BA (Hons) International Relations

Research underpins all academic study. Most scholarly monographs and journal articles present new research that has been undertaken and understanding that research helps with understanding the reading. Equally, research is not only something you will read about but something you will undertake for yourself before the end of your course. To do so, it is important that you are aware of the different options available to you as you embark upon your own research. To that end, this module will introduce you to a variety of approaches to research in your subject area and to how you might develop ideas for your own research projects.

This module is intended to develop and refine your understanding of selected aspects of international politics. It begins by looking at key schools of thought and evolving debates in international relations theory in order to explore in depth some of the key concepts regarding which factors shape how international politics and relations are conducted. The module also considers some of the key structural factors at play in international relations. To this end the role of the international and transnational organisations is examined, and debates regarding their purpose and effectiveness are considered. The module also looks at the concepts of regionalism and globalisation, and explores how states respond to these ideas in terms of policy formation.

This module explores the history of America and the Cold War between 1947 and 1991. The module traces the course of conflict from the Truman Administration, through periods of crisis and detente, to its end during the George H.W. Bush administration in 1991. At the same time, the module explores the evolving ramifications of the Cold War upon domestic politics and society across these decades.

This module will explore the role of community engagement in the delivery of public and third sector services. It will look at how policy initiatives such as ‘co-production’ and ‘partnership working’ have impacted on both the commissioning and delivery of welfare services in the UK, and how some of these initiatives have been driven by policy failures. It will also investigate the role of social movements, such as Black Lives Matter and Reclaim the Streets, on our society.  It will critically examine how enhancing the voice of service users, parent carers and community activists in decision-making can not only enhance the services being delivered and but can bring about social change.

The ‘traditional’ image of wars and conflicts tend to be of large confrontations where states’ forces are pitted against each other, but how accurate is this perception in the contemporary world? This module examines the reality of modern war and conflicts, highlighting its changing nature and examining why modern conflict is overwhelmingly intrastate rather than interstate. It encourages students to consider the shifting nature of war and conflict in terms of where wars occur, who are the likely victims of modern campaigns and the ways in which the causes, impacts and outcomes of modern warfare are significantly altered over recent decades.

International economics considers how economies and the global economy have become more interconnected. In this module, you will study theoretical models of international trade as well as the effects of trade policies such as tariffs and free trade agreements. You will also explore international macroeconomic issues such as the balance of payments, the foreign exchange market and the links between the exchange rate and macroeconomic activity. The module will develop student’s awareness of the role of international trade and sustainable development.

This course explores the upheavals of modern history through the eyes of some of those who were most profoundly affected: Itinerants, migrants and refugees. With a focus on the available primary sources, we will examine the different ways that historians have attempted to reconstruct the perspective and agency of the men, women and children in question, and also consider the manner in which governments have sought to control this movement of people. The course takes as its two main themes the geographical mobility that came in the wake of nineteenth century industrialisation and the displacement of populations that resulted from war and persecution in the twentieth century.

This module provides opportunities for community-based learning through voluntary community engagement. This activity will enable you to understand the relevance of your studies within a community context, combining practical experience with academic studies. In addition, it is an opportunity to develop a critical understanding of the Third Sector, and the notion of citizenship. Both subject specific and transferable skills will be developed and utilised throughout this module, thus developing graduate employment attributes.

This module explores the rapid emergence of Asia as a major force in global affairs. With a particular emphasis on the growth of powers like China and India, it examines Asia's increasing economic, political, and cultural prominence. The module covers topics such as the economic rise of China, India's role as an emerging power, the continued influence of Japan and South Korea, and Asia's growing assertiveness on issues like trade, security, and global governance. It analyses dynamics like the US-China strategic rivalry, China's Belt and Road Initiative across Eurasia and the developing world, and the China-India relationship. The module also addresses implications for the international order as Asian countries challenge Western dominance and promote new models of development and globalization rooted in Asian traditions and institutions. Overall, it provides a comprehensive look at the major forces reshaping international relations due to Asia's rise.

This module allows students to analyse how conflicts end. It will consider and critique the debates around the theory and outcomes of conflict resolution. The module adopts a case study approach and critically analyses the extent to which peace processes in the modern world have followed similar or unique patterns. It will consider whether examining peace processes in a comparative manner can provide ‘models’ or ‘best practice’ that may be extrapolated from the case studies considered and potentially applied to future peace processes in different states.

The Independent Study - Written Project is a sustained piece of independent study carried out in the field of International Relations, under supervision. You will be expected to devise, plan, research and write your project, the content of which will be of your own devising.

The Independent Study - Written Project is a sustained piece of independent study carried out in the field of International Relations, under supervision. You will be expected to devise, plan, research and write your project, the content of which will be of your own devising.

This module explores the nature of modern, post-colonial India through an analysis of its politics, economics, religion, caste-system and culture. Modern India is the second most populous country in the world and the world’s largest democracy, yet it is a complex and diverse country – linguistically, religiously, and ethnically – which, since achieving independence, has sought both to unify itself internally, and, as a unified nation-state, to assert its place both regionally and globally. This module examines the achievements, problems and potential of this important country.

This module will focus on how international Non Governmental Organisations – such as World Health Organisation and United Nations – impact on policy making in the UK. It will investigate whether global problems, such as climate changes, increasing wealth inequality, modern day slavery and global pandemics and disease, give these NGO’s legitimacy in the national policy-making context – including with the general public. It will explore the range of ways International NGO’s try to influence national policy – and how and why national policymakers resist the policy directives of these organisations.

    Migration is a fundamental feature of the contemporary world.  Its social and economic effects are self evident; its political ramifications frequent.  This course will provide an overview of key concepts and issues in the study of migration.  The organisation will be split into two interrelated sections.  The first will consider the key motivations why people move from one country to another.  Here the course will look at definitions, push and pull factors in migrant flows and migration in history.  Second, it will look at immigration and British society.  This will section will pay particular attention to immigration to the UK since 1945: Irish and New Commonwealth immigration, Immigration Control and contemporary asylum and Eastern European immigration.