Undergraduate Modules

Final Year Modules

Dissertation

All single honours Politics and International Relations students write a 10,000 word Dissertation on a topic of their choice. The Dissertation is optional for joint degree students. Students receive research training as well as expert guidance from a supervisor. Recent topics include: election turnout and young people; neo-conservatism and American foreign policy; liberal theory and abortion.

Module Options

Students also choose from a range of attractive options, all of which reflect the research interests of members of staff. Examples of options available include:

• The American Presidency
• Politics and the Environment
• Politics in Action (a work experience module)
• Parliamentary Politics
• War, Conflict and Ethics after the Cold War
• American Foreign Policy and the Cold War 1945-1990
• American Foreign Policy after the Cold War
• British Politics and European Integration
• Communism in Eastern Europe
• Democratisation in East-Central Europe
• Feminism
• South African Politics
• South African Foreign Policy
• The Conservatives: Crisis and Recovery
• The Politics of Division: Northern Ireland 1921-1972
• The Politics of War and Peace: Northern Ireland After 1972
• Migration and Ethnicity
• The Changing Character of War
• The Politics of Slavery
• Justice at the Margins
• Global Justice and Human Rights
• The Politics of Intelligence
• The EU: Policy Issues and Debates

Second Year Modules

Political Ideas:

Examines the political thought of five major theorists: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Stuart Mill and Karl Marx.

Government and Democracy in The United Kingdom:

An analysis of British government and politics that focuses on the changing nature of the UK state and the health of democracy in Britain.

International Theory:

An assessment of the key theories of the international system that equips students with the analytical tools required for a more sophisticated understanding of international relations. 

Globalisation:

Examines the concept of globalisation and the major debates associated with it, assessing the importance of globalisation for the reshaping of the post-Cold War international system. 

The Making of Contemporary US Foreign Policy:

This module explores the processes, the actors and the issues in contemporary American foreign policy making, focusing in particular on US foreign policy towards the Middle East and in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

European Union Politics:

An examination of the politics of the European Union that assesses its development, institutions and key policy competences. 

International Security Studies:

Examines the new security issues (e.g. terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ethnic conflict) that confront the post-Cold War international community. 

Political Analysis:

Explores the major theories and methods used in the study of Politics and International Relations, preparing students for their final year Dissertation.

First Year Modules

Introduction to Politics: Ideas and Ideologies:

An introductory assessment of major concepts in politics (e.g. democracy, freedom and power) and of political ideologies (e.g. liberalism, socialism and environmentalism).

International Relations Since 1945:

A comprehensive survey of international relations since 1945 covering, for example, the Cold War, decolonisation and the role of international organisations.

Introduction to the Government and Politics of the USA:

An introduction to contemporary American politics and the American system of government, examining the Constitution, the major government institutions, the party system, and the influence of the media, money and interest groups.

Introduction to Political Systems:

An introduction to the study and comparison of political systems, examining key structures of government and means of political participation. 

Current Issues in International Relations:

An introduction to key debates in contemporary international relations, including the role of the United Nations, human rights, the 'war on terror' and globalization.

Key Skills for Politics and International Relations:

This module helps students acquire the key skills necessary to a successful academic and professional life, including essay writing, time management, team working, presentation skills, critical thinking and reflective learning techniques.