BA International Relations and Politics

Some of the most important political debates are those about international relations. Is it right to intervene in the politics of other countries? How ought we to respond to the threat of global warming? Is America too powerful? How big a threat is international terrorism? What should be done to improve international security? How much power do multinational corporations have? Are global media institutions, such as CNN, shaping foreign policy?

These are the sort of questions that arise when studying a course such as International Relations and Politics. It allows you to think about and explore the causes of conflict – in the Middle East, for example - and to assess attempts to resolve it.

This course, in short, gives you the opportunity to study those forces and issues which are shaping the contemporary world.

Shape of the course: The first year is structured so as to ensure that study and other key skills are acquired to enable students to benefit most fully from the rest of the course. Firm foundations of knowledge are laid in respect of political theory, government and international relations and modern history. The programme in the second and third year is designed to draw upon a range of units in the areas of international relations and politics offered in the schools of Political, Social and International Studies. Students also have the opportunity to take relevant units in the School of American Studies and the School of History. The second year units, “International Politics since 1945”, and “Democratic Theory” are compulsory and these are designed to provide a core foundation of knowledge of the international system since the Second World War and in the main traditions in the history of democratic thought. Otherwise in the second year, students choose with the assistance of their adviser, the Programme Director, two optional units in politics and two free choice units. All these are 20 credit units.

In the third year students take a compulsory dissertation unit where they choose a subject relating to international relations and/or politics. This unit includes some basic training in research methods and students also receive one-to-one individual supervision relating to their topics. A further ninety credits are taken from a range of specialist options within the School.

Examples of units: Introduction to International Relations Politics in the USA, International Organisations American Foreign Policy, International Security and Conflict Resolution, International Relations, Britain and Europe, Politics and Mass Media, The Clash of Fundamentalisms: Religion and International Relations and Policy-Making in Britain Power over the Pacific.

Course Organiser:Mr. Michael Bowker

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Entry Requirements A Level: ABB International Baccalaureate: 32 Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB Access Course: Please contact the university for further information. HND: Please contact the university for further information. European Baccalaureate: 75% Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in Reading and Writing with no less than 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 20 in Reading and Speaking components, 19 in Writing component and 17 in Listening components.
• PTE: 62 overall (minimum 55 in Reading and Writing components with no less than 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications for deferred entry, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above, then please contact university directly for further information.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language at Grade C or above.

Assessment

For the majority of candidates the most important factors in assessing the application will be past and future achievement in examinations, academic interest in the subject being applied for, personal interest and extra-curricular activities and the confidential reference.

We consider applicants as individuals and accept students from a very wide range of educational backgrounds and spend time considering your application in order to reach an informed decision relating to your application. Typical offers are indicated above. Please note, there may be additional subject entry requirements specific to individual degree courses.

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The School of Political Social and International Studies (PSI) specialises in teaching and research in politics, international relations, media and culture.

We offer a wide range of courses that allow you to explore the politics of different countries and regions – for example, Russia, South-east Asia, the United States, Europe and Australia and, of course, the United Kingdom. You can learn about the key power-holders, about how parties compete to influence the public and how policies are made. Some of our students experience life in the lobby at first hand through the parliamentary internship scheme.

In the international arena there are modules dealing with security, terrorism, American foreign policy, fundamentalism, environmental issues and international players such as the United Nations. A module on the history of world politics since 1945 helps you understand how we arrived at 21st-century global patterns of power.

We offer a distinctive range of degrees specialising in media, culture and politics where topics covered may include mass media, political blogs, popular culture, new media, political marketing and 'practical media’, which enables students to make their own news documentary.

All our degrees give you opportunities to take modules from other UEA Schools which are selected to fit in with our degree programmes. Each degree includes the option of a 'free choice’ module taken from another School.

UniStats Information Fees and Funding University Fees and Financial Support: UK/EU Students

Further information on fees and funding for 2012 can be found here

University Fees and Financial Support: International Students

The University will be charging International students £11,700.00 for all full time School of Political, Social and International Studies undergraduate programmes which start in 2012.

Please click to access further information about fees and funding for International students