Duration and mode of study

Two years Distance Learning. This course is also available on campus.

Start Dates

March and September each year.

Entry requirements

Either a first- or a good second-class honours degree from a British university or its equivalent, in Politics, History, International Relations or other related subjects. For the distance learning course in particular, we also welcome applicants with relevant professional experience.

Fees

These are the total course fees.

2012/13

Home/EU/International: £6,545

Course aims

The course will examine the nature and dynamics of international relations in the contemporary global system, focusing on differing concepts of order in the post-Cold War world. It aims to make you think critically about the nature of international relations and about the extent to which western interests, institutions and culture dominate the world system.

The course addresses such questions as: is the contemporary international system ‘unipolar’ or ‘multipolar’?; what role does the USA play in international affairs?; what are the prospects for international peace and cooperation in the twenty-first century and is there a ‘clash of civilisations’?

Course modules

Core:

• Post-Cold War World Order
• Dissertation

Option modules (three from the following – subject to availability):

• The Art of Negotiation
• International Security
• America and the World: The Making of US Foreign Policy
• Democracy and Legitimacy in the EU
• South African Foreign Policy: The Diplomacy of Isolation
• International Migration: Political and Social Aspects
• Human Rights, Ethics and War in the Post-Cold War Order
• EU Enlargement and Democratic Consolidation in Post-Communist Europe
• American Interventionism since 1993
• The Politics of Human Rights
• The British Way of Warfare: Counter Insurgency since 1945
• Visions of the Modern American Presidency 1945-2000
• Diplomatic Systems
• Strategic Studies
• The International Politics of Protection
• Theories of International Relations
• The Ascent to Pre-eminence: The United States’ Emergence as a Global Power 1898-1948

Teaching and assessment methods

Teaching will be based upon use of the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) 'Blackboard'. This allows for a range of innovative and engaging teaching techniques to be used, such as online presentations, podcasts, interactive message boards and Wikis, as well as one to one contact through conventional channels. Modules are assessed by a traditional end of module essay and a range of online activities.

Contact

The Distance Learning Advisor
Department of Politics and International Relations
T: 0116 252 5164
irdl@le.ac.uk
www.le.ac.uk/politics

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