International Relations and Tourism BA (HONS) (with Foundation Year)

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

International Relations is a part of Political Science. It looks at the global system and its effects on politics. Students learn about nation-states, cooperation, conflict, the causes of war, and the rules that keep order and peace. This International Relations course combines history, sociology, anthropology, media, law, and economics.

Our academic team includes internationally recognised experts. They publish in top peer-reviewed journals and with prestigious academic presses. Their research looks at state behavior and foreign policies. They study the UK, US, EU, and Latin America. They also explore conflict resolution, international law, and regional integration. This course tackles urgent global issues.

Students receive strong career support and practical experience. With help from civil servants and diplomats, they represent the University in model CoP and NATO negotiations. These events, organised by the British International Studies Association in London, help develop diplomatic skills and expand networks.

The "Practitioners in Politics and International Relations" series teams up with the Careers Office and Student Futures. It brings in leaders, like Members of Parliament and the Mayor of Liverpool, to help students explore political careers. Our team supports student engagement with the ‘Civil Service Masterclass.’ This programme, run by ‘Unique and Special Projects,’ is backed by the Department of Education, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Metro Mayor.

TOURISM

Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries and has become one of its biggest sources of employment. Our Tourism degree examines the industry from both management and academic perspectives. It looks at contemporary issues such as the structure of the tourism industry; the relationship between tourism and its host environments and cultures; the evolving trends in consumer behaviour; tourism destination management and global tourism development.

Liverpool is an ideal place to study tourism as the city is home to a number of key tourist attractions in the UK, such as the Royal Albert Dock and waterfront, Tate Liverpool, Premier League football, National Museums Liverpool and the Beatles legacy. The city’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2008, has also contributed to continued growth of the city’s tourism sector. Therefore, due to the dynamic nature of the city’s tourism industry, there are constant opportunities to explore and investigate contemporary aspects of an international destination on your doorstep.  

We pay close attention to enhancing your student experience and facilitating effective student learning. You will be taught by a team of tutors with a wide range of industry and academic experience of Tourism. Tutors take pride in being available to students and offering a high level of support. Our degree curriculum embeds material which aims to not only provide an in-depth, up-to-date knowledge on tourism, but also to refine critical thinking and develop your key transferable skills. We work closely with a wide range of tourism stakeholders to ensure that students gain insight into the ongoing management and delivery of a successful tourism destination. 

A Placement Year option is available for this course. Undertaking a placement year as part of your degree programme offers you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience alongside your studies.