Excited to learn more? For a taster of what you can expect to study on our BA International Relations degree, take a sneak preview of some of the modules you may have the opportunity to study below.

Semester 1

Compulsory

Academic Foundations in International Relations, Politics and History

This module has three main aims:

  • introduces students to academic integrity;
  • allows students to development their academic skills for successful study in Politics, International Relations, Philosophy and/or History
  • allows students to develop, recognise and better articulate their skills, attributes and self-awareness.

The Contemporary World Arena (20 credits)

The aims of the module are to explore various aspects of the contemporary world arena, and to consider the importance of different actors and issues; and to identify links between theory and practice in the world arena.

Power, Politics & Ideology in Modern Europe (20 credit)

This module provides an introduction to modern European history from c.1750 until European integration and the major ideological families that have defined, and continue to shape, European political, cultural, and intellectual life. It encourages students to evaluate the impact of the 'dual revolution' on the emergence of the key political ideologies - including liberalism, conservatism, Marxism, and feminism - and to assess the relevance of these ideologies to contemporary politics.

Optional

Economic and Political Geography

The aims of this module are to introduce students to key concepts and debates in economic and political geography, examine case studies of economic and political change in the global North and global South, familiarise students with writers and texts in economic and political geography.

Slavery to Black Lives Matter: African American Culture 1840 - present

This module gives you the opportunity to engage with a wide range of African American cultural production (written, cinematic and musical) from 1840 to the present day and to explore the complex social and political questions raised by these primary materials, studying a variety of texts from nineteenth-century slave narratives to contemporary hip-hop lyrics.

The Atlantic World: The Americas, Europe and Africa since the 15th Century

This module introduces students to the concept of the 'Atlantic World', surveys the early modern history of Africa, the Americas and Western Europe, and explores the key historical themes of this period including race, religion and empire.

Identities, Inequalities & Resistance 

The aims of this module are for the student (a) to become familiar with the discipline of sociology through a study of sociological theories and concepts and their application, and (b) to develop a sociological way of thinking.

University-wide Language Programme

This is a 10 credit module from the University-wide language programme.

Semester 2

Compulsory

International Political Theory (20 credits)

This module aims to introduce students to a selection of theories, concepts and theorists of International Politics. Students will learn to critically evaluate the strengths, weaknesses and limits of each approach.

The Making and Unmaking of the World Order (20 credit)

This module introduces students to the main currents of world history and to the shifting structure of the international order in the modern period. It aims to cover both the mainstream narratives and those critical of Eurocentrism, thereby stimulating an appreciation in cultural diversity.

Politics and Government (10 credits)

This module introduces students to key concepts and theories used in the study of advanced democracies. Taking the United Kingdom as its starting point, it provides an overview of key historical and contemporary debates and draws on quantitative and qualitative research traditions in Comparative Politics.

Optional

Social and Cultural Geography

The aims of this module are to introduce students to key concepts in social and cultural geography, examine case studies of social and cultural change in the global North and global South, and familiarise students with writers and texts in social and cultural geography.

Introduction to Film

This module provides an opportunity to explore key concepts, approaches, and areas of interest in film studies through offering a critical introduction to the discipline. As well as considering key aspects of film form and style (setting, props, costume, lighting, actor performance, cinematography, editing, and sound and music), you will explore such topics as narrative, genre, the role of the director, star studies, and geographies of film consumption, through detailed study of a number of American films.

Art and visual culture since 1850

The aims of the module are to:

  • Introduce central developments within art and visual culture during the 19th century and up to the present day, mapping these onto historical events, themes, and discourses;
  • provide a critical response to canons, concepts, and narratives within modern and contemporary art and visual culture;
  • develop key art historical skills such as comparative visual analysis;
  • equip students with the skills required to undertake research into historical works of art and visual culture, with a focus on modern and contemporary practice

Global, Social and Cultural Change

The aim of this module is to offer a sociological overview to contemporary social issues, from a macro perspective and with a particular focus on their global, social, and cultural dimensions. A running theme throughout the course is to make sense of power struggles, international exchanges and technological advancements that reshape the world, and how they have raised new challenges for social groups and individuals in the XXI century.

University-wide Language Programme

One 10-credit module from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications.  Languages offered are: French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish.

Semesters 1 & 2

Optional modules

Globalization

This module aims to:

  • develop your understanding of how political, economic, cultural and development geographies are both shaping and impacted by globalization
  • provide you with the geographical tools and theories necessary to interrogate critically contemporary and historical events as they relate to globalization

Social Difference

This module aims to:

  • Develop an understanding of changes in the nature of geographical research about social difference over time.
  • Develop an awareness of how social differences interact in a range of ways across space, place and time. This will include examining processes of social change in post-colonial societies.

Semester 1

Compulsory

Theories and Methods in Political Research

The aims of this module are to introduce students to the dominant approaches and their research methods in politics.

Optional

Critical Security Studies

The aim of this module is to examine the concept of security through a range of conceptual and theoretical approaches, especially its 'critical' variants. This is done by examining critical frameworks of security and insecurity, at times contrasting with orthodox and mainstream notions.

Politics of Development

This module aims to introduce the students to the study of development and to examine the problem of global socio-economic inequality and its relation to politics.

Small Wars

The module examines the evolution and conduct of Small Wars throughout the Twentieth Century and up until the present and ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. It analyses why and how Great Powers have fought small wars and explores the motivations and resistance of insurgents. The module also examines different types of Counter-Insurgency operations as carried out by Liberal States.

Small Wars (10 credit)

The module examines the evolution and conduct of Small Wars throughout the Twentieth Century and up until the present and ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. It analyses why and how Great Powers have fought small wars and explores the motivations and resistance of insurgents. The module also examines different types of Counter-Insurgency operations as carried out by Liberal States.

Your Future Career: Preparing for the World of Work

What do you know? What are skills? Where are they going to take you? This module will help you to answer those questions by building on transferrable skills and encouraging you to reflect on your learning. In addition, you’ll learn about the UK job market, and how to negotiate a range of recruitment tasks including decoding job specifications, writing an application, interviews, psychometric tests and the use of AI. Combine these with your degree and graduate with confidence.

History of Political Thought (20 Credit)

The aim of this module is to examine some of the main thinkers in the history of political thought.

 

History of Political Thought (10 credit)

The aim of this module is to examine the development of the political thought by looking at key concepts, thinkers and movements in the history of ideas.

Modern China in a Global Perspective

This course provides an overview of modern Chinese history, focusing on China's entanglement with the world at large. It will be shown how modern China in cultural, social and economic terms was shaped by external influences and in return made its imprint on the wider world. The module thus provides insights into the development of a rising global power through studying its recent past, while at the same addressing issues of cultural difference.

African States and Nations: Before and After Colonialism, 1850-1990

This module introduces students to nineteenth and twentieth century African history, and explores the development of African states and nations in the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial periods. We will address why it has often been difficult for Africans to form successful nation-states and the impact of colonial legacies. The module will situate Africa in the wider global context, but will focus primarily on African experiences and how African peoples have shaped their continent's history.

University-wide Language Programme

One 10-credit module from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are:  French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish.

Semester 2

Compulsory

Research Design

The aim of this module is to develop skills in research design, involving selecting of topic and viable research questions, appropriate research methodologies for the research questions selected, sourcing research data and learning how to complete a coherent research proposal.

Optional

The American Century: US Politics and Society in the 20th Century

The aims of this module are to:

  • Introduce students to the main institutions of the US government and how they function within the US political system
  • Examine the politics and foreign policy of the United States through an analysis of its 20th century history
  • Explore how US cultural, social and intellectual history influenced US politics in the 20th century.

The American Century: US Politics and Society in the 20th Century (10 credits)

The aims of this module are to:

  • Introduce students to the main institutions of the US government and how they function within the US political system
  • Examine the politics and foreign policy of the United States through an analysis of its 20th century history
  • Explore how US cultural, social and intellectual history influenced US politics in the 20th century.

Political Simulation

The aim of this module is to introduce students to practical politics through the use of role play exercises.

Gender and Global Politics

The aim of this module is to take an intersectional perspective to explore how gender relates to politics, both domestic and international. It explores some of the different ways that sex, gender and feminism have been theorized and framed. As well as how gender shapes and impacts upon phenomena in domestic and global politics such as political representation and leadership; rights and citizenship; sexual violence; reproductive justice; social justice and resistance; conflict and terrorism.

Capitalism, Democracy and the State

This module offers an introduction to the field of Comparative Political Economy, with a focus on how capitalism and democracy interact and influence one another. It provides an overview of key themes in this research tradition and introduces students to core concepts and debates.

Modern Germany: Recovery from Ruin, 1945-present (20 credit)

Germany's total defeat in the Second World War and the exposure of the mass murder by Germans of Jews, Slavs, disabled people and other minorities made 1945 the start of a new period in Germany and European history. More than 70 years later, Germany has become one of the world's stablest democracies and most successful economies. The Federal Republic is an important member of the world's leading military alliance and principal international organizations. This course examines the remarkable transformations in German politics, economics, society and international relations which have taken place since 1945 and assesses their impact on the Germans. It also examines Germany's role in Europe and the world.

Victorian Values Reconsidered

This module introduces students to debates in the social, political and cultural history of Victorian Britain, with particular emphases on histories of childhood, democratisation, poverty, sex and sexuality, crime and deviance, religion, and race. The course also explores representations of the Victorians since 1901, addressing key historiographical questions about why and how the reputation of the period and its people has undergone constant revision.

University-wide Language Programme

One 10-credit module from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are:  French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish.

Semesters 1 & 2

Compulsory

Dissertation

The aim of the module is to enable students to undertake an extensive piece of research on a topic of their choice in the field of their degree title, and to further develop their skills in research techniques and methods.

Semester 1

Optional

The Asia-Pacific in Global Politics

This Module explores the various vectors of international politics in the Asia-Pacific; and locates this dynamic region within the larger framework of global politics. Students are expected to demonstrate an appreciation of the web of interactions in the Asia-Pacific at the end of the module. Topics include political geography, diplomatic relations, international political economy, and identity politics in East Asia.

International Politics of the Middle East

This module introduces students to key political issues in Middle East politics from a local, regional, and global perspective by employing relevant conceptual tools and empirically-informed analyses. It provides a historical overview of the main political developments of the region with the objective of exploring their role in shaping the contemporary Middle East.

Emerging Threats in the 21st Century

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of new and emerging security threats in the 21st Century. It explores some of the different ways these threats are understood, how they are being responded to and their implications for the politics of security.

Environmental Thought

This module examines the ethical (including moral, social, and political) dimensions of environmental thought, broadly construed to encompass a range of questions about human relationships with plants, animals, ecosystems, the climate, and the wider nonhuman world. Ethico-political frameworks explored might include ecologism, animal rights, biocentrism, and similar. Practical normative questions explored might include the ethics of diets and food systems; the political inclusion of animals; the question of who is responsible for putting right environmental harm; species conservation; green militarization; and green democracy.

The Politics of Terrorism

This module introduces students to the nature, causes, types, and threat of terrorism, and the ways in which this threat is countered.

Employment, Work and Life

Drawing on contemporary examples, the central aim of this module is for students to examine the strategies different social groups adopt in order to make a living in uncertain economic times.

Textual Editing in the Digital Age

On this module, you will have the opportunity to produce a scholarly edition of a literary work or historical text of your own choosing and to publish it in digital form. To prepare you for this task, you will develop an understanding of the theoretical and methodological concepts of scholarly editing. Through a series of weekly workshops, where you will learn some of the requisite coding, you will be supervised through the process of producing your own digital scholarly edition.

Contemporary Political Philosophy

The aims of this module are to:

  • Outline and discuss important themes in contemporary political philosophy by encouraging reflection on a number of common basic assumptions and intuitions about the nature of politics, the responsibilities of social and political institutions and the principles upon which ideas about politics are founded.
  • Encourage you to tackle some of the most profound and enduring questions facing citizens and policy makers in liberal democratic states and to evaluate the various ways in which different philosophical traditions have approached these issues.

Sex, Death and Decadence: Culture and Politics in the Age of Anxiety

The 'fin de siècle' - stretching from the 1880s to the outbreak for the First World War - was defined by the clash between the old and the new. On the one hand, it was an era of scientific, technological, and philosophical innovation that inspired hope for the future as it pointed to humanity's apparently boundless creativity and mastery of the natural world. Yet, on the other, it was a time of febrile anxiety, in which premonitions of degeneration and decay captured the imagination and equally informed political and philosophical life.

'Sex, Death, and Decadence' examines the ways in which this optimism and anxiety shaped the political, cultural, and intellectual life of turn-of-the-century Europe. By engaging with a diverse range of primary materials, students will explore the ways in which, among others, debates over sex, symbols of death and decay, and fear over declining moral and racial standards, demarcate a specific moment in European history. This was a moment in which faith in rationality and progress seemed at once unquestionable, but also worryingly vulnerable.

 

Jim Crow, Bootleggers and Okies: American Culture 1865-1940

This module offers students an opportunity to explore how American culture responded to questions raised by the modernisation of the United States between the end of the Civil War and the beginnings of World War 2.

The Soviet Security State, 1917-present

This module examines the role played by the Soviet and post-Soviet security and intelligence agencies in the history of the Soviet regime and its satellites from the Russian Revolution of 1917 to the present day. The history of Communism is a key part of the history of the twentieth century; the Soviet Union's security and intelligence agencies played a key role in the history of Communism. The twentieth century was the most calamitously bloody century in mankind's history; the Soviet Union's security services, and those set up in their image, bear of a large share of the responsibility for that.

University-wide Language Programme

One 10-credit module from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are:  French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish.

Semester 2

Optional

War in the 21st Century

The aim of the module is to provide students with an advanced understanding of the nature of contemporary war. Students will understand and explain changes in the character of conflict. Issues such as technology on the conduct of war as well as climate change provide a new appreciation of how States fight.

International Conflict Management

The course aims to introduce the students to international conflict management and to foster critical thinking about international interventions aimed at stopping violent conflicts.

Special Relationship? Anglo-American Relations since 1900

This module examines the history and politics of Anglo-American relations, from c.1900 to the present.

Mobilities, transnationalism and diaspora

The aims of this module are to:

  • outline the concepts and typologies related to the study of transnational mobilities, transnationalism and diaspora;
  • analyse the nature and geographies of transnational mobilities, transnationalism and diaspora using a theoretical and a contextualised case study approach;
  • evaluate the outcomes of transnational mobilities and diasporic networks.

Feminist Philosophy

This module aims to a) give students a sound grounding in leading strands of feminist philosophy; and b) to allow students to be able to position themselves within these debates. It will do this by focusing on texts and debates: students will read texts in preparation for the class sessions, and will be encouraged to critique, compare, contrast, engage and position themselves in relation to the writings under consideration.

No Gods! No Masters! Anarchism Past and Present

The aim of the module is to explore anarchism in the history of ideas and contemporary politics, using a student-designed open syllabus and by completing a project, tailored to individual interests.

After Empire: South Asia since 1945

This course examines the emergence, evolution and contemporary existence of South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal) since 1945. It explores the moments of incorporation, trajectories of development and marginal spaces, apart from the mainstream of South Asia today.

Race and Racism in Modern Society

The aim of this module is to enable students to examine concepts of 'race' and racism from a sociological-historical perspective and to critically reflect on 'race' as a major category of social inequality and identity in our Contemporary World. The module encourages students to explore the social construction and applications of the idea of race in the development of Western society, and identify intersectionalities between race and other categories of social inclusion and exclusion in Modern Society.

Gender, Sex and Society

This module introduces students to main themes and perspectives within the sociology of gender, with an emphasis on contemporary feminist and intersectional analyses of how societies, groups and individual lived experiences are gendered within different social contexts. Students will engage with theoretical perspectives and empirical analyses.

Poverty, Pay and Living Standards

This module offers an overview of possible ways to understand poverty, pay, and living standards as well as the conceptual and empirical associations between them.

This module aims to:

  • Introduce some of the main approaches to conceptualise and measure poverty and living standards.
  • Assess the relationship between income, salary, wages, and poverty.
  • Consider the role of social policy in addressing poverty and improving living standards.

University-wide Language Programme

One 10-credit module from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are:  French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish.

The information above is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.