Dissertation
Choose a topic you are passionate about and make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out, and delivering a 10,000-word thesis. Over the course of your final year you will conduct independent research, supported by an academic supervisor.
One-Trimester Internship
Apply knowledge learned on your degree in a real working environment on one of our unique internship opportunities - enhance your chance of getting a job at the same time.
One Trimester Abroad
An opportunity to study for a semester abroad at any of our partner institutions. Select a number of modules on offer from the host institution to count towards your degree.
Small Wars: Irregular Warfare in Theory and Practice
Insurgency and how to beat it is among the biggest problems of our time. Examine the issue in case studies from the end of empire to the latest Iraqi and Afghan insurgencies.
Politics of the Environment
Analyse attitudes towards the environment and the politics of the environmental movement, pressure groups, political parties, states, the EU and international organisations.
UK Politics in an Age of Decline and Renewal
Explore topics that have been implemented by the Cameron-Clegg coalition, May and Johnson Governments since the May 2010 General Election. You'll investigate the politics of austerity, reform of public services and the NHS, the welfare state, Brexit and the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Culture Wars
What causes the culture wars? Explore the controversies. From identity politics to free speech and BLM to transgenderism.
Maritime Security in the Maritime Globalised Century
Learn about the role of modern navies, piracy, terrorism, maritime law, economy, expeditionary warfare and the frightening fragility of the world you take for granted.
War in the 21st Century
Explore the strategic, political and ethical implications of autonomous weapons systems, warfare in cyberspace, and the significance of modern nuclear forces.
BRICS: Emerging Powers in International Affairs
Discover challenges facing the five emerging powers (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in the shifting power structures of international affairs.
Single Trimester Project
The Single Trimester Project module provides you with an opportunity to engage in and write up your own political research project. In researching and writing your project you will work primarily one-to-one with your supervisor, but the module also involves a degree of team work and peer support.
Brave New World: The Internet
This timely, fascinating module is about the Internet revolution and its impact on our lives, on politics and society. The module combines theory with practical case studies and thus is very relevant to all students who utilise the Internet for their daily activities. The module balances the raison d'être of the Internet, freedom of expression, against no less important principle: social responsibility, and ponders what responsibilities we have as Internet users and as readers of information, what are the responsibilities of Internet intermediaries, and what are the responsibilities of the government and of the international community at large to ensure an innovative and secure digital environment.
While observing friendship and romance on the Internet, the module also questions whether self-regulation work. Is government regulation required to tackle terrorism, racism, child pornography and cyberbullying?
Troubled History: Irish Politics and Anglo-Irish Relations
In this module you will examine the evolution and contemporary relevance of the political relationships between Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. You will be introduced to the emergence of these relationship from the Ulster plantation to the Act of Union 1800, through the Home Rule movement, War of Independence and partitioning of Northern Ireland, and further through the Troubles, the Good Friday Agreement and the impacts of Brexit. The purpose will be to equip you to critically engage with contemporary aspects of Anglo-Irish relations with a sound understanding of their historical, cultural, religious and economic influences
Defeating Nazi Germany: Strategy in Total War
Defeating Nazi Germany provides a detailed understanding of the practice of strategy in total war. This is especially important as the world shifts from one dominated by the ‘war on terror’ to a future of great power conflict. By taking this module you will study all of the great campaigns of the Second World War in Europe, and ultimately be able to answer the question of how and why the Allies won. In doing so, you will also gain an invaluable understanding of strategic decision-making, modern joint warfare, and the role of technology and social forces in human strategic affairs.
Democracy and Legitimacy in the European Union
This module analyses the real-world challenges of democracy and legitimacy in the European Union, and situates them in the context of contemporary theoretical and conceptual debates. In addressing these issues, you will consider the following questions: is the EU politically legitimate? What are the limits of democracy beyond the national state? Can the EU’s democratic deficit be addressed by strengthening the European and/or national parliaments? Will the EU ever be democratic if it lacks a demos? Is public support necessary for the EU to be legitimate? The module is practically-oriented module, assessed by a 4500-word, independently produced policy paper which accounts for 100% of the final mark.