War Studies, Politics and International Relations

What is War Studies?

It has become something of a truism to say that war is as old as humanity itself, but such observations do not really help us to understand the causes, impact and outcomes of war and conflict. War Studies is multi-disciplinary subject which draws from history, politics, international relations and philosophy and helps us to understand and question the world we live in.  During the degree we will consider war and conflict in historical and contemporary contexts.  We examine both the immediate impact of the ‘bombs, bullets and battles’ of violent conflict as well as wider questions regarding why they occur, whether they are ‘just’, how they may end and the impact they have on states, societies and individuals. 

Why Study War Studies?

War Studies’ students engage in key debates on fundamental questions of how societies are organised and interact.   The subject enables students to evaluate the strategic, ethical and philosophical uses of war in both historical and contemporary settings.  In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the multi-disciplinary nature of War Studies helps students develop key transferable skills. The subject encourages intellectual curiosity and independent thought; honing students’ analytical and communication abilities.  The necessity to find, evaluate and use evidence to construct arguments and advocate positions develops skills that serve our graduates well in future careers or further study. 

What is Politics?

Some might think that politics is about parliaments and parties, but it is also about much more. It is about power and its distribution – at the local, national, regional, and international levels – and it is about deciding where and how vital resources are to be allocated across societies. Politics is also about responsibility – the study of politics invites us to consider not only the role of governments in the making of decisions that may affect lives and lives of others but also what responsibilities we as citizens have in this process.

Why Study Politics?

At Wolverhampton, we encourage our students to think broadly, critically, and internationally about democratic and global citizenship in the modern world. We study not only the institutions of government but also the ideas and ideologies underpinning the practice of politics today. 

The knowledge and a wide range transferable skills that you gain with us will make a whole range of career choices available for you in the public and private sectors – you could work in civil service, public relations, research, journalism, marketing, or even go into politics yourself.

What is International Relations?

In today’s world the pressing issues we face – such as climate change, energy security, terrorism, international crime, and migration – are global and thus require nations to work together to find viable solutions. International Relations is the study of how states, international organizations, diverse communities, and individual citizens interact across borders to tackle key global issues and challenges

Why study International relations?

At Wolverhampton, we create a practical, discussion-based tutorial environment for studying the complexities of international relations through theories and case studies. Our students explore major issues affecting the world, examine the factors behind the international conflicts, and learn the role state leaders, NGOs, civil society, and activists play in solving global problems. Overall, studying International Relations at Wolverhampton will offer you an opportunity not only to engage with a wide range of current concerns facing the international community but will also encourage you to explore how you might make a difference in shaping responses to these issues.

With a degree in International Relations, you will have a variety of career pathways, ranging from leadership and communication to research and activism. Studying international relations is a great way to develop and hone your decision-making, analytical, research, and communication skills. This skill set is in high demand among leading employers in private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in our hyper-connected globalised world.