COURSE CURRICULUM

The International Relations degree at UEA offers a rich, layered academic journey, beginning with a foundational first year that introduces students to the core ideas and key dynamics of global politics. Through a combination of core modules such as Power, (Dis)Order & Security, Worldbuilding: International Systems Throughout History, and Globalisation, Governance and Justice, students gain a solid grasp of concepts like sovereignty, balance of power, and international law, while also engaging with contemporary political issues and real-world case studies. Modules like Introduction to Political Communication provide a practical edge, equipping students with an understanding of how modern media and technology shape political discourse and strategy. In the second year, students deepen their analytical and theoretical skills, exploring major schools of thought in International Relations, from realism and liberalism to postcolonialism and environmentalism, in the Analysing International Relations module. Alongside this, students gain hands-on experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, enabling them to critically engage with political data and design their own studies. This year also offers the chance to study abroad for a semester, broadening students' cultural and academic perspectives. The third year is dedicated entirely to international study, giving students the invaluable experience of living and learning in a new environment, while further developing their global outlook. The final year is where everything comes together: students specialise in topics of their choice, work with leading academics, and complete an independent dissertation or collaborative research project. This final stage encourages originality, critical thinking, and expert-level understanding, while offering career preparation through employability modules, internships, and networking opportunities.