International Politics BSc (Hons)

at City, University of London

London, United Kingdom

This degree enables you to understand global issues and actors in a time of fast-moving political and social change.
 

You will engage with important theoretical debates, exploring global political systems and how they are engaged in policy-making on issues like security, migration and social justice.
 

You will study diplomatic relations between governments, as well as learning how intergovernmental organisations, transnational movements, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and multinationals influence global politics.

• Become a critical thinker with an in-depth understanding of the complex interplay of local and global forces

• Develop your analytical skills to examine and critically assess information

• Enjoy access to a wide range of internship opportunities thanks to our proximity and connections with national political organisations

• Boost your employability with an optional integrated professional training year or study abroad

• Study in a department with a strong international focus, approachable staff and close connections with practitioners in the policy world

• Gain knowledge and expertise for a career in politics, policy making, the civil service or government

• Lay the foundations for postgraduate study or research in international politics.
   

  Course content
   

  Over three years of this International Politics BSc you will develop a coherent and systematic knowledge of the study of international politics. You will be able to draw on research and scholarship to become a reflective practitioner in your chosen field.
   

  Year 1
   

  Study theories of international politics, global political economy and how power has transformed in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Understand underlying concepts associated with the study of international politics.

• Introduction to Political and Economic Data Analysis - Core module (15 credits)

• Studying Politics - Core module (15 credits)

• Myths and Mysteries in World Politics - Core module(15 credits)

• International Relations Theories - Core module (15 credits)

• Politics and Power in World History - Core module (15 credits)

• Emerging Powers in a Changing World - Core module (15 credits)

• Puzzles in Comparative Politics (15 credits)

• Introduction to Political Theory (15 credits)
   

  Year 2
   

  Develop skills in scholarly writing, intellectual enquiry and problem solving. Deepen your understanding with advanced theory plus elective modules from a wide selection.

• Practical Politics - Core module (15 credits)

• Advanced Theories of Global Politics - Core module(15 credits)

• Security Studies: Conceptual Approaches (15 credits)

• Security Studies: Contemporary and Emerging Issues (15 credits)

• Foreign Policy Analysis : Theories and Issues (15 credits)

• Foreign Policy Analysis: Instruments and Practice (15 credits)

• Religion and Politics in the Age of Global Change (15 credits)

• Transnational Social Movements (15 credits)

• Comparative Political Economy (15 credits)

• Advanced Topics in Comparative Politics (15 credits)

• Politics of the USA (15 credits)

• Comparative Asian Politics (15 credits)

• Analysing Political and Economic Data in the Real World (15 credits)

• Advanced Principles of Economics: Financial Markets and Corporate Systems (15 credits)

• Political Risk Analysis (15 credits)

• Violent Politics: Riots, Civil wars & State repression (15 credits)

• Political Psychology: Reason & Emotion in Politics (15 credits)

• Theories of International Political Economy (15 credits)

• Fifty Shades of Red – Russia in the Twentieth Century (15 credits)

• The American Century: The United States in the Twentieth Century (15 credits)

• Cultures of Benevolence: Philanthropy and Civil Society from 1601 to the Present (15 credits)

• The Making of Modern Japan (15 credits)

• India in the Eighteenth Century (15 credits)

• New Media Challenges (15 credits)

• Understanding Social Change (15 credits)

• Contemporary Social Theory (15 credits)

• Sociology of Race and Racism (15 credits)

• Humanitarian Reporting (15 credits)

• Slavery, Colonialism and Revolution in the Caribbean (15 credits)

• Micro-Placement (15 credits)

• Language modules (15 credits)
   

  Year 3
   

  Complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice, showcasing your knowledge and expertise. Choose five elective modules to tailor your final year to your personal and professional interests.

• Final Year Dissertation Project (45 credits)

• The Global Politics of Forced Migration (15 credits)

• Advanced Topics in International Political Economy (15 credits)

• Global Governance (15 credits)

• American Foreign Policy (15 credits)

• The Global Political Economy of Development (15 credits)

• Political Change in Europe (15 credits)

• Governance of the Global Economy (15 credits)

• Global Money and Finance (15 credits)

• Global Ethics: Power and Principle in World Politics (15 credits)

• The Theory and Practice of Conflict and Peace (15 credits)

• Technology, Money, Power (15 credits)

• Political Economy of Global Inequality (15 credits)

• Ethnicity and nationalism: Global comparisons (15 credits)

• Geopolitical Macroeconomy (15 credits)

• Advanced Political and Economic Data Analysis (15 credits)

• The Multinational Corporation: Governance, Politics and Ethics (15 credits)

• Sexuality and Gender in World Politics (15 credits)

• Radicals and Reformers: Left-Wing Politics and Activism in Britain and the World since 1945 (15 credits)

• Revolution: Rebels and Riots in Modern History (15 credits)

• Comparative Empires in the Modern Era (15 credits)

• Genocide and the Holocaust in History and Memory (15 credits)

• Disruptive Divas. Riot Grrrls and Bad Sistas: A History of Women in Popular Music (15 credits)

• Poverty: What Counts? (15 credits)

• Global Migration Processes (15 credits)

• Reporting Business (15 credits)

• Latin American Politics and Political Economy

• International News

• Micro-Placement (15 credits)

• Industry Projects (15 credits)

• Year Placement: Integrated Professional Training (15 credits)

• Language modules (15 credits)

• UK
   

  A-level:

  BBB
   

  Tariff:

  120 UCAS tariff points
   

  International Baccalaureate:

  29 points with 5 or better in three Higher Level subjects
   

  BTEC:

  DDM
   

  GCSE:

  A minimum of grade 4 (C) in GCSE English Language and Mathematics in addition to other outlined requirements.
   

  Contextual offers

  We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who have been in care or are the first in their family to enter Higher Education. Those who are eligible may receive a conditional offer with reduced entry requirements, typically two grades lower for A-levels and one grade (or eight tariff points) for BTEC or mixed qualifications.

  Read our contextual admissions policy for eligibility criteria and further information.
   

  Mixed qualifications

  Typically the only scenario where we make conditional offers expressed as UCAS tariff points is when an applicant presents mixed qualifications, most typically a combination of A Levels and a BTEC qualification.

  In this instance, we may make a tariff point offer to present the applicant with more flexibility on equivalencies. In this case, please be aware that we may still ask for a specific score across certain qualifications and subjects. E.g. 'This offer is conditional on you achieving 128 tariff points. This must include A Level Mathematics at grade B.'
   

  Subject exclusions

  We do not accept General Studies and Critical Thinking. These subjects will not be included in any conditional offer we make.
   

  Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

  We welcome applications from students who are completing relevant EPQ Projects. Whilst we recognise the value of these projects in preparing students for independent learning at university, the EPQ is unlikely to form part of any conditional offer we make.

  The EPQ will also not lower the specifics of any conditional offer we choose to make. We will consider the EPQ as part of the holistic assessment of the application and it could be used to form part of our final decision at Confirmation stage.
   

  AS levels

  We recognise that there will be differences of opportunity varying by school and college. As not all students will have the opportunity to sit AS Level exams, it is unlikely we will include AS Level grades in any offer we choose to make. Where students have completed an AS Level subject, we will consider this as part of the holistic assessment of the application and it could be used to form part of our final decision at Confirmation stage.
   

  University preparation programmes

  If you do not qualify for direct entry, you may wish to take a foundation programme first. These programmes are designed to prepare students for entry to City's undergraduate courses.
   

  Access to Higher Education

  We welcome Access course applications from 'mature' students. These applicants will be considered on the basis of their own merits. Please be aware that Access students are often asked for further information to supplement their application, this is normally in the form of a questionnaire.

  A typical offer for an Access applicant would be: Pass 60 credits, 45 Level 3 including at least 27 at distinction and the remaining 18 at merit. The Access qualification should be supplemented by at least a grade 4 (C) in Mathematics and English Language at GCSE.

English language requirements
 

If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are:

IELTS:

6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

PTE Academic: 59 overall with a minimum of 59 in each component.

Fees for year 2022/23
 

UK

£9,250

Overseas/EU

£16,560

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2022/ 23 academic year only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase, which is normally 2%.

Career
 

This degree will prepare you for a diverse range of postgraduate study options and career possibilities, including:

• the Civil Service

• NGOs

• journalism

• teaching and education

• international organisations

• the corporate sector.
   

You will develop analytical and critical thinking skills alongside an expert insight into the global political landscape. This expertise is transferable and highly sought-after in a range of careers.
 

Recent employers include:

• Blackwood Group

• The London Borough of Islington

• The Conservative Party

• The Department for Business, Innovation Skills

• ESA Market Research

• New Statesman.