COURSE CURRICULUM

The International Relations program provides a comprehensive understanding of global political and security dynamics. In Year 1, students begin with *Understanding the International System* (PES4018-B), which introduces the origins and current debates about the international system, exploring core international relations theories like realism, liberalism, and constructivism. The *Politics and The State* (PES4019-B) module equips students with an understanding of core political theories and concepts and challenges ideas of the ideal state, focusing on various ways states exercise power. The *Challenges and Approaches to Development* (PES4020-B) module addresses global inequality, poverty, and development, examining theories and practices of development in the Global South. *Issues in World Politics* (PES4021-D) introduces key contemporary global issues and helps students develop academic reasoning and writing skills. The *Peace and Violence: Theories, Cases, and Challenges* (PES4022-B) module explores theories of peace and violence and provides opportunities for small-scale research projects on these themes.In Year 2, the focus deepens with *Analysing Contemporary Conflict* (PES5018-B), which enhances the understanding of social conflict, its causes, dynamics, and impacts. *Contemporary International Relations* (PES5020-B) builds on earlier theories to offer a more advanced understanding of international relations, applying them to current global challenges. The *Politics and Processes of Foreign Policy* (PES5035-B) module focuses on foreign policy and diplomacy, teaching the practical aspects of international negotiations. *Security: Concepts, Constructions, and Analyses* (PES5036-B) explores key security concepts and approaches, allowing students to critically engage with security policies at multiple levels.In Year 3, students undertake a *Dissertation (BA)* (PES6016-D), a significant research project on a relevant topic of their choice, which fosters advanced research skills. The *International Policy Processes in Practice* and *Politics of International Crisis Response* (PES6019-B) modules provide practical learning experiences, examining how international organizations respond to crises. These modules include crisis simulations, fostering skills in policy analysis and decision-making during global crises.The program’s structure offers a blend of theoretical and practical learning, preparing students for careers in international relations, security studies, diplomacy, or policy analysis.