Course summary

International Relations is about how we tackle global challenges. World politics stands at a fascinating but difficult historical juncture, one that as political beings, we all need to understand, explain and, in part shape. With the relative decline of the ‘West’, the emergence of new powers and actors, and the increasingly complex and intertwined nature of local, national, regional, international and global problems, ‘international politics’ is entering a new era. The degree in International Relations (with integrated study abroad) offers students the opportunity to study the concepts, practices, policies, histories and regions that make up international politics as a discipline with the option of studying in one of our partner Universities in Europe and further afield. Why study International Relations at Aberystwyth?

• You will be taught in the world’s first department of international politics, founded in 1919 after the end of World War I in order to better understand the causes of war, and to promote a more peaceful world.

• During your course, you will have the opportunity to participate in our renowned ‘International Crisis Game’. This is a three-day role-playing exercise in political, economic and diplomatic manoeuvre, where you will develop negotiation and communication, critical thinking, team-work, and problem-solving skills.

• The study abroad element will enable you to choose to study in one of our partner Universities; we have a number of these in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Your year abroad will take place during your third year, and you will return to complete your degree in the fourth (and final) year.

• The Department operates a prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme, enabling you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff) for a period of 4-6 weeks during the summer. During this time, you will write reports and speeches, undertake research projects, and respond to constituency issues. There may be further opportunities for you to get involved in elections and various international issues.

• The Department is also home to Interstate, the oldest student-run international politics journal in the United Kingdom. This is a unique opportunity for you to publish your work or gain valuable experience working as part of the editorial team. The student-run International Politics Society organises a busy and varied programme of political debates, visiting speakers, conferences and workshops, alongside numerous social activities such as an annual ball.