International Relations

Great Debates in International Relations

Researching Politics and International Relations: Analytical Modes

In this module, you’ll develop the practical research skills you need to design and carry out your first piece of social sciences research. You’ll start with the ‘big questions’ of ‘What exists?’ and ‘How can we know about what exists?’ From here, you’ll move on to consider the different research methods and their implications. You’ll take part in hands-on workshops and practical sessions, preparing you to conduct your research for your final-year dissertation.

Researching Politics and International Relations: Methods

In this module, you’ll develop the practical research skills you need to design and carry out your first piece of social sciences research. You’ll start with the ‘big questions’ of ‘What exists?’ and ‘How can we know about what exists?’ From here, you’ll move on to consider the different research methods and their implications. You’ll take part in hands-on workshops and practical sessions, preparing you to conduct your research for your final-year dissertation.

Borders and Solidarities in World Politics

Contemporary Security Studies (Alternative Compulsory)

The topic of ‘security’ – what it is, how to achieve it, who should provide it, and even who and/or what should ‘be secured’ – is hotly contested by policy makers, the academic community, and members of civil society. This module examines some of the different ways that security and its objects of protection (whether these are the nation-state, the environment, the economy, a ‘way of life’, and/or the individual) have been conceptualised and the implications for peace and global conflict as well as for everyday forms of violence and exclusion.

State and Society: Europe and the United States

The Global Political Economy (Alternative Compulsory)

Examines the global economic order and the interaction of economics and politics in shaping world affairs. The module is divided into two parts. Part one offers a historical overview, and a range of theoretical tools through which to understand recent changes in the world economy. Part two looks at a number of substantive debates by discussing how politics and economics are entwined in the areas of production, finance, and trade.

Dissertation in International Relations (Double Honours Component)

This module provides the opportunity for independent research under supervision. Students choose a dissertation topic under advice from International Relations staff, then design and conduct a piece of small scale research over two semesters, which is finally written up as a dissertation of 8-10,000 words.

Ethics, Power and World Politics

Managing Global Issues: Environment and Development

Violence and the Politics of Peace and Identity

Violence, Militarism and Terrorism

Work placements

Our work placement module offers students the opportunity to build on the skills and knowledge gained in the level 4 modules by undertaking a placement with organisations that are engaged in areas relevant to the study of International Relations. You will be able to evaluate and reflect critically upon this experience in a module that links theory and practice of International Relations in a professional context.