COURSE CURRICULUM

The International Relations and Politics BA (Hons) at Northumbria University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global politics, governance, and international affairs while developing practical skills for careers in public policy, diplomacy, research, and related fields. In the foundation and first years, students study core modules including Britain, Europe and the world, democrats and dictators, international conflict and cooperation, researching international relations and politics, thinking globally, and thinking politically, supported by academic language modules for international and EU students. The second year focuses on advanced topics such as applied research methods, theories and practice of democracy, global governance, theories of international relations, and government in action, alongside optional modules and experiences including study abroad, politics work experience, foreign policy analysis, human rights, and representing political violence, providing both theoretical understanding and real-world application. In the third year, students can further enhance their global perspective and professional experience through a full year of work placement or study abroad. The final year emphasizes core modules on active citizenship, critical security, and a dissertation, with optional modules exploring genocide, media power and propaganda, politics of oil and global warming, terrorism, war games simulating security negotiations, and politics in a hyper-technological age, equipping graduates with analytical, research, and practical skills for navigating complex political and international environments.