International Relations, BA (Hons)

Our BA in International Relations provides a comprehensive foundation in global politics, emphasizing research-led learning to explore relationships shaping our interconnected world, including regional studies, global security, power dynamics, and social norms. The program is structured around three core themes: political thought, political institutions, and international relations. Students begin with introductory modules and then customize their studies through optional topics such as security, interdependence, liberty, comparative political economies, and environmental politics. Opportunities for work placements or international study at institutions like Boston College or the University of Hong Kong further enhance the curriculum, which is informed by cutting-edge research from the School of Government and International Affairs.In Years 1 and 2, core modules cover introductions to international relations, security, political economy, and research methods, alongside options like democratic systems and international theory. Year 3 focuses on a dissertation and advanced electives such as global political economy and political psychology. Assessment includes exams, essays, group projects, and the dissertation, evaluating critical thinking, communication skills, and real-world application, preparing graduates for careers in social policy, international finance, journalism, and more.

Year 1 Core modules: Introduction to International Relations provides an overview of the field of international relations including its historical context and traditions of thought. The module addresses core concepts in the field including power, sovereignty, the international system, the international society, the state and norms. International Security, Interdependence and Organisation introduces the major theoretical and analytical problems in the field, including the concept of war, conflict and security; interdependence among states and international organisations; and the practice of interdependence in global politics and security. Perspectives of Political Economy through an enquiry-based learning approach to contemporary issues in everyday life, the module introduces you to the central concerns of political economy as an inter-disciplinary social science that focuses on the relationship between political and economic systems, agents and institutions. Researching Politics and International Relations introduces a range of strategies used to produce knowledge in politics and international relations. This module examines the strengths and weaknesses of a range of research methods. You will gain some practical experience of carrying out research in politics and international relations. In recent years, optional modules have included: Democratic Political Systems Introduction to Political Theory Introduction to Comparative Politics. Year 2 Core modules: The Research Project is an extended piece of work produced within a structured framework that will help prepare you for the demands of writing a dissertation. You will gain a deeper understanding of politics as an academic subject and as an aspect of wider human activity. International Theory develops knowledge of the major debates in contemporary international relations theory. The module helps to build a wider understanding of theoretical, conceptual and methodological matters in the study of domestic and international politics. International Organisations examines the role of key organisations in international relations, and their external impact. Looking at organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union, the World Trade Organization, NATO, ASEAN, etc., you will gain an understanding of the dynamic nature of global governance with emphasis on the dynamics of the global international environment. In recent years, optional modules have included: International Theory The Politics of Pacific Asia Foundations of Western Political Thought International Organisations Sovereignty, State and Empire Capitalism: History and Theory Middle East in the International System Debates in Political Theory. Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement year or year abroad) The Dissertation is a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of politics. It develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning and provides you with an opportunity to research a specific topic in greater depth and present your findings and conclusions. In recent years, optional modules have included: British Political Thought Muslims and Politics in the Modern World Theories of Liberty The American Presidency China in Global Political Economy Israel: Politics and Society Political Psychology in International Relations Woman, Gender and Politics in the US Elections and British Politics Advanced Topic in International Political Theory: the International Politics of the Everyday.