International Relations and Politics BA Hons

at Northumbria University

This course is designed to promote research-rich learning and to be responsive to your needs. You will study core modules aimed at developing your understanding of theory and practice, enabling you to engage with contemporary debates.

 

You will learn how political research is carried out and explore different methodologies within the discipline, including collecting and analysing data. This base of research skills will provide the foundation blocks for your dissertation, as well as your future career. You will leave us, not only an incisive and critical thinker, but a critical citizen.

 

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

 

Year one

 

• IR4001 -Britain, Europe and the World (Core,20 Credits)
• IR4002 -Democrats and Dictators (Core,20 Credits)
• IR4003 -International Conflict and Cooperation (Core,20 Credits)
• IR4004 -Researching International Relations and Politics (Core,20 Credits)
• IR4005 -Thinking Globally (Core,20 Credits)
• IR4006 -Thinking Politically (Core,20 Credits)
• YC5001 -Academic Language Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Year two

 

• AD5019 -Social Sciences Study Abroad (60 credit) (Optional,60 Credits)
• IR5001 -Applied Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)
• IR5003 -Theories and Practice of Democracy (Core,20 Credits)
• IR5005 -Global Governance (Core,20 Credits)
• IR5006 -Politics Work Experience (Optional,20 Credits)
• IR5008 -Theories of International Relations (Core,20 Credits)
• IR5009 -UK Politics Beyond Westminster (Core,20 Credits)
• IR5010 -Foreign Policy Analysis (Optional,20 Credits)
• IR5011 -From Bastille to Strasbourg- A Journey through Human Rights (Optional,20 Credits)
• IR5012 -Representing Political Violence (Optional,20 Credits)
• YC5001 -Academic Language Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Year three

 

• AD5017 -Social Sciences Work Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
• AD5018 -Social Sciences Study Abroad Year (Optional,120 Credits)
• AT5004 -Year in International Business (This is made up of modules studied in Newcastle (Semester 1) & Amsterdam (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)
• AT5007 -Year in International Multidisciplinary Innovation (4 modules studied in Amsterdam (Semester 1) & Newcastle (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)

Year four

 

• IR6001 -Active Citizens (Core,20 Credits)
• IR6002 -Critical Security (Core,20 Credits)
• IR6003 -Dissertation (Core,40 Credits)
• IR6004 -Genocide (Optional,20 Credits)
• IR6005 -Media Power and Propaganda (Optional,20 Credits)
• IR6007 -Politics of Oil and Global Warming (Optional,20 Credits)
• IR6008 -Terrorism (Optional,20 Credits)
• IR6010 -War Games- Negotiating Security through Simulations (Optional,20 Credits)
• IR6011 -Decolonial Politics (Optional,20 Credits)
• YC5001 -Academic Language Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Entry Requirements 2022/23

Standard Entry

120 UCAS Tariff points

 

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

 

Subject Requirements:

 

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

 

GCSE Requirements:

 

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

 

Additional Requirements:

 

There are no additional requirements for this course.

 

International Qualifications:

 

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

 

English Language Requirements:

 

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

Fees and Funding 2022/23 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.

EU Fee in Year 1: £16,500

 

International Fee in Year 1: £16,500

This course aims to produce global citizens who are incisive and creative thinkers and not afraid to ask the big and often challenging questions. Our aim is to develop students who believe they can change society for the better.

 

Many of our graduates go on to work in politics, for example as analysts or advisers for MPs and political parties, for local government or the Civil Service. This degree prepares you well for a career in the legal profession and journalism, while the analytical and independent research skills you gain will also serve you well in management roles elsewhere, such as retail.

 

Graduates on related degrees have gone on to enjoy careers in Westminster and Brussels, in local government, in the charitable sector, in retail, banking and finance and in self-employment. Many graduate jobs require you to gather, synthesise and represent complex ideas and relationships in writing, in oral presentations and increasingly also visually. Our teaching and learning activities will provide you with plenty of opportunity to give presentations and practise your ability to inform, ‘teach’ and indeed persuade your audience. Using a range of active learning activities, such as simulations and debates, as well as innovative types of assessment, you will be able to apply your learning and prepare for future employment.

 

This course will foster your intellectual curiosity and help you to become a critical, independent thinker. You will be introduced to a range of learning activities that have employability and enterprise at the core. You will have the opportunity to do work experience and engage in extra-curricular activities such as debating or volunteering to further develop your skills and, more importantly, your interests.