Course summary

Why study BA Politics and International Relations (with Integrated Foundation Year) at Goldsmiths This degree offers a distinctive approach that combines the study of politics and international relations, giving you a broad knowledge and experience of both disciplines.

• Our BA in Politics and International Relations (with Integrated Foundation Year) offers an alternative entry route for students without the qualifications required for degree-level study

• Before progressing onto one of the Department of Politics and International Relations' undergraduate programmes, you will have the chance to develop your academic skills and knowledge of the subject. You are able to select the undergraduate degree you wish to study at the point of application but be able to change as you progress through the foundation pathway if your interests change

• You will receive an introduction to the study of politics and gain a better understanding of democracy, political parties, ideologies and movements

• Develop an understanding of the political background of contemporary issues such as Brexit, global governance, everyday conflicts around identity and culture, climate change and more

• View politics from a range of different perspectives, such as those of feminism, post-colonial thinking, or economics

• Learn to write about politics in useful ways, such as essays, political speeches and manifestos

• Develop your academic skills including how to present ideas effectively in writing; read, analyse and critically respond to a range of texts; participate effectively in academic discussion; identify how research is conducted in higher education; and compare different research methodologies

• You'll be given a grounding in some of the major aspects of politics and international relations. You'll learn about international systems and global governance political theory, UK, European and US politics, international political economy and undertake area-based studies of Asia, Africa and the Middle East

• The Department of Politics and International Relations provides a lively interdisciplinary environment, specialising in the study of institutions and conflicts in a way that crosses boundaries between traditional understandings of political phenomena.

• Once you progress onto Year 1 of the degree you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of module options that explore the aesthetics of terrorism, critical approaches to security, the politics of development, US politics and foreign policy, the geopolitics of the Middle East, and contemporary movements from the Arab Spring to ISIS. We offer a range of area-based modules covering the Middle East, China and East Asia, Africa and Latin America

• We have a lively events programme that attracts renowned speakers, meaning that you'll have the opportunity to hear the latest political arguments, theories and ideas

• Our unique Work Placement module gives you the opportunity to gain work experience relevant to the degree and we also give you the opportunity to study abroad