COURSE CURRICULUM

The Politics and International Relations degree provides a comprehensive understanding of political systems, international affairs, and the historical and contemporary forces shaping global governance. In the first year, students explore foundational topics including political thought, global affairs, contemporary history, and the basics of politics and international relations. The second year builds on this knowledge by examining key historical and contemporary issues, from the transition from World War to the Cold War, to human rights law, migration, and the impact of the British Empire. Students develop research skills and analytical approaches to understand complex political and social phenomena. In the final year, learners undertake an undergraduate major project and engage with advanced topics such as political communication, international relations in the 21st century, global history since 1945, and the role of media in politics. Optional modules allow students to explore issues of gender, race, welfare, global feminisms, counter-terrorism, and organised crime, providing a multidisciplinary perspective on politics and society. Throughout the course, students gain critical thinking, research, and communication skills while developing a global perspective on governance, policy, and political decision-making. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in government, international organisations, diplomacy, research, media, or further study, with a deep understanding of political systems, history, and global affairs.