Politics & International Studies, BSc (Hons)

Course summary

Among other aims, our Politics and International Studies degree provides:A detailed knowledge and understanding of contemporary political analysis;An excellent training in social research methods;The ability to apply theoretical perspectives and concepts to real-life problems, and;An appreciation of the complexity and diversity of political problems in society.The degree equips graduates for employment in a range of careers in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors.Our curriculum is based upon the research and scholarship of the staff team. We aim to encourage students to become research literate and have a strong understanding and appreciation of the research carried out within their discipline.Students are introduced to central questions driving political change across the world today and discover how academics, including their own lecturers, are trying to address them.

The course has been commended in internal and external review for its well-structured and relevant curriculum, which is underpinned by the original research and scholarship undertaken by staff teaching on the course. Our research has a well-established record of impressive achievements through:- first, the authorship of books and articles of acknowledged international excellence, second, demonstrable practical impacts on the policy-making process, and, third, winning against strong competition the support of prestigious sources of external funding including the Economic and Social Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust and the British Academy. Our research influences our teaching through the content of the curriculum, and through developing research awareness and literacy among our students.