COURSE CURRICULUM

The International Relations and Politics (Extended Degree) BA (Hons) at Northumbria University is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of political systems, international relations, and social dynamics. The foundation year offers an introduction to the social sciences, covering topics such as crime and society, sociological imagination, politics and decision making, key debates in social sciences, academic skills, and encounters that shape our world, providing a strong base for higher-level study. In the first year, students study modules on Britain, Europe, and the world, democrats and dictators, international conflict and cooperation, researching international relations and politics, thinking globally, and thinking politically, with academic language support for international and EU students. The second year expands this knowledge through applied research methods, theories and practice of democracy, global governance, theories of international relations, government in action, and optional modules including study abroad, foreign policy analysis, human rights, representing political violence, and politics work experience, offering both practical and theoretical learning. In the third year, students engage with core topics such as active citizenship, critical security, and a dissertation, alongside optional modules exploring genocide, media and propaganda, energy and climate politics, terrorism, simulations of security negotiation, and the impact of technology on politics. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and practical application, preparing students for careers in politics, international organizations, public policy, diplomacy, or further academic study.