of consideration include political institutions, political change and political communication. The course considers issues including political theory, philosophy, ideology and international relations.
• An Introduction To International Studies
An Introduction to International Studies provides a multi-disciplinary overview of core themes in this field. It examines International institutions, both governmental and non-governmental. It looks at theories underpinning debate on international cooperation and conflict and through the examination of historical case studies considers how basic theoretical understandings have made contributions to the international community. Attention is given to prominent leaders and political figures who have influence in global politics, and contemporaneous issues which transcend national borders are considered in a broad and introductory international context.
Level 2
International relations lie at the heart of state cooperation and confrontation. This course explores issues at the heart of the debate on theories of and the practice of international relations. It considers the role of states, cooperation between states and issues such as globalisation and the international political economy.
Europe has undergone dramatic developments since 1945. From the ashes of war, the continent underwent a rapid economic rebuilding, developing the distinctive European social model. Europe has also experienced a triumph of democracy, first with the end of fascism, then with the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. And these economic and political changes have been accompanied by a sweeping social and cultural renovation, as traditional beliefs and attitudes have been challenged. This course looks at the transformation of postwar Europe, exploring the extent to which Europe has changed from 1945 to the present day.
Democracy is the most important political philosophy in the world today, but is also a very contested one. This course allows students to explore and examine democracy from a number of angles. It looks at theories of democracy, it examines the practice of democracy in a variety of different settings, and it explores critiques of democracy.
Britain is a fascinating country for the purposes of political analysis, with a very distinctive national political system, some important issues at local and regional level and a significant role in international affairs. This course allows students to explore British politics in detail at all three of these levels, combining theoretical understanding with practical analysis of contemporary issues.
This course considers aspects of the wars and empires that shaped Europe's impact on the world from the Peace of Westphalia to the immediate aftermath of the Second World War. Attention is given to the main European powers, but particular emphasis is placed on the British Empire, the most extensive empire in history.
Level 3
You will undertake a supervised research dissertation on a subject of your choice, which allows you to pick your favourite themes and topics. You will also have a choice of optional modules which may include:
This course outlines and critically evaluates institutions, processes and practices in the federal government of the United States. It addresses the American Constitution, the structure of government and how it addresses contemporary social, political and economic issues.
Britain has had contact with other peoples and nations for over two thousand years. This began when early settlers began trade in tin and other items, continued with the invasion of the Romans and then the Anglo-Saxons and then the Nordic tribes. In medieval times Britain became famous for its wool; under Elizabeth I imperial ambitions began to flicker and by the 19th century the British Empire reflected the worldwide economic hegemony Britain had by then achieved. Two world wars saw the enthronement of the USA as the world's superpower but Britain's role was still central during the Cold war and subsequently. Now the challenge is for this medium sized power to survive the sharp competition brought on by globalization from other developed countries-USA, EU- and the developing world led by China and India.
This course consists of a student undertaking a politics-based work placement and engaging in additional independent academic work related to the work placement.
This course will look at the sources of conflict, including inter-state wars, civil wars and ethnic conflict, and the means and methods for building a lasting peace through an examination of a range of historical and contemporary international case studies.
This course will allow you to identify and explore a selected political topic in depth through researching and writing a dissertation. Students will choose their own research topic in consultation with a supervisor, and will undertake both primary and secondary research and analysis leading to a 10,000 word dissertation.
The standard offer level is a minimum of 300 UCAS points, including a minimum of two A/A2 levels or equivalent.
International Relations is a BA Single Honours course UCAS code L201
You will graduate from Hope with the academic skills and knowledge to compete in the jobs market. Key careers available include roles in the media, government, civic organisations and policy work.
With a Politics and International Relations degree, you will be particularly well qualified for politics jobs with an international dimension, such as with international organisations like the UN or the EU, and with non-governmental groups including Amnesty or Oxfam.
Many students also move on to postgraduate degrees and there is an extensive selection of relevant post graduate Master provision at Liverpool Hope.
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Department: Politics, History, Media and Communication
