COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Politics and International Relations degree at Aberystwyth University offers a comprehensive study of political and international dynamics across local, national, and global contexts. In the first year, students develop foundational knowledge in political concepts, international issues, and contemporary politics through core modules such as Politics in the 21st Century, Exploring the International, and Behind the Headlines, alongside optional modules covering globalisation, historical revolutions, and military strategy. In the second year, the focus broadens to include comparative politics, international relations theory, and contemporary debates, with core modules such as International Relations: Perspectives and Debates and People and Power. Optional modules allow students to explore topics including global development, diplomacy, security and intelligence, conflict resolution, climate governance, human rights, nationalism, and historical and regional studies. The final year emphasizes independent research through a dissertation, while optional modules offer advanced study in areas such as EU politics, economic diplomacy, covert operations, the Arab-Israeli conflict, NATO, and contemporary political challenges. Across all three years, the program combines theoretical understanding with practical analysis, developing critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to assess complex political and international issues. Graduates are equipped for careers in government, international organisations, policy research, diplomacy, and other fields requiring political and analytical expertise.