Lifelong Learning Centre

The School of Politics and International Studies is a unique department that brings together research and teaching strengths in the area of security, development and democracy.  We are a vibrant and innovative school where academic research informs and ignites our teaching.  Our key aim is to provide students with an intellectually rigorous and exciting environment in which to study.  Our programmes allow great flexibility and students can group modules in ways which cross boundaries and really cater for their own interests.  We are one of the largest academic departments of our kind in Britain and cover politics, international relations and international development. Our open and friendly environment attracts people from a wide variety of backgrounds.  Their diverse opinions and outlooks create an exciting environment for study.

BA International Development

This degree examines major world issues from the viewpoint of the people and nations of the South. It allows you to combine a breadth of interdisciplinary knowledge in the field of International Development with a disciplinary specialisation, such as Geography or Politics, or a regional specialism such as East Asian Studies.  You will review contemporary development issues and examine the progress of key international development goals such as poverty reduction and reducing HIV/AIDS and malaria. You will consider the impact of colonialism and the slave trade on developing countries and examine case studies to discover how development agencies plan and implement intervention programmes.  You will explore some of the most important international issues in the post-Cold War era and learn about the national and international organisations that promote development. If you wish to take the study abroad option there is the additional opportunity to study alongside students in less developed countries.

For more information on the modules that you will study as part of this course please see the entry in the programme catalogue (although please note that this is the entry for the full-time programme).

BA International Relations

International Relations explores how states interact.  This programme aims to give you a historical understanding of how the ‘society of states’ has evolved and how it may be changing today. You will examine the way states behave and what obligations they may have to wider conceptions of international society.  You will explore the political dynamics that influence interstate cooperation and assess the specific role that international organisations such as the United Nations play in promoting international peace and security. You also have the option to study terrorism, strategic studies, international political economy and conflict in the Middle East.  This is a successful and established degree programme that has been running for many years.  A dedicated team of experts in the field of international relations teach the course and use their highly specialised and general knowledge of the international system to provide a thorough grounding in the one of the most important areas of political life.

For more information on the modules that you will study as part of this course please see the entry in the programme catalogue (although please note that this is the entry for the full-time programme).

BA Politics

This degree gives you a firm grounding in the institutions and practices of modern political systems.  It allows you to study the main political theories that structure our political systems and the wider social forces that shape political life.  You will examine British politics and analyse international issues.  You will explore the political systems of other countries and track the evolution of global politics from the rise of the modern state to the present day. You can choose to investigate various subjects including political corruption, organised crime, environmental policy, British Prime Ministers, the politics of Japan, China, Russia, the Middle East and India.  Our Politics lecturers have research and teaching expertise in British politics, political theory, comparative politics, international relations, EU politics and the politics of developing countries.  If you are interested in politics, our lecturers are interested in you.

For more information on the modules that you will study as part of this course please see the entry in the programme catalogue (although please note that this is the entry for the full-time programme).

How will I be taught?
Most teaching takes place in lectures, workshops and seminars.

How will I be assessed?
Assessment methods include examinations and projects based on essays and presentations.

Career development
We have alumni working in the media, the civil service, political research and consultancy, local government, international and non-governmental organisations, both in the UK and overseas.  These degrees are also a good foundation for a career in law, the financial services or teaching.