International Relations International Year One

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.