International Relations, BA (Hons)

This course delves into contemporary world politics, focusing on International Relations, Globalisation, and Politics. At Coventry University, students explore international affairs in depth, including power dynamics, political decision-making, conflict, peace, foreign policy, democracy, human rights, and social movements. It examines how decision-makers and organisations respond to issues like war, terrorism, and democratic shifts, while reflecting on their impacts in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe.Key benefits include a deeper understanding of international cooperation, foreign policy challenges, and global interdependence, such as the effects of aid and migration. The curriculum features modules across three years, covering topics like global security, emerging powers, and regional politics, with options for placements. Assessment methods vary, including essays, presentations, and projects, to monitor student progress effectively.

This course has a common first year. The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn. If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements). Year One Modules Ideas and Concepts that Shape the World Nations and Nationalism: From to Unification to Annihilation The Making of the Globalised World After Destruction: The World since 1945 Power, People, and the State Freedom, Rights and Democracy Year Two In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your: Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen You will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with: global security, foreign policy, and the far right in contemporary Europe, amongst others. Modules Contemporary Global Security Foreign Policy Analysis Emerging Powers and Global Order Ethics and International Relations Humanity and the Natural World The Far Right in Contemporary Europe Placement Year There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement* can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future. If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee* of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. Final Year Your final year aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You will have the chance to develop your interests and choose from a wide range of optional modules. For example, you could choose modules on the Middle East, the United States, or China to enhance your intercultural and political awareness. Modules Independent Project United States' Foreign Policy since 1945 Chinese Politics, Foreign Relations and Security International Relations of South Asia Global Organised Crime Politics of the Middle East Nationalism and Democratisation in Post-Communist Europe Race and Resistance in the Americas We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. *For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website