COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSocSc Politics and International Relations program offers a rigorous and comprehensive study of political systems, international relations, and political theory, equipping students with the skills to critically analyse contemporary political issues. In the first year, students gain foundational knowledge through core modules including political theory, international politics, and making sense of politics, while optional modules allow exploration of areas such as comparative politics, British politics, and global economic policy. In the second year, students deepen their understanding by focusing on research methods, quantitative political analysis, and specialised topics including security studies, international politics, globalisation, development, and gender and politics, fostering both theoretical and practical analytical skills. The third year allows students to consolidate their learning through a dissertation, providing the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of choice. Advanced optional modules enable further specialisation in areas such as the politics of the European Union, nationalism, elections and voting behaviour, public policy, peace and conflict, political morality, and Chinese politics. Throughout the degree, students develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and research skills, preparing them for a wide range of career paths in public service, policy analysis, diplomacy, international organisations, political research, consultancy, and academia, as well as providing a strong foundation for further postgraduate study.