What you will learn
With a core focus on English language development, this course additionally prepares you for further study with introductions to topics such as politics, international trade and global economy. Find out about the modules you will study and what kind of work you will be undertaking during your International Relations International Year One here.
Why study International Relations with us?
This International Year One pathway will prepare you to progress on to BA (Hons) International Relations at the University of Leeds, which is one of the UK’s leading universities. Some of the benefits of this stimulating academic environment are as follows.
School of Politics and International Studies
The University of Leeds is home to the School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS), a vibrant educational body that holds academic research at its core. A diverse community of academics work with students to address and shape policy, debate real-world issues and go beyond the realms of higher education. Informed teaching and theoretical training are applied to provide students with insightful knowledge of contemporary global societies.
Valuable global exposure
International Relations offers a deep contextual understanding of the societies we live in, and how it is changing today. This pathway will provide you with the intuitive skills to take on a career in the international field, and apply what you have learnt to business and the world around you.
Support tailored to you
This programme is designed for international students, with a unique, focused teaching approach put in place to welcome you into the British education system. Your learning will be structured in the same way as the University’s curriculum, to wholly support and prepare you for your next step.
Core modules
Academic English Skills
This module aims to provide you with thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable you to best achieve your academic potential at University. These skills include the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.
Subject-specific modules
Studying and Researching in International Relations
You will receive an introduction to the UK education system and the academic skills you need to have to succeed in your undergraduate degree. This unit covers many themes including research activity, appropriate research methods and how to conduct research in the field of politics and international studies.
Making of the Modern World: An Introduction to International Relations
You will receive an introduction to international relations by focusing on the development of the state’s system and traditional schools of thought in international relations.
Comparative Politics
You will develop your basic knowledge of the key elements of political systems, terms and issues. You will also become familiar with books and texts on the subject of political processes, learn how to analyse basic data, and take part in group exercises.
British Politics
You will examine the complexity of the political processes in Britain, the major issues and debates in British Politics since 1945 and their impact nationally and internationally.
The Changing World: International Relations since 1945
You will look at a number of historical developments that happened after 1945, including the Cold War, European integration, Arab-Israeli conflict and international terrorism.
Introduction to Global Politics
You will gain a historical context of global politics by covering some of the key developments in world politics from 1900 to 1999, and explore the meaning of globalisation.
Freedom, Power and Resistance
You will receive an introduction to political theory and have the opportunity to critically examine your own political views. You will also learn about famous political thinkers, such as Plato, Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Edmund Burke, and Karl Marx.
The Global Economy and International Trade
You will receive an introduction to the key differences, complexities and risks involved in trading in a global context.
Progression degrees
You will be required to take an AES test at the end of your course, details of AES requirements below. This means that once you successfully complete the International Year One, you will be ready to start your degree at the University of Leeds.