About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: L250
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: 320
- Department: Arts
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Three years full-time
- Delivery: Part-time, full-time
- Study Abroad: Yes
- Programme leader: Dr Peter Clegg
Introduction
Terrorism, war, the power of the European Union over member states and international attempts to prevent hunger and abuse of human rights are amongst the concerns of International Relations. It is concerned with the international system, its development, the actors within it and the power relations between them. You will examine the practices of states and other groups, including international organisations and multinational companies.
Find out more about what Politics and International Relations at UWE has to offer in terms of teaching quality, staff expertise and your student experience.
Student's view
The course has given me a greater insight and allowed me to speak confidently about my opinions on the subject. The teachers are very passionate about the subjects they teach, it gives us, the students, a boost and makes the topics far more interesting. Keren, BA(Hons) International Relations
Structure
Content
Level One
You take four modules:
- Politics Beyond the Nation State is an introduction to the international dimension of politics. Included in the syllabus are international institutions such as the United Nations and the European Union, international actors such as states and non-state organisations, global issues such as war and conflict and the environment.
- Foreign Policy examines the domestic and international influences on the making of states' foreign policies. Attention is given to particular states which include the USA and Iran.
- Global Ethics addresses the most pressing contemporary ethical issues, including torture, scarce resources, poverty, migration, and humanitarian intervention. While Politics of Crisis and Change considers the paradox that while those who don’t have democracy want it, those who do have it can’t be bothered with it. The module explores this paradox from a number of angles.
Level Two
You take one compulsory module and three options. The compulsory module, Theories of International Relations, surveys the perspectives used by scholars to interpret international affairs, including liberalism, feminism and realism. Your other modules are chosen from range of options including human rights and the international order, international development, global political economy, European integration, comparative politics and political theory.
Level Three
There are no compulsory modules. It is in your final year that you have the greatest opportunity to specialise in your particular areas of interest. You take four modules in international relations from a list of options which cover, amongst others, global governance, international security, the EU's international relations, the politics of climate change and ethical issues in politics. You may also do a dissertation on a subject of your choice.
Another optional module at level three is 'Politics in the Workplace: linking theory and practice' which gives you the opportunity to undertake a work placement and gain valuable practical experience.
Hear what our students think about their time at UWE.
Teaching and learning
Students have at least 12 hours of contact time a week with staff through lectures and seminars. Lecture notes are made available in advance through the University's intranet system.
Independent study is an essential part of your course and primarily consists of reading and learning around the subject from published sources such as books, articles, official documents and websites.
Find out more about our academic staff, their teaching expertise and research interests.
Simulation games
Simulation games are educational tools for acquainting students with the political decision making process through role-play. Politics students at UWE have the opportunity to get involved through the modules 'Europe in the World' and 'EU Integration'.
Assessment
Assessment includes essays, seminar presentations, timed assignments, case studies, text reviews, simulation games, dissertation and formal unseen examinations.
Special Features
Placements
Final year students can apply to take a placement module where they spend approximately 20 days working with an organisation concerned with international relations.
Study Abroad
We have partnerships with several European universities via the Erasmus scheme which offers you the opportunity to study abroad for all or part of your second year. We also offer you the chance to study abroad in your second year at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, Student-staff research events USA.
Student-staff research events
We organise a series of student-staff Wednesday afternoon research events with a strong focus on contemporary issues. Recent topics have included: criminalising hate speech in a democratic society; the EU's role in the former Yugoslavia; and migrant rights violations in Bristol.
Volunteering
Many International Relations students opt to volunteer, either through the UWE volunteering service or through their own contacts.
Volunteering offers a valuable opportunity to gain real-world experience and develop useful skills whilst helping organisations and charities to deliver vital services. Many students are taking on volunteering roles which often leads to further involvement post-degree or even paid employment.
Careers/further study
Graduates who have studied International Relations at Bristol UWE develop a range of skills in analysis, written and oral communication, information retrieval, use of information technology and group work which prepares them for many occupations. Likely career routes include management, journalism, not-for-profit organisations and NGOs, public administration, recruitment, the armed services and teaching.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read about Tom's internship at the Labour Group office.
Read about Diana's work in some of the world's leading international organisations.
Useful links
UWE - careers in charities, development work and voluntary organisations
UWE - careers in government and public administration
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 320
- GCSE: English Language at grade C or above required.
- Specific subjects: None specified
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 2 credits in English Language.
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about
entry requirements.
How to apply
Please see the general information about
applications.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011