Politics and International Relations BA (Penryn)

Programme structure

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Full-time undergraduates need to take 120 credits each year and choose from modules worth 15 or 30 credits. Core modules are mainly designed to develop applied research skills and include a third year dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Year 1

Your first year will introduce you to the foundations of the discipline. In addition to learning about how government and politics work in Britain, you’ll be introduced to key concepts in political theory and learn why the ideas of political thinkers of the past are still relevant today. You’ll also investigate some of the most important challenges facing global politics such as conflict, the environment, HIV/AIDS, poverty and inequality.

Module examples

CodeModuleCredits POC1003British Government and Politics15 POC1014The Public Policy Process15 POC1015Power, Conflict, Inequality: Issues in Global Politics15 POC1018Foundations in Political Thinking: From Early Christianity to the Renaissance15 POC1019Green Politics in Theory and Practice15 POC1020Global Environmental Politics15 POC1017Classical Political Ideas: And Why They're Still Useful15 POC1016Resistance and Transformation: Struggles in Global Politics30 Year 2

At the end of your second year (usually taken in September before your third year), you’ll have the chance to travel to the United States to get a better understanding of this global superpower. In addition to developing applied research skills, you may also choose from modules on Chinese politics, the role of NGOs in responding to key global challenges, the politics of protest and radical political theory. You may also opt for an internship in Westminster or work experience with an organisation.

Compulsory Modules CodeModuleCredits POC2021Research Inquiry in Practice 15 POC2052NGO's: Responding to Global Challenges 15 POC2023Doing Politics Research 30 Optional modules CodeModuleCredits POC2024 The Politics of Protest (Stage 2 students only) 15 Plus in year 2 you can choose selected optional modules also available in year 3 - see examples below Field Work - United States Field Course

This is usually taken in September before your third year.

Your studies will include a field trip to the United States where you’ll gain insight into the latest global issues and a first-hand perspective on the American political system. Taken before the start of your third year, the field trip to New York may include a visit to the United Nations where you’ll speak to experts about the most important issues on the UN agenda such as human rights, climate change and children in armed conflict. Your field work may also include the opportunity to share the experiences of fire fighters involved in the response to 911 and a visit the memorial at the site of the World Trade Centre; a trip to City Hall to gain insight into efforts to protect New York from the effects of climate change and to learn how the city coped with the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy; a tour of Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange to hear more about the world financial crisis; and visits to city locations associated with key milestones in the civil rights movement.
Please note field course destinations and the exact itinerary may be subject to change.

Year 3

In your final year you’ll carry out a piece of independent research and write a dissertation under the supervision of a member of academic staff. You will also choose a number of optional modules covering issues such as the politics of war, political psychology, activist politics, the ethics of humanitarian intervention, EU politics, and global governance.

Compulsory modules

The dissertation module will equip you with a detailed knowledge of one particular topic within the discipline. You’ll gain an ability to design and carry out independent research and will benefit from the support and supervision of a member of academic staff.

CodeModuleCredits POC3040Dissertation 30 Optional modules

90 credits of optional modules in Politics and International Studies. There are some examples below. Further optional modules will be announced in Summer 2015.

CodeModuleCredits POC2031/3019China in World Politics30 POC2027/3020The Politics of War30 POC2029/3022Global Governance and International Relations 30 POC2059/3059The Political Psychology of Elites15 POC2051/3051Political Psychology of Masses15 POC2061/3062Order out of Chaos: Radical Democracy in Theory15 POC2062/3062Order out of Chaos: Radical Democracy in Practice15 POC3066Security and Liberty (Stage 3 students only)15