What you'll study
The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.
First year modules
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Compulsory
British Political History since 1945
The UK's political history after World War Two: from Eden to the EEC and from Wilson to the 'Winter of Discontent', encounter the people, ideas and policies that have shaped modern Britain.
Introduction to the Politics of the World Economy
Explore how politics defines the power map of the world's economy and provides the constitution for markets.
Introduction to War and Politics
Study the causes and conduct of war in modern times. Learn why the Allies won World War Two, why the US lost in Vietnam and how nuclear weapons affect international security.
International Security and Defence Policy
Learn how states and societies form defence and security policy. You'll cover international terrorism, responsibility to protect (R2P), border security, human and environmental security.
Global Security Challenges
You’ll consider contemporary security topics such as migration, environment, terrorism and warfare, foreign affairs, European integration/withdrawal and home security.
Introduction to International Relations
Explore the theories that have been developed to advance our knowledge of how global politics works, and the ways in which the field of international relations is expanding today.
Second year modules
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Compulsory
International Relations Theory
Examine the state of international relations theory, beginning with an analysis of realism. You'll consider whether we are returning to geopolitics reminiscent of the Cold War era.
The Global South
You'll explore issues such as equality, income distribution, gender, role of states and markets and democracy in Africa, Latin America and Asia.
Paths of Research
Discover the research techniques and skills used in the study of politics. This module unpacks everything you'll need for conducting research in your own area of interest.
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Optional
The United Nations and Global Security
This module introduces you to the study of state interaction within the context of the world’s major inter-governmental security organisation: the United Nations.
Understanding America
An introduction to the political culture and institutions of the USA. You'll consider America's international role and the relationship between its domestic and international policies.
Understanding the European Union
Learn about the history and politics of the European Union. You'll consider its core policies, including the European Single Market, environmental policy and the implications of Brexit.
Terrorism, War and Ethics
Explore the history and evolution of terrorism, its impacts and the ethical arguments around it. You'll study violent political groups from the 19th century to the present day.
Understanding China
This module examines the economic transformations of China in a historical, cultural and political context. You'll evaluate the major issues and challenges facing the nation.
Understanding States and Markets: An Introduction to Political Economy
Discover the history of ideas in political economy, and their modern relevance. You’ll explore the work of Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, Friedrich Hayek and Joseph Stiglitz.
Modern Strategy
Ultimately, this module is about how to win wars and achieve objectives in the face of the enemy. You'll learn how strategy works, why it often doesn't work, and how to use it better.
Air Power
Chart the history of air warfare from the Red Baron to the drones of today. You'll explore uses of air power including strategic bombing, airborne troops and aircraft carriers.
Sea Power
This module will teach you about the role of sea power, what navies do in warfare and diplomacy and why the world's great naval powers became the world's great global powers.
Final year modules
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Choose one
Dissertation
You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation 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.
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Optional
Intelligence and National Security
The intelligence agencies work in the background to provide security for their respective nations states. But how exactly does intelligence work? In this module you'll find out.
Dangerous Minds
Study the relationship between ideas, the people who promote them, and political practice. From Plato, to Machiavelli, explore just how influential and dangerous ideas can be.
Germany in the New Europe
This module assesses the reunified Germany and its role in the new Europe. You'll learn about Germany's political parties, its government and its main policies.
Small Wars from Malaya through Ireland to Iraq
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.
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.
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 Austerity and Brexit
Examine contemporary debates on economic, social and political renewal. You'll cover topics such as: Brexit, austerity, foreign policy and the future of the welfare state.
Conflicts in British Culture
Who are the British? What do they believe in? Explore key cultural conficts, such as free speech, gay marriage, feminism, transgenderism, Brexit, multi-culturalism and abortion.
Democracy and Legitimacy in the European Union
This module focuses on the theoretical and empirical context in which democracy and legitimacy have become existential challenges for the European Union.
Maritime Security in the 21st 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: Robots, Cyberwar and Nuclear Weapons
Explore the strategic, political and ethical implications of autonomous weapons systems, warfare in cyberspace, and the significance of modern nuclear forces.
Short Dissertation
This module enables you to undertake independent research on a question of your choice. Working with an academic across your final semester, you'll write a 6,000-word dissertation.
All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.