BA Honours International Relations
This course enables you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the international system and relate these to contemporary developments in international relations. It provides a theoretical framework for understanding the international system and the distribution of power at the global, regional and national levels. Particular attention is paid to the changing dynamics of international security and the challenges of statebuilding within contemporary international relations. With excellent links to employers, this course offers students an opportunity to advance their knowledge of international relations in an applied setting.
Course content
Year 1 (Credit Level 4)
This level introduces you to key issues and theories involved in the study of international relations. Core themes will examine the nature of the international system, identify the main players and dominant trends as well as encouraging you to explore theoretical perspectives on international politics. In addition, you will have the chance to study modules which address questions of globalization and international governance, comparative politics and political theory. You will also develop the key study skills and transferable skills needed to complete your studies in international relations successfully.
Year 2 and 3 (Credit Levels 5 and 6)
Building on your first year, these levels provide students with more in-depth, specialised analysis of both the theory and practice of international relations. Particular emphasis is given to terrorism, humanitarian intervention, international security and contemporary debates in foreign policy. These areas are taught by research active academics that are specialists in their fields. You will be encouraged to shape your degree according to your own research interests and there is significant choice for students at both levels. You will study research methods in your second year and undertake an independent dissertation in your final year. Students are also encouraged to participate in the Politics and International Relations internship programme, in which students gain credit for work experience in a political setting. With a strong international exchange programme, students are able to undertake study with partner institutions in their second year.
Length of course
Three-year, full-time
UCAS code
L250
Location
Central London (Regent)
Teaching and assessment
We make full use of innovative and traditional teaching approaches within the Department of Politics and International Relations. Teaching is geared to making you an independent learner through lectures, seminars and workshops. A wide variety of assessment methods are used. Some modules are assessed by course work only and some by a combination of course work and exam. Course work assessments include essays, presentations, book reviews, portfolio preparation and mini-projects.
Associated careers
Graduates from International Relations pursue a diverse range of careers and the emphasis on professional development within the programme means that students are well equipped for the changing job market. Some options include careers in the Civil Service including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, non-governmental organisations, an international organisation such as the EU or UN, policy and research officers, teaching, journalism and party political employment. Many students choose to go on to do postgraduate study at the MA and PhD level. The course also offers you the opportunity to take a work experience module that will inform personal development as well as career planning.
Typical offer for September 2009
| Qualification type | Grade/points |
|---|---|
| A Levels | BB/BCC |
| International Baccalaureate | 28 points |
| BTEC National Diploma | DMM |
See also standard entry requirements.
Factsheet