Course summary

Foundation courses A foundation year can develop your skills and make it easier to get started at university. It is an extra year of study at the start of your course that leads in to a full degree programme. It’s a great option if: You don’t have the grades for a full degree course You have non-traditional qualifications or experience You’re starting university after some time away from education You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study. Life as a foundation year student During a foundation year you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get used to university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course. As a foundation year student, you’ll be a full student of the University and part of our community. You’ll have access to all our campus facilities and support. Why choose this course International Relations is about competition for power in the international political system, and the possibilities for co-operation to address shared global challenges. Our BSc (Hons) International Relations course focuses on the ways that international politics is organised. Our course will introduce you to global questions of strategy and great power conflict, international organisations, diplomacy and foreign policy-making. Along the way you’ll be able to address the social and political issues behind the biggest debates in contemporary international affairs. The Department of Politics is ranked 9th in the UK in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, and 11th in the Complete University Guide 2023. Our award-winning Professional Training placements prepare students for roles in industry. We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023. What you will study On our BSc (Hons) International Relations, you’ll receive a full grounding in the discipline as a whole. You’ll examine questions of global significance, develop a understanding of the theoretical perspectives on international politics, and explore national, regional and transnational trends through a wide range of historic and contemporary case studies. You will have the opportunity to develop and apply primary research skills on a topic of your choice if you choose to write a dissertation in your final year.