COURSE CURRICULUM

The International Relations and Politics BA (Hons) at Oxford Brookes offers a comprehensive exploration of global politics, political theory, and international systems across three years of study. In Year 1, students build foundational knowledge through modules on political ideology, comparative politics, global challenges, social divisions, and key theories of international relations, alongside training in critical academic skills. Optional modules such as Cold War history, ethics, knowledge theory, and social theory deepen analytical thinking. In Year 2, the focus shifts to more advanced study, including UK politics, global political economy, security studies, and research methods, while optional modules cover areas like nationalism, European and US politics, migration, and work-based learning placements. Students also develop practical research skills in preparation for independent study. In Year 3, students undertake a major dissertation and engage with specialist topics such as conflict and peacebuilding, human rights, global development, violence and terrorism, and contemporary international issues in regions like Russia and South Africa. Optional advanced modules explore justice, freedom, global governance, and political transformation. Throughout the program, students develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills while engaging with pressing global challenges such as inequality, migration, security, climate change, and political conflict. The course prepares graduates for careers in politics, international organisations, policy, journalism, NGOs, and related fields.