The foundation modules in the first year focus on the integration of theory and practice. Whilst the third year provides a wide choice of modules for you to tailor and specialise your degree.

Skills developed in this degree:

• Discuss how power is distributed internationally.
• Test the different ways that societies organise their political systems.
• Question the ideological roots of world problems.
• Interrogate how economics affects foreign policy.
• Analyse how actors engage politically and impact on our daily experiences.
• Contest terms such as ‘terrorism’ and whether they threaten our security.

Lectures and seminars take place for 25 weeks during the academic year. The last 5 weeks are dedicated to final examinations.

Lectures and Seminars

Most modules are taught using a combination of weekly lectures and seminars. Lectures give an introduction to a topic to help prepare you for discussions in seminars. In seminars, you can engage in debates and share your views.

Teaching

Learn from experts with international research profiles across many subfields including:

• political theory
• international relations
• international security
• international political economy, and international development
• comparative politics
• political systems

Learning support

You will have a personal tutor who you can speak to about any questions you may have. There are also regular feedback sessions and opportunities to speak to module directors and seminar tutors.

Contact hours

There are 8-12 hours of classroom contact available per week. This is also supplemented with group work, one-to-one advice, feedback sessions, and the use of web-based materials.

Class size

• Year 1 seminars: 14 students max
• Year 2 and 3 seminars: 18 students max
• Lecture sizes vary

Modules are usually assessed through a mixture of exams and essays.

• Summative assessments include exams and coursework that go towards your final grade.

• Formative assessments do not contribute marks to your final grade. However, they help you understand key learning points and assessment styles.

There are two options for study abroad: Integrated or Intercalated.

Integrated (study abroad included within your three-year degree)

An integrated year allows you to replace your second year with a year of studying abroad. The grades gained during your year abroad become your second-year marks.

Intercalated (study abroad or work placement adds a year to your degree)

This option adds one year to your degree. You can either study at one of our partner universities or set up an approved work placement.

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Countries students have visited;*

USA

• University of California

Canada

• The University of Waterloo
• The University of British Columbia
• Queen’s University
• Western University

Europe

• Countries: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden
• Cities: Paris, Madrid, Vienna, Berlin, Florence, Barcelona
• You may also do a work placement in a European country (approval from department needed)

Japan

• Waseda University
• Hokkaido University

Australia

• Monash University

Hong Kong

• University of Hong Kong
• Chinese University of Hong Kong
• City University Hong Kong
• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Singapore

• National University of Singapore
• Nanyang Technological University

*Please note countries and institutions are subject to change.

Our culture

Join an innovative, creative and passionate department with a lively and interactive culture. Stretch and challenge yourself with the support of friendly staff and your peers.

Our rankings

• 1st in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
• Ranked 5th by the Guardian University Guide 2020
• 91% overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2019
• 42nd in the world according to The QS World University

Our people

The department has 60 members of staff, making it one of the largest politics departments in the UK. Students and staff represent over 40 countries, providing a diverse and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

World-leading academics

Staff are part of national and international research centres, advocacy groups and think tanks. Some are also holders of consultancy roles with national governments and international organisations.