Politics & International Relations BA (Hons)*

In the first year, you will take four core modules, building a foundation in both politics and international relations.

Foundations in Politics (30 credits)

This module introduces key ideas, concepts, and debates in political analysis. Themes include:  key ideas in politics (how politics is is studied, the nature of democracy and the state, power, decision-making, and political behaviour), political ideologies (such as conservatism, communism, nationalism, and feminism), and development of modern liberal democracies from ancient Greece to contemporary systems of representation.

Politics: Issues, Institutions, and Actors (30 credits)

This module examines political systems, institutions, and key actors. Themes include: key institutions in politics (constitutions, legislatures, the executive and their roles in political power), key actors (parties, interest groups, the public, and media, exploring trends in political organisation and participation), international organisations (UN, NATO, and other global actors), and challenges to democracy (authoritarianism, illiberal democracies, political violence, and terrorism).

Foundations in International Relations (30 credits)

This module introduces essential IR concepts, terms, and theories. Students explore the origins of power and diplomacy, the State and Nation, the differences between power and influence, and dimensions of security. The module also examines political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic issues globally, along with key actors and institutions.

Global Issues, Institutions, and Actors (30 credits)

Students examine contemporary global challenges, including environmental issues, food security, poverty, migration, conflict, terrorism, and transnational organised crime. The module combines theoretical perspectives with case studies of institutions and diplomatic practice, providing a contextual understanding of international politics.

EU Governance and Decisionmaking (15 credits)

The EU governance and decision-making module explores the roles of EU supranational institutions (European Commission and European Parliament), and EU intergovernmental institutions (European Council and Council of the EU) in public policy making. EU institutions are responsible for making policies which impact some 450 million peoples across the Union.

Drawing upon a unique set of governance theories, students will learn to navigate the complex world of EU decision-making, and will become equipped with skills to critically evaluate policy implications deriving from its odd but intriguing structures and processes.  

British Politics and Government (15 credits)

This module examines some of the key issues and challenges facing British politics and democracy. It addresses key institutions and organisations of the British political system – including Parliament, parties and the executive – considers how they function, evaluates their effectiveness and explores relevant key issues.

Theories and Analysis of International Relations (30 credits)

This module builds on the theoretical foundations introduced in the first year, examining key approaches to International Relations. You will study mainstream perspectives such as Liberalism and Realism, middle-ground approaches including Constructivism and the English School, and critical perspectives such as Marxism, Dependency Theory, Post-Structuralism, Post-Colonialism, Critical Theory, Feminism, Green Theory, and Post-Developmentalism.

Comparative Democracy: Europe and the USA (30 credits)

This module compares and contrasts issues of democracy in the United States and in Europe. It looks at different democratic traditions, voting systems and the strengths and weaknesses of democratic practice on each continent.

The US element of the module examines American democracy, the US constitutional framework, electoral processes, and voting behaviour.

The European element of the module compares democratic systems across Europe, examining institutions, parliaments, welfare states, electoral systems, and voting behaviour from Ireland to Russia.

British Foreign Policy (15 credits)

Examine the UK’s international identity and foreign policy in relation to key global regions and countries. Analyse directions and challenges including security, trade, development,  and environmental policy, amongst others.

EU Foreign Policy (15 credits)

Explore the origins and development of EU foreign policy, assessing strengths and challenges across security, trade, environmental, normative, and integration dimensions.

US Foreign Policy (15 credits)

This module considers the theoretical underpinnings of US foreign policy, the reasons for national expansion and some of the challenges that face the United States in its global ambitions.

Advanced Studies in Politics and International Relations

Politics in the United States

Examine the evolution of American politics through key issues and major policy challenges, including changing demographics, gun control, and the death penalty. Seminars focus on:

The Imperial Presidency

Study the development of the presidency as a central institution in American politics and foreign policy, from Franklin Roosevelt to contemporary presidents such as Kennedy, LBJ, Nixon, and Reagan.

Governance and Decision-Making in the European Union

Explore the EU’s unorthodox governance system and diverse decision-making practices. Students analyse core theories of European integration, governing institutions, and policy-making methods. Seminars include treaty analysis, debates, and mock treaty negotiations to develop analytical and practical skills.

Power and Politics

Investigate contemporary politics through the lens of power. Analyse where power lies, how political organisation and activism evolve, the impact of technology, and the functioning of the state.

Bottom-Up International Politics

Examine the role of non-state actors and civil society in shaping global politics.

Dynamics of Conflict and Peace

Explore theoretical and practical aspects of contemporary conflicts, peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding.

U.S.-Led Order and Post-Hegemony

Reflect on the historical role of the United States in shaping global order and consider post-hegemony developments, challenges, and scenarios.

Research element

Prepare for the final-year dissertation through research skills classes. Develop the knowledge, skills, and support needed to conduct a long-form research project in International Relations.

Dissertation

Complete a 10,000-word dissertation in Politics and International Relations. Receive individual tutor guidance while conducting independent research on a topic of personal interest, applying theory to real-world issues.