BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations

This module is about developing your lens and understanding of the rapidly changing world, refining your specialism as a professional or /practitioner and improving your professional facing profile. The module is delivered across specific course groupings that capture the academic standards, core values and employment opportunities of your subject area. This module draws on the well-evidenced benefits of community-facing service learning to the local community, the local economy and you, the student. In this way it supports the University’s Graduate Attributes, providing opportunities to enrich your learning and develop skills for the workplace through engagement in real-world activities. Therefore, across this module you will undertake at least one externally facing activity. That might include live or simulation briefs, placements, virtual placements, community events, or a Collaborative Online International Learning project (COIL) in order to build your graduate attainment, consolidate your subject interest and support your career aspirations. 

Home to three nuclear armed states, two members of the BRICS bloc, and a diversity of social, religious and cultural history, Asia has acquired a prominent place on the world stage. Ranging from China’s rapid rise as a potential superpower, India’s potential for Soft Power influence, and the success stories of the Four Dragons, the continent seeks to provide a voice in International Relations. The module first delves eastwards and covers topics such as the economic rise of China, the continued influence of Japan and South Korea, and Asia's growing assertiveness on issues like trade, security, and global governance. It analyses dynamics like the US-China strategic rivalry, China's Belt and Road Initiative across Eurasia and the developing world. It then moves towards the making of modern South Asia and covers the emergence of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh as independent nation states. It explores in-detail the domestic politics, foreign policies and 'soft power' diplomatic overtures on the part of the countries, sometimes united, but often at odds in culture, heritage and sports.  Following this, the module traces the emergence of Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives as independent nations, and then look into their foreign policies. We examine the concept of ‘hedging’ and ask – how do these countries hedge their bets when dealing with the big hegemons in the region. Finally, the module also addresses implications for the international order as Asian countries challenge Western dominance and promote new models of development and globalization rooted in Asian traditions and institutions. Overall, it provides a comprehensive look at the major forces reshaping international relations due to Asia's rise.

Foreign Policy lies at the core of decision making for governments when they seek relationships with the outside world. Incorporating a wide array of stakeholders, it is one of the most crucial components of diplomatic outreach in not just political, but also on social, economic and cultural levels. This module combines the theoretical elements of Foreign Policy, as well as case-study analysis in a wide array of national contexts. It examines how Diplomacy is central towards State behaviour in the International System, and how Foreign Policies are made/unmade/remade in changing geopolitical contexts. It further identifies the key stakeholders involved in Foreign Policy making, encompassing a wide array of state and non-state actors which provides the conceptual framework to understand ‘why’ and ‘how’ Foreign relations are crafted. Finally, through contemporary case-studies, it examines how history and ideology shape Foreign Policy decisions of governments in both democratic and authoritarian contexts. A wide array of examples ranging from the United States, Russia, China and India will be studied enabling ample scope for establishing comparative frameworks of understanding Foreign Policy and Diplomacy.

This module examines the causes, course and conduct of the Second World War. The conflict’s global nature is foregrounded with close attention paid to the Far East, the Pacific theatre and the Eastern Front, as well as Western Europe. An important consideration of this module is the military aspects of the war. Why was the German military so successful initially, but ultimately defeated? Was the Red Army’s success on the Eastern Front due to sheer weight of numbers, or were other factors at play? How effective was the British Army as a fighting force in the Second World War? What impact did strategic bombing have on Germany and Japan? This module also considers the social and cultural impact of the conflict. In so doing, students consider questions such as the following: What role did ideology play in shaping the conduct of the war? What were the origins of the Holocaust and how was it perpetrated? How did belligerents mobilise their societies and how was propaganda used to support this? What accounts for the different national memories of the conflict? As such, the module provides students with a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of this crucial period.

Has the United States, under President Trump 2.0 relaunched its bid to the global hegemon in the World today? The abduction of the Venezuelan President, Nicholas Maduro, withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, and the establishment of a ‘Board of Peace’ for the Israel-Palestine conflict, all point to the US cementing itself as the major power broker in the International System today. This module begins with the premise that the US has indeed reshaped the world order in the 21st century, starting with it’s War on Terror, subsequent interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, and now firmly on the front foot when it comes to dealing with its enemies. However, we must also take note of other dynamics of power in the International System. This leads us to a study on China. Scholars are divided as to whether the country is a defensive or offensive power in the making. We will examine, from a both a historical and contemporary perspective to what extent is China’s rise marked by self-preservation or offensive realism. The emergence of regional blocs such as ASEAN and the BRICS have also sought to challenge the idea of a unipolar (and indeed a bipolar) world order. BRICS nations especially, have taken the lead in charting their own course of action in these changing geopolitical times – South Africa leading the charge against Israel at the International Criminal Court, India initially refusing to halt its exports of Russian oil, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative all point to a growing assertion of so-called ‘middle powers’. The module uncovers the reality of this rise and examines to what extent does BRICS re-shape the International System.

Cyberspace has increased the opportunities for actors on the world stage, whilst complicating targeted nation’s ability to respond either timely or effectively since the ‘grey zone’ enables plausible deniability and an attribution problem. These emerging and disruptive qualities thereby allow actors to punch above their ‘position’. What allows them to do so? This module explores the world of cyber technologies and their impact on strategic competition, intelligence, and conflict whilst considering the complications created on the international stage. For instance, how a diversification of actors from developing nations to private companies - some with larger incomes than numerous States - impact governance, sovereignty, and ideas of neutrality. In turn, the threat of external influence on critical infrastructure and individuals has created a whole of society concern in the competition for power in the 21st Century. This module provides you with the tools to understand and analyse cyber statecraft by conducting innovative research towards your future profession. The module analyses how cyberspace is utilised for diplomatic relations, intelligence espionage and tradecraft, assessing the impact of offensive cyber operations are not only below the threshold of war, but across the existing domains of war to understand the threats of intangible warfare.

Is democracy in retreat? This module invites you to investigate one of the most pressing questions in contemporary politics. Across the world, elected governments are undermining courts, restricting the press, and concentrating power — often with popular support. At the same time, populist movements are challenging established parties and institutions, reshaping what it means to govern democratically. You will examine the key theories used to explain these developments, including ideational approaches to populism, institutional accounts of democratic backsliding, and debates around illiberal democracy. Drawing on comparative case studies from Europe, the Americas, South Asia, East Asia, and beyond, you will develop the analytical tools to assess why democracies weaken, how they sometimes recover, and what role international actors play in these processes. Through seminars, oral presentations, and a research essay, you will build skills in political analysis and professional communication that are directly relevant to careers in government, policy, journalism, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), and international organisations. This module is also designed to support your Independent Study Project by helping you develop a sophisticated, evidence-based understanding of democratic politics in a global context.

This project provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge, concepts, and research skills developed throughout your degree to investigate a topic of your own choosing in Politics and/or International Relations. The Independent Study Project is a substantial piece of research that allows you to explore a specific question or issue in greater depth than is possible in taught modules. Working with the guidance of a supervisor, you will design a research question, identify relevant literature, select appropriate methods of analysis, and present your findings in a structured and coherent format. The project enables you to demonstrate your ability to plan and conduct independent research, analyse complex political issues, and communicate your findings clearly and effectively. These skills are valuable both for postgraduate study and for careers in sectors such as policy analysis, government, research, and international organisations. While most students complete a traditional written dissertation, the module also supports alternative formats such as policy reports or creative research projects, where appropriate and agreed with the supervisor. Policy reports: These are focused, analytical documents that examine specific political issues or challenges. They typically include an analysis of the current situation, potential policy options, and recommendations for action. Policy reports allow you to apply your political knowledge to real-world problems and develop practical solutions. Creative research projects: These can take various forms, such as documentaries, podcasts, interactive websites, or even artistic works that explore political themes. Creative projects allow you to express your understanding of political concepts and issues through non-traditional mediums, potentially reaching broader audiences and engaging with politics in innovative ways. All formats require rigorous research, engagement with academic literature, and critical analysis.

This module explores how some of the most important concepts in political theory have developed and changed over time. Each key concept is studied over two weeks from two complementary perspectives. First, we examine the historical origins of the concept and trace how its meaning has evolved across different political and intellectual contexts. Second, we explore how marginalised groups and political movements have challenged dominant interpretations and contributed to reshaping these ideas through activism, critique, and political struggle. By approaching concepts in this way, the module highlights that political ideas are not fixed or static. Instead, they are continually debated, reinterpreted, and contested as societies change. Through engagement with classic and contemporary thinkers, students will develop a deeper understanding of the ideas that shape political systems, institutions, and forms of governance. The module encourages students to think critically about how concepts are used in political debates today, and how different groups seek to redefine them in response to new social and political challenges. By the end of the module, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of the evolving nature of political thought and its relevance to contemporary politics