BSc International Relations & Sociology  

Our BSc in International Relations and Sociology offers a fascinating insight into the sociological and political challenges facing our society in the 21st century. This multi-disciplinary programme provides a comprehensive understanding of social and political processes, the sociology of inter-group relations and the relationships between states. You will examine the roles played by organisations, international institutions, multi-national corporations and NGOS. You will also benefit from teaching staff who are internationally recognised researchers in fields such as ethnic and gender equalities, global change, theories of social change, relations between the European Union and its eastern neighbours, as well as the politics and governance of Poland and the Ukraine. Strengths of the programme include its focus on key contemporary issues, policy and decision making, and international comparisons of structures and policies. The placement year is an optional feature of the programme and is designed to give you real life experience and to act as a springboard for your future career. Our International Relations and Sociology graduates are in demand from a wide range of employers where a sound understanding of societies, organisations, institutions and communication skills are required.

Sample module options: The modules below are indicative only. When an offer is made, students will receive a detailed programme specification which forms part of our terms and conditions.

Click on the module titles to find out more.

Year 1 Core modules:

Year 1 Core modules:
Europe and the Making of the Modern World     LP1016 
Information Skills     LP1012 
Introduction to International Relations     LP1021 
Introduction to the European Union     LP1065 

Social Theory 1     LK1007 
Becoming a Social Scientist     LK1011 


Year 2 Core modules:
International Relations: Theories and Issues     LP2014 
Research Methods in Political and Social Science     LP2006 
The Politics and Policies of the European Union     LP2020 

Research Methods 2     LK2002 
Social Theory 2     LK2001 


One of the following optional modules:
Introduction to Political Economy     LP 2022 
Security Studies in a Changing World     LP2021  


And a choice of options to total 20 credits:
Global Society     LK2004  
Embodiment and Feminist Theory     LK2005  
CSI: Crime, Subversion and Injustice     LK2006  
Media and Society     LK2007  
Government and Globalisation     LK2010 
Government and Management     LK2011 
Environmental Policy     LK2014 
Welfare States and Welfare Change     LK2015 
Comparing and Evaluating Public Policies     LK2016 
Kith and Kin: Family Lives in a Social Context     LK2017 
The Social Life of Stuff     LK2018 


Year 3

Optional Placement

Final Year Core:
International Relations Research Dissertation     LP3009 


Choose four of the following optional modules:
The International Relations of East Asia     LP3015 
Religion and Politics of Contemporary Europe LP3016
Political Communication     LP3018 
The American Presidency     LP3019 
Nationalism & Political Power     LP3020 
Political Parties and Party Systems     LP3024 
Conflict and Politics in Contemporary Balkans     LP3025 
Contemporary Conflict     LP3028 
Diplomacy and Soft Power    LP3029
The Far Right in Europe     LP3030 
The Challenges of Climate Change    LY3031
Understanding Foreign Policy    LP3033
Northeast Asia: From Conflict to Cooperation    LP3034
Gender and Politics    LP3035
Interest groups and lobbying    LP3036
Regions and Regionalism in Europe     LP3412 
Contemporary Political Theory     LP3416 
Political Leaders: Case Studies and Comparative Perspectives     LP3415 

And a choice of options to total 60 credits:
Dissertation     LK3001  
Ageing, Society, and Policy     LK3006  
Work, Organisations and Society     LK3008  
Modern British Governance     LK3002  
Racism, Class and Gender     LK3010  
Health matters: understanding patterns and policies     LK3009  
Contemporary Social Movements     LK3011  
Corporate Power in a Globalised World     LK3004  
Sport and Society     LK3012  
Pregnancy and Politics     LK3013  
Learning to Labour: Education and Society     LK3007  
Religion and Society     LK3014  
Music and Society     LK3016  
International Migration and Policy     LK3018 
Health Policy     LK3019 
The Challenges of Climate Change     LY3031 
Kith and Kin: Family Lives in a Social Context (Final Year Version)     LK3020