COURSE CURRICULUM

The International Relations programme provides an advanced and comprehensive understanding of global politics, international law, conflict studies and diplomacy through a diverse range of specialist modules. Diplomacy and Peacekeeping in Practice explores the relationship between political interests, international intervention and diplomatic efforts to prevent and resolve conflict. Students examine concepts of positive and negative peace, peacekeeping mandates, statebuilding, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction while analysing case studies including Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Drivers of Armed Conflict investigates the underlying causes of conflict, including political, economic and social factors, while exploring theories such as greed versus grievance, neo-patrimonial governance and state failure through examples from countries including Rwanda, Syria, Iraq and Sierra Leone. The International Relations Dissertation develops advanced research skills through the design and completion of an independent research project focused on a topic chosen by the student. Particular attention is given to research methods in fragile and conflict-affected environments, including ethical considerations, researcher bias and fieldwork challenges. International Trade Law examines the legal and political foundations of international trade, focusing on the development of global trade regulations and the role of the World Trade Organisation in balancing economic interests with social concerns such as public health, labour rights and environmental protection. Social Research Methods develops advanced knowledge of research design, methodology and data analysis while examining the philosophical foundations of social science research and ethical considerations involved in conducting studies in real-world contexts. The Responsibility to Protect and Justice explores humanitarian principles, international humanitarian law, war crimes, genocide and international criminal justice while critically examining the Responsibility to Protect doctrine and contemporary debates surrounding intervention and state sovereignty. Theorising International Relations provides students with a strong theoretical foundation by examining realism, liberalism, constructivism and critical social theories and applying them to issues such as security, trade, human rights, humanitarianism, environmental challenges and global health. Together, these modules equip graduates with advanced analytical, research and policy skills for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, government, security, international law and academic research.