Politics and International Relations

Module overview:

What should we do about homelessness? Do animals have rights? Should the state prohibit private schooling? Should inheritance tax be scrapped? Is racial profiling unjust? Should the state subsidize equal parental leave for new parents? Should the NHS be privatised? These are just some of the difficult and divisive social and political questions that we’ll explore on this course. The module aims to equip students with the conceptual and theoretical resources needed to understand political debates inside and outside the classroom. In doing so, it introduces students to key thinkers, frameworks, and critical perspectives in political theory, and develops advanced skills in the identification, analysis, and construction of philosophical argumentation. Students will then apply those theoretical tools to public policy recommendations advanced by the government, political parties, think tanks, charities, and various sector practitioners.

How you’ll learn:

You’ll engage with one thinker and one policy issue each week. Sessions are split between exploring political theory and applying it to real-world policy proposals. You’ll take part in short lectures, debates, group work, quizzes, and analysis exercises. You’ll also complete group policy templates, with support for using GenAI tools to develop and evaluate your ideas.

Module overview:

The purpose of this module is to teach you about carrying out social research. It is designed to introduce you to the processes involved in research design and their application to the social sciences, in particular sociology, criminology, and policing. It is a practical module, during which you will conduct empirical research, consider ethical issues, and write a research proposal. We will examine the theoretical, ethical, and practical dimensions of the research process and will look at the range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies for collecting and analysing social scientific data.

By the end of the module, you will be competent in carrying out criminological and/or sociological research. You will also develop a range of transferable skills including quantitative and qualitative data analysis and using software such as SPSS.

How you’ll learn:

You’ll learn through a mix of workshops, group activities, problem-solving tasks, and discussions. You’ll develop research skills by working hands-on with data, exploring ethical issues, and preparing your own proposal. Moodle will guide you through weekly topics and help you build the skills you need for assessments.

Module overview:

This module introduces students to the methodology and practice of comparative politics. It does so by engaging in a systematic examination of some of the main issues, both thematic and methodological, involved in the study of comparative political systems today, and then by applying the insights gained to leading political systems. The module builds on knowledge gained in What is Politics?  to further explore the structures of governments, the variations in state organisation, governmental forms and party systems. It will examine the main elements of the modern democratic state in a comparative manner, stressing both the commonalities and differences between systems around the world. 

How you’ll learn:

You’ll explore political systems through lectures and seminars that emphasize critical thinking and comparison. In seminars, you’ll analyse case studies, debate key issues, and work both independently and in groups. You’ll apply theory directly to real-world examples and sharpen your skills in comparing political institutions across countries.

Module overview:

This module explores urgent and contemporary issues on violence, conflict, security, and the role of institutions and states. Building on Understanding Global Politics, this module will employ concepts from International Relations to current debates on international cooperation on issues of security, conflict, climate change, sustainable development and more. Students will have the opportunity to explore and critique the role of state and non-state actors, including global institutions like the United Nations, expanding to social movements and humanitarian efforts. This module will also examine how norms are developed, challenged, and changed over time. This module aims to incorporate political, theoretical, and sociological approach towards a comprehensive understanding of global issues and how we address pressing challenges. 

How you’ll learn:

Each week, you’ll tackle a major global issue through lectures and group-based seminars. You’ll be expected to complete weekly readings and contribute to discussions, debates, and case study reflections. Sessions encourage you to connect academic theory with contemporary global challenges.

Module overview:

This module enables students to research and produce a project of their own choice. During the module, students write a piece of work based on their own field work and the collection of primary data through quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, or engage in a wholly theoretical, library-based investigation. 

How you’ll learn:

You’ll design and carry out your own research, supported by workshops and seminars focused on every stage of the project. You’ll take part in practical exercises and group discussions to build your methodology and writing skills. Moodle will support you throughout your research journey.

Module overview:

This module examines the relationship between democratic principles and the pursuit of justice, asking is democracy a prerequisite for peace. Using empirical evidence, case studies, debates, policy analysis, and more, this module aims to build on Applied Political theory to analyse the relationship between democracy and justice. We will compare liberal democracy and non-democratic regimes to explore the struggles towards justice. Students will discuss the concept of justice and how it relates to the purpose of democracy through the lens of contemporary issues, political controversies and dilemmas.

How you’ll learn:

You’ll learn through lectures, debates, and case studies. You’ll discuss real-world regimes, assess policy documents, and analyse justice in different political contexts. You’ll work both individually and in groups to evaluate evidence and develop strong, well-reasoned arguments.

Module overview:

This module explores the complex relationship between geography, politics, and power. We will consider how power is asserted and contested spatially, examining behaviours of states in the Global North and Global South. The module will examine the key concepts of geopolitics, critical geopolitics, foreign and economic policy from a global and regional perspective. We will study topics including competition and cooperation amongst states, territorial disputes, and emerging powers. Students will learn how to deconstruct geopolitical narratives and develop arguments on what the World Order is and what it should resemble.

How you’ll learn:

You’ll explore geopolitical issues through a mix of lectures, seminars, and structured debates. Weekly readings, videos, and group tasks will help you think critically and analytically about global power dynamics. You’ll be encouraged to lead discussions and challenge dominant narratives.

Module overview:
Human action and inaction are responsible for a great deal of damage to the planet and suffering in our fellow creatures. For instance, in various places across the globe, we are the cause of deforestation, desertification, pollution, climate change, species extinction, and ecosystem collapse. In this module, we explore what we owe to other animals and the environment and think about the kinds of laws and policies that might be introduced to protect the nonhuman world against harmful human activity.
This multidisciplinary module begins by introducing students to key theoretical and analytical tools needed to navigate central debates around our use and treatment of animals and the environment. The subsequent topics will be selected by students from a wide range of options. The course exposes students to cutting-edge work on animal and environmental issues and gives them the opportunity to develop their own positions on some of the most pressing moral and political questions facing us today.

How you’ll learn:
You’ll take part in short lectures, interactive activities, debates, and group discussions. Weekly handouts and digital tools like Padlet and Mentimeter will guide your learning. You’ll also hear from guest speakers and explore your own interests within animal and environmental politics.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and Learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

This module supports a broad exploration of crime and law and its integration within society across various sources, which includes diverse cultural, social, and political representations. By analysing a wide range of topics, you are encouraged to critically engage with how disability, gender and race are represented and viewed in relation to crime and law.

This course integrates sustainability by looking at the sustainability of social interactions and your results and consequences in relation to crime and law. Social responsibility, legal injustice across the globe and inequality are all featured. Social Responsibility is embedded through topics such as social identity, prejudice and exclusion. Social Cognitive Theory and Rational Choice Theory helps you understand challenges and question accountability for individuals and communities.

This course fosters global engagement by examining the inequalities experienced in other cultures, particularly in relation to race, gender and exclusion. Global challenges are addressed at every step equipping you with the skills to navigate a globalised world in a variety of ways. By analysing data and text concerning diverse cultures and contexts, you will develop an understanding of how individuals and cultures operate amongst injustices in a globalised world, preparing you to engage thoughtfully with diverse audiences.

Teaching and learning

Through lectures, workshops, group work, and structured academic writing, you will have the opportunity to practice the core academic skills needed for your future studies. Critical thinking will be developed through tasks such as text analysis, group discussions, and the ability to create well-structured academic assignments, including essays and presentations.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour workshop per week. You will get a diverse learning experience through case studies and active learning workshops and microteaches.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week, consisting of activities to develop your presentation skills and to provide you with opportunities to explore wider policy implementation in diverse/comparative transnational examples.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a video presentation and summative essay.

30% - video presentation, working in groups, you will produce a video on a topic taught on the curriculum and explain its impact on UK society, using a real-world example.

70% - summative essay, you will identify an issue, either historical or contemporary, that has had an impact on UK society and connect it to at least one of the key topics covered in the course.

30 credits

This module supports a broad exploration of social understanding across various sources, which includes diverse cultural, social, and political representations. By analysing a wide range of topics, you are encouraged to critically engage with how disability, gender and race are represented and viewed. This ensures that your projects and research can reflect a variation of perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and holistic learning environment.

This course integrates sustainability by looking at the sustainability of social interactions and your results and consequences. Social responsibility, globalisation and inequality are all featured. Social Responsibility is embedded through topics such as social identity, prejudice and exclusion. Social Cognitive Theory and Rational Choice Theory help you understand challenges and question accountability for individuals and communities.

This course fosters global engagement by examining the inequalities experienced in other cultures, particularly in relation to race, gender and class. Global challenges are addressed at every step, equipping you to navigate a globalised world in a variety of ways. By analysing data and text concerning diverse cultures and contexts, you develop an understanding of how individuals and cultures operate in a globalised world, preparing you to engage thoughtfully with diverse audiences.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Lecturers will cover core indicative content, while seminars will consist of research workshops, as well as forming small groups and learning on relevant case studies.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week, consisting of activities to develop your presentation skills and to provide you with opportunities to explore wider policy implementation in diverse/comparative transnational examples.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using an academic poster and a summative essay.

40% - academic poster, you will design a poster that provides key information and sociological analysis of your selected story or issue chosen from key weekly topics.

60% - summative essay, you will conduct a sociological analysis of a story or issue you have encountered in the media.