Politics and International Relations, BA (Hons)

This innovative degree will allow you to develop a greater awareness of the complexity and connectedness of the political and international processes and theories that shape our lives. You’ll examine the contemporary world in which we live at local, national and global levels. Why choose this course?

If you have a keen interest in current affairs, international trends and understanding the changing world in which we live, then the Politics and International Relations course at NTU is ideal for you. Because Politics deals with fundamental issues affecting society globally, it makes an ideal combination with International Relations to create an exciting, stimulating and relevant course.

• You will explore a range of issues dominating our lives: from diplomatic relations such as the war in Afghanistan, the European Union, to whether we will receive a pension when we reach retirement age.
• You'll have the opportunity to study abroad for one term in your second year as part of the Erasmus foreign exchange network. You can also boost your prospects in today's global market with a language through NTU's language programme.
• The academic staff's research feeds directly into the course, which means you will be learning about the latest issues from world-renowned experts. The team also regularly contribute their thoughts about worldwide events and incidents to the local, national and international media.

This course will help you develop a greater awareness of the complexity and connectedness of the processes that shape our world. This opens up careers in a wide range of fields in the public and private sectors, fostering the skills, imagination, understanding and flexibility which employers demand.

Want to know more?

For more details about our BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations course you can request a course brochure. Open days are also a great way to find out more about our courses and experience NTU for yourself. Find out when our Open Days are taking place and book your place. If you can't make it in person why not take a virtual tour?

When does the course start?

Please see the academic calendar for term dates.

What will I study?

This stimulating degree offers you the opportunity to combine key components of International Relations as well as the chance to examine a range of political systems and theories.

Year One

Core Modules

• Foundations and Challenges to International Relations
• International Relations and Global History
• British Politics
• Political Ideologies
• Media, Power and Politics

Year Two

Core modules

• Researching Politics and International Relations
• Great Political Thinkers

Optional modules

Politics

• Identity, Class and Nation
• Politics of European Integration
• Contemporary European Politics

International Relations

• Global Political economy
• Change and the World Order
• Working Within International Contexts
• Foreign Language

Year Three

Core Modules

• Dissertation
• Contemporary Global Trajectories

Optional modules

Politics

• Hyperpower Politics: USA
• Russian Politics
• Politics of Everyday Life
• Power and Politics in the EU
• Transnational Media
• German Democracy

International Relations

• International Relations of the Middle East and North Africa
• International Relations of North East Asia
• International Relations of sub-Saharan Africa
• Developing South Asia: People, States and Power
• Foreign Language

It is assumed that you have not previously studied politics or international relations. The main requirement is that you have an enthusiasm for understanding how the world works and a preparedness to engage in discussions around key issues facing society.

The first-year modules are designed to introduce you to basic political concepts and approaches. This will allow you to support your opinions with appropriate concepts and methods of investigation.

How will I be assessed?

The majority of your work will be assessed through coursework based:

• essays
• reports
• case studies
• a final year research-based dissertation.

You will also be assessed through a combination of formal examinations and practical assessments such as group and individual presentations.

In response to student feedback, the University have introduced a policy ensuring marked work is returned to you electronically within three weeks of submission.

Can I study abroad?

You'll have the opportunity to spend half of your second year studying abroad with the Erasmus foreign exchange scheme. This provides a great opportunity to experience life in another country and gain a new perspective on your subject. Find out more about this exciting study abroad opportunity.

Contact hours

To provide you with a first-class learning experience and to guarantee you have an opportunity to make the most of your time at university, you will receive contact time through a diverse range of delivery methods.

Structured teaching will be delivered through a combination of traditional lectures and seminars. The smaller group seminars provide opportunities to develop:

• problem solving skills
• group working
• analysis
• debating skills
• presentation skills.

You will also be able to debate a wide range of views.

How will I learn?

Tutorials with staff
As the relationship between students and tutors is an important one you can expect to have lots of direct contact and support through seminars and one-to-one tutorials. At these sessions you'll have the opportunity to:

• Discuss and gain feedback about your work.
• Ask questions about the projects you're working on.
• Raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances or your university experience.

Independent study
Independent study is an important part of this course. Throughout the three years of your course the scheduled contact hours you receive will gradually decrease as you develop the skills required to undertake an independent study or dissertation in your final year. You will still have regular contact with your tutors and if necessary ad hoc tutorials can be arranged.

Learn from industry experts
In addition to the traditional lectures, tutorials and independent study you'll also hear and learn from renowned industry experts and professionals in related fields who are regularly invited to come and talk to our students providing you with an insight into their specialist knowledge and experiences.

Virtual learning environment
You'll also use our virtual learning environment, NOW which is a flexible web-based system that allows you to have 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and other students, and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.

Learn from expert staff
You'll be taught by enthusiastic, engaged and expert staff. The courses all draw upon their expertise, research interests and industry experience and many have also published textbooks in their specialist area of interest.
You will develop specialist knowledge based on the teams staff expertise in several areas including Political Theory, Foreign Policy, International and Global Institutions, International Relations Theory, Global Political Economy, South Asia, Africa, North East Asia, and the Middle East.

Beyond the course

Broaden your experience, stand out from the crowd and gain a range of skills that employers are looking for.

Where will I study?

As a member of the School of Social Sciences' community, you will study on our vibrant City site. You will typically be based in the Chaucer building although you will also learn in the recently regenerated Newton and Arkwright buildings. All of our teaching rooms and learning resources are within a short distance of each other.

Welcoming students from all over the world

The University is proud of its multicultural community. We provide specialist staff, services and facilities that you need to help you through all the stages of being a student. Find out more about the University's dedicated services for international students.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

You'll have easy access to a great combination of facilities that include:

• the £13 million Boots Library that has a wide range of both print and online resources, as well as 24 / 7 IT facilities, group and individual study spaces
• the redeveloped Newton and Arkwright buildings which will provide you with an inspiring place to learn
• our virtual learning environment (NOW) which allows you to learn online at any time
• 3,000 student open access PC's and 300 secure wireless access points
• a new City site Students' Union building will open in 2013 giving you an exceptional array of social, leisure and well-being facilities.

The prime location of the City site gives you easy access to a great combination of facilities and activities including:

• sports facilities
• student accommodation
• music venues
• cafes.