Course summary
The world of Politics and International Relations is constantly evolving. We are living in an era that is both turbulent and fascinating, as the global order is being reshaped by the emergence of new powers. On this course, you will examine the political landscape past and present, learning about key political concepts such as power, democracy, freedom, inequality, rights, citizenship, representation and legitimacy, and how these are contested in contemporary politics. You will explore different political systems and global institutions, learn about the driving forces behind political, economic and socio-cultural changes across the world, and explore the challenges facing the international system, such as globalisation, international security, the environment, inequality and global health. You will also study current political debates such as the future of the UK after Brexit, climate change, dilemmas of modern migration, the rise of populist nationalism, the future of democracy, and the ways in which these are influencing radical transformation in the twenty-first century. Throughout the course, you will explore different arguments, rival theories and alternative explanations - thereby building up the analytical skills that are important in the workplace. Opportunities for Politics and International Relations students at Aberystwyth include:
- participating in our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ - a 3-day role playing exercise in political, economic and diplomatic manoeuvres which will develop your negotiation and communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills and one of the highlights of the course
- taking part in our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme, which enables you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff) for a period of 4-6 weeks during the summer
- being taught by expert lecturers who are committed to providing you with an outstanding and dynamic learning environment.
- central concepts and themes in the study of international politics, looking at key theoretical positions and you will be encouraged to analyse and evaluate them
- politics in the 21st Century, where you will study key features of political systems, and discuss key political ideas and issues
- developments in international politics in real time with the focus on news and opinions that appear from week to week, and an opportunity to critically reflect on events.
- the origins of the discipline of International Relations, the development of theoretical schools of thought, the role of theoretical lenses in shaping our understandings of the world, and a variety of different theoretical approaches through which to read the processes of international politics
- a range of key concepts and debates about different political forces and relationships and see how they relate to examples drawn from the practice of politics in different parts of the world, with the theme of political inequalities being a prominent focus.
- the general principles of research methods, methodologies and theoretical frameworks to enable you to undertake an independent research inquiry and write your dissertation.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L248
- Institution code:
- A40
- Campus name:
- Main Site (Aberystwyth)
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 - 120 points
A level - BBB - CCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM - MMM
Access to HE Diploma
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 26 - 30 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Additional entry requirements
Other
A minimum grade C or grade 4 pass in GCSE (or equivalent) English or Welsh is a requirement for entry to all our degree schemes. Business, Mathematics, Psychology and Science degree schemes also require a minimum grade C or grade 4 pass in GCSE (or equivalent).
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
Cambridge English Advanced | B | |
Cambridge English Proficiency | C | |
IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | With minimum 5.5 in each component. |
PTE Academic | 62 | With minimum scores of 51 in each component. |
TOEFL (iBT) | 88 | With minimum scores in components as follows: Listening 21; Writing 21; Reading 22; Speaking 23. |
If you are an international student needing more information about the English Language requirement for your course (e.g. country-specific English Language tests, Partner Institution tests, EU/EEA English Language qualifications where the school curriculum is taught in a native language) please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further advice.
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9000 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9000 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9000 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9000 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
EU | £16520 | Year 1 |
International | £16520 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Provider information
Aberystwyth University
Penglais
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
Wales
SY23 3FL