International Relations and Politics

Description

Some of the most important political debates are those about international relations. Is it right to intervene in the politics of other countries? How ought we to respond to the threat of global warming? Is America too powerful? How big a threat is international terrorism? What should be done to improve international security?

How much power do multinational corporations have? Are global media institutions, such as CNN, shaping foreign policy?
These are the sort of questions that arise when studying a course such as International Relations and Politics. It allows you to think about and explore the causes of conflict – in the Middle East, for example - and to assess attempts to resolve it.

This course, in short, gives you the opportunity to study those forces and issues which are shaping the contemporary world.

Shape of the course: The first year is structured so as to ensure that study and other key skills are acquired to enable students to benefit most fully from the rest of the course. Firm foundations of knowledge are laid in respect of political theory, government and international relations and modern history. The programme in the second and third year is designed to draw upon a range of units in the areas of international relations and politics offered in the schools of Political, Social and International Studies. Students also have the opportunity to take relevant units in the School of American Studies and the School of History.

The second year units, “International Politics since 1945”, and “Democratic Theory” are compulsory and these are designed to provide a core foundation of knowledge of the international system since the Second World War and in the main traditions in the history of democratic thought. Otherwise in the second year, students choose with the assistance of their adviser, the Programme Director, two optional units in politics and two free choice units. All these are 20 credit units.

In the third year students take a compulsory dissertation unit where they choose a subject relating to international relations and/or politics. This unit includes some basic training in research methods and students also receive one-to-one individual supervision relating to their topics. A further ninety credits are taken from a range of specialist options within the School.

Examples of units: Introduction to International Relations Politics in the USA, International Organisations American Foreign Policy, International Security and Conflict Resolution, International Relations, Britain and Europe, Politics and Mass Media, The Clash of Fundamentalisms: Religion and International Relations and Policy-Making in Britain Power over the Pacific.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10550 Year (EEA)
• EUR 14400 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU Students: £9,000. International Students: £12,300

• English

Course Content

Year 1

This year is structured so as to ensure that study and other key skills are acquired to enable you to benefit most fully from the rest of the course. Firm foundations of knowledge are laid in respect to political theory, government and international relations, globalisation and modern history.

Compulsory modules may include Global Politics; Social and Political Theory; and Introduction to Contemporary Politics. You will also choose from a range of options which may include: Introduction to American Studies; Economics and Society; Introduction to Modern History; Media, Society and Power and Philosophical Problems.

Year 2

The programme in the second and third year is designed to draw upon a range of modules in the areas of international relations and politics offered in the School of Political, Social and International Studies. You also have the opportunity to take relevant modules in the School of American Studies and the School of History. The compulsory module International Relations Theory is designed to provide a foundational knowledge of the nature and dynamics of the interstate system. In addition you are required to take Building Blocks of Political Science as well as two of the following modules: International Politics since 1945, Comparative Politics, Democratic Theory and International Organisations.

You will also choose, with the assistance of your adviser, optional modules in politics and one module from a wide range of options.

Year 3

You can take a dissertation module where you can choose to research a subject relating to international relations and/or politics. This module includes basic training in research methods and one-to-one supervision. You can also choose from a range of options which may include: Western Political Thought; Politics and Popular Culture; Intellectuals and US Foreign Policy 1880-2008; Multiculturalism; The Clash of Fundamentalisms; Policy-Making in Britain; Political Economy of the Environment; Power Over the Pacific.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 88

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in Reading and Writing with no less than 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 20 in Reading and Speaking components, 19 in Writing component and 17 in Listening components.
• PTE: 62 overall (minimum 55 in Reading and Writing components with no less than 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications for deferred entry, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above, then please contact university directly for further information.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language at Grade C or above.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of East Anglia.

Funding

The University will be charging International students £11,700.00 for all full time School of Political, Social and International Studies undergraduate programmes which start in 2012.