Politics and International Relations, BA (Hons)

The BA in Politics and International Relations at Goldsmiths offers a distinctive interdisciplinary approach, blending core elements of both fields to provide broad knowledge in international systems, global governance, political theory, and regional studies of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Students explore diverse topics such as the aesthetics of terrorism, security approaches, development politics, and contemporary movements, supported by a lively events program with renowned speakers. Opportunities include a work placement module for practical experience and the option to study abroad.In the first year, compulsory modules cover UK and European governance, colonialism, world politics, and identity studies. The second year includes research methods, security studies, and global governance, alongside optional modules. The final year features a research dissertation and additional electives, with assessments varying by module, including coursework, examinations, and group projects.

Year 1 You will study the following compulsory modules: UK and European Comparative Governance and Politics Colonialism, Power, Resistance World Politics Identity, Agency & Environment 1 Identity, Agency & Environment 2 Year 2 You will study the following compulsory modules: The Goldsmiths Elective Researching Politics or Theories and Methods in International Relations Security Studies or Global Governance and World Order Modern Political Theory or Modern Britain: Politics from 1979 - today You'll also take 60 credits worth of optional modules from a list approved annually by the Department of Politics and International Relations. In your third year, you write a research dissertation (30 credits) and then choose from a list of optional modules provided annually by the department to a value of 90 credits. This includes the option of a Work Placement module, worth 15 credits. Work Placement module This optional module gives students experience of working in a range of organisations in the NGO sector such as charities, think-tanks and pressure groups, bodies connected with international organisations, appropriate businesses, and political parties. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.