Politics and International Relations

Why do countries go to war? How much tax should we pay? And can foreign policy ever be wholly ethical?

If these are the kind of questions that interest you then you'll love exploring them through this stimulating, discussion-based degree course.

Most of your teaching time will be spent in small groups or seminars, allowing you to interact directly with staff and other students, and add your own voice to the discussion. You will learn about the fundamental elements of politics and international relations, address some of the contemporary world's most pressing problems and explore the ethical and moral issues that arise when political authority is exercised.

You will be able to pursue your own interests through a wide range of specialist optional modules, which cover topical issues such the politics of the welfare state, international terrorism and the Middle East crisis. You will also have the option to take modules in other subjects, such as economics and history, to broaden your knowledge and learn other skills.

Our Model United Nations and Middle East simulations give you the opportunity to get a direct feel for the political process and apply your knowledge and skills to a scenario that mimics real life. You can also take part in other activities that are related to politics. For example, you can contribute to the Department of Politics and International Relations' weekly politics radio show and learn other useful skills such as presenting and audio editing.

Placement

You can undertake a two-week placement as part of our module on British government and politics. This is an opportunity for you to gain first-hand experience of working with an MP, charity, pressure group, local councillor or media organisation. You can also carry out longer placements during summer vacations, or spend a year in industry.

We have a specialist placement officer, who can provide you with one-to-one support in securing and preparing for a placement.

Year 1

Core modules include:

• Introduction to Contemporary Democracy
• Introduction to Political Ideas
• Politics: International Relations and Strategic Studies

Optional modules include:

• British Society
• Freedom

Year 2

Core modules include:

• The Study of Politics

Optional modules include:

• American Government and Politics
• British Government and Politics
• Comparative Government and Politics
• European Political Integration
• Model United Nations
• Modern International Relations
• Political Classics
• Political Thinking
• Politics of the Welfare State
• Study Abroad
• The Media and Politics
• Work Placement Project

Year 3

Core modules include:

• Dissertation

Optional modules include:

• Intelligence, War and International Relations
• War, Peace and International Ethics
• British Foreign and Defence Policy since 1945
• Comparative Political Economy
• Contemporary Power Politics
• Crime and Punishment:Theoretical Approaches
• Democracy and Democracy Promotion
• Feminism and Political Theory
• International Political Economy
• International Terrorism
• Introduction to Critical Security Studies
• Nationalism
• Parliamentary Studies
• Politics and International Relations of the Middle East
• Politics of the International Economy
• Strategic Theory
• Strategy in the Two World Wars
• The UN and International Order
• Toleration: Theory and Practice
• US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950
• United Kingdom Politics since 1960

Requirements

• IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
• If you have Certificate of Complete General Secondary Education (Attestat o srednem polnom obshchem obrazovanii - Аттестат о среднем полном общем образовании) you need to take International Foundation Programme at first

Scholarships

• Chevening Scholarships 
• Global Education