International Relations

Core modules in Year 1 will equip you with the research and academic skills you need to study international relations. You’ll also gain an understanding of the historical development of states, the divide between the Global North and South and diverse political theories, while exploring current changes in the system of international politics and comparing the systems within different states. You can also start to put your studies into context, with optional modules on topics like development or British politics.

Year 2 allows you to build on this foundation, as you explore international organisations and their role in world order. You’ll develop a critical understanding of rival theories in international relations and examine important debates in security studies. The Approaches to Analysis module will help you improve your own research skills and give you an insight into the research methods used in the social sciences. A wider range of optional modules will allow you to focus on the political landscape in different countries or regions, and you could also choose a related module on development, public policy or a range of broader topics.

The only compulsory module in your final year will be your dissertation – an independently researched project on a topic of your choice, which showcases your knowledge and skills. In addition, you’ll complete your study with optional modules on topics as such as terrorism, UK foreign policy and Europe’s relationship with the wider global community. You can choose up to two optional modules from a range offered across the school in areas such as political psychology, the politics of aid or political theory.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Studying and Researching in POLIS 5 credits
• Comparative Politics 20 credits
• Making of the Modern World 20 credits
• International Politics 20 credits
• Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introduction to Political Ideas 20 credits

Optional modules

• British Politics 20 credits
• Global Development Challenges 20 credits
• Contemporary Africas: Politics, Society and the Environment 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Theories of International Relations 20 credits
• Security Studies 20 credits
• Approaches to Analysis 20 credits

Optional modules

• Spin Doctors and Electioneering 20 credits
• Politics and Policy in the EU 20 credits
• Comparative Politics of Pacific Asia 20 credits
• Politics of Contemporary China 20 credits
• State and Politics in Africa 20 credits
• United States Politics 20 credits
• Justice, Community and Conflict 20 credits
• Analysing Data in Politics, Development and International Relations 20 credits
• Career Planning for POLIS Students 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation 40 credits

Optional modules