Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

Aberystwyth University

The world of Politics and International Relations is constantly evolving. We are living in an era that is both turbulent and fascinating, as the global order is being reshaped by the emergence of new powers. On this course, you will examine the political landscape past and present, learning about key political concepts such as power, democracy, freedom, inequality, rights, citizenship, representation and legitimacy, and how these are contested in contemporary politics.

You will explore different political systems and global institutions, learn about the driving forces behind political, economic and socio-cultural changes across the world, and explore the challenges facing the international system, such as globalisation, international security, the environment, inequality and global health.

You will also study current political debates such as the future of the UK after Brexit, climate change, dilemmas of modern migration, the rise of populist nationalism, the future of democracy, and the ways in which these are influencing radical transformation in the twenty-first century.

Throughout the course, you will explore different arguments, rival theories and alternative explanations - thereby building up the analytical skills that are important in the workplace.

Opportunities for Politics and International Relations students at Aberystwyth include:

• participating in our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ - a 3-day role playing exercise in political, economic and diplomatic manoeuvres which will develop your negotiation and communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills and one of the highlights of the course
• taking part in our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme, which enables you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff) for a period of 4-6 weeks during the summer
• being taught by expert lecturers who are committed to providing you with an outstanding and dynamic learning environment.

What will I learn?

In your first year you will be introduced to:

• central concepts and themes in the study of international politics, looking at key theoretical positions and you will be encouraged to analyse and evaluate them
• politics in the 21st Century, where you will study key features of political systems, and discuss key political ideas and issues
• developments in international politics in real time with the focus on news and opinions that appear from week to week, and an opportunity to critically reflect on events.

You will also study optional modules that cover the topics of war, peace and revolution since 1789; globalisation and global development; and war, strategy and intelligence.

In your second year, you will explore:

• the origins of the discipline of International Relations, the development of theoretical schools of thought, the role of theoretical lenses in shaping our understandings of the world, and a variety of different theoretical approaches through which to read the processes of international politics
• a range of key concepts and debates about different political forces and relationships and see how they relate to examples drawn from the practice of politics in different parts of the world, with the theme of political inequalities being a prominent focus.

In your third year, you will be introduced to:

• the general principles of research methods, methodologies and theoretical frameworks to enable you to undertake an independent research inquiry and write your dissertation.

You will also choose from a broad range of optional modules covering topics such as global development, trade wars and the liberal order, contemporary Latin America, justice, order and human rights, the EU, the Middle East in the 20th century, a military history of the United States, nationalism, Russian intelligence, the League of Nations and its legacies, and terrorism and counter terrorism in the modern world.