COURSE CURRICULUM

The Politics and International Relations degree covers a wide range of topics throughout three years, offering students a deep exploration of political theory, global challenges, and the dynamics of power. In Year 1, the focus is on understanding key political ideas and their evolution, examining how gender studies, postcolonial research, and queer theory challenge traditional concepts like sovereignty, property, and human rights. Students engage with contemporary political issues through modules like Global Challenges and Comparative Politics, analyzing inequality, authoritarianism, and the impact of economic crises on democracy. Year 2 deepens this understanding, with modules like Political Theory, which explores the relevance of big ideas in today's politics, and Global Political Economy, which links economics to issues of gender, race, and class. The focus on practical skills continues with modules such as Exploring Work and Society, which prepares students for professional environments by engaging with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and real-world projects. Year 3 offers specialized modules like American Politics and Decolonising Politics, which explore political structures in the Americas and the legacy of colonialism. Students also explore sustainability and global inequalities through modules like Sustainable Futures and Global Inequalities. The final year culminates in the Politics and IR Project, allowing students to undertake a major research project, developing independent research and analytical skills. This capstone experience, whether in the form of a dissertation or a real-world political project, prepares students for further academic study or careers in politics and international relations. Throughout the degree, students are encouraged to critically engage with contemporary issues and theories, while developing essential research, communication, and professional skills.