COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Politics degree at Aberystwyth University provides a comprehensive understanding of political systems, international relations, and global affairs, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to analyse contemporary political issues. In the first year, students study core modules exploring central concepts in international politics and the nature of politics in the twenty-first century, alongside optional modules that examine historical and contemporary perspectives on war, globalization, and media. The second year builds on this foundation with a core module on comparative politics, while students can choose from a wide range of options covering topics such as international relations, conflict, diplomacy, security, human rights, climate governance, EU politics, nationalism, and the role of women in global development and military service. In the final year, students undertake a dissertation, providing an opportunity for independent research and critical analysis, alongside optional modules that allow deeper study in areas such as covert operations, international security, economic diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, US intelligence, NATO, nuclear strategy, and contemporary UK politics. Across all three years, the program emphasises analytical thinking, research skills, and the ability to assess complex political and international phenomena. Graduates emerge prepared for careers in public service, international organisations, research, policy-making, and other roles where a deep understanding of politics and global affairs is essential.