Why Study Politics and International Relations?

How do we reconcile the increase in applications for University degrees in Politics and International Relations with apparent popular dissatisfaction with the political process? One answer is that the study of Politics is about far more than the activities of politicians at Westminster. Students studying Politics and International Relations at Leicester will, of course, examine the workings and the health of the political system in Britain – and other states. They will also explore some of the most important and interesting issues in national and international politics: Who holds power and why? Is there a crisis of political participation? What are the appropriate limits to individual liberty? Is globalisation a positive or negative process? When is war just? How can conflicts be resolved in divided societies? Can established modes of politics tackle environmental challenges?

The popularity of Politics and International Relations at degree level also reflects the value of the transferable skills students gain. The ability to analyse complex issues and reach reasoned conclusions, to present coherent arguments in written and oral form, to engage in independent research and work effectively as a member of a team are highly valued by employers.

Why Study at Leicester?

Teaching Excellence

At Leicester, we have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching. The University of Leicester was named University of the Year for the year 2008-9 by the Times Higher Education. The Department scored 23 out of 24 in the last Quality Assurance Exercise and was ranked joint 1st out of 62 in the country in the 2009 and 2010 National Student Surveys. External examiners have also praised the quality of our courses and of students’ work. The Department is home to Politics Review, the leading magazine for students of Politics.

Choice and Diversity

Students can take courses in Politics and International Relations across a number of degree programmes. We offer two single honours degrees: BA Politics and BA International Relations.

Two degrees are taught jointly with the School of Historical Studies - the BA International Relations and History and BA History and Politics.

We also offer joint degrees with Economics (BA Politics and Economics), Sociology (BA Politics and Sociology) and Management (BA Management Studies with Politics).

Three other degree programmes also include Politics and International Relations elements: BA American Studies, BA European Studies and BA Contemporary History.

In all these degree programmes, students have a choice of modules in their second year and are able to select from a full range of attractive courses in the final year. Single honours students write a dissertation on a topic of their choice in their final year; this is optional for students taking joint degrees and combined degrees.

Staff Research

The Department is internationally recognised for the quality of its research in many areas of the discipline. In international relations, the Department’s research strengths include the theory and practice of diplomacy, the role of the intelligence services, the politics of arms sales, ethics and war, and South Africa’s democratic transition. Research in government and comparative politics includes work on democratisation in eastern Europe, the enlargement of the European Union, the Conservative Party, the peace process in Northern Ireland, legislative politics and American social policy. In political theory, Leicester is renowned for cutting edge research on animal rights, sovereignty and the state, and property rights.

Stimulating teaching

In the Department, you will experience a variety of learning and teaching methods. We use the latest teaching resources, such as the Blackboard virtual learning environment where students can access support materials for all our modules. As well as traditional lectures and seminars, you will work in small groups, take part in debates and simulation exercises, and undertake a research project of your choice in your final year. Most modules are assessed through a combination of written examination and assessed essay.

All members of the Department are engaged in cutting-edge research. We believe that good teaching flourishes in an intellectual environment informed by original research. Final year modules reflect the research interests of academic staff, exposing students to the latest thinking.

Transferable skills

The development of transferable skills is a key feature of teaching at Leicester. Our courses are designed to improve your skills in written communications (from short reports to a long dissertation), oral presentation (both formal and informal), working as part of a team, independent learning (e.g. information gathering and time management), problem solving and information technology.

The Department participates actively in the University’s Personal Development Planning (PDP) scheme which encourages students to reflect on their skills and careers options. The University’s Leicester Award provides an opportunity to gain accreditation for leadership and management skills.

Supportive environment

We provide a friendly and supportive environment, with helpful and accessible staff, and excellent pastoral care. The Department is proud of its reputation as one in which students who encounter academic or personal difficulties can be assured of a sympathetic and supportive response. Every student is allocated a personal tutor; the Senior Tutor and Departmental Administrator also have special responsibility for the welfare of undergraduates. The University also offers a range of specialist help through its Welfare and Counselling Services.

Students in the Department run a thriving Politics Society. It organises a series of events, including visiting speakers, pub crawls and an annual Summer Ball attended by students and staff.

Study Abroad

You will have the opportunity to spend one semester of your second year studying Politics and International Relations at one of our partner universities in Europe. If you wish to study abroad, you should decide during your first year. The Department and University award travel bursaries to students wishing to study the politics of another country in the Easter or summer vacations.

Career opportunities

Graduates in Politics and International Relations go on to a wide range of careers. Many of our students have used their subject specific knowledge to work in the civil service, parliament, local government, pressure groups and international organisations (e.g. the European Parliament). Our degrees also provide students with the transferable skills that equip them for careers in the media, education, administration, and management in industry and commerce. As with most degrees, a further period of training is often necessary.