International Relations
UCAS code L240
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
Studying International Relations brings a focus on power, authority, citizenship, conflict and cooperation in the world around us, it is an opportunity to engage with politics on an international scale and to think deeply about the changing world.
Introduction
Current international trends are interpreted in a historical perspective yet with a view to future directions and likely developments. Politics affects all our lives and with a deeper understanding you can join in conversations that address key issues.
You will have the opportunity to learn from internationally recognised scholars and to hear about their cutting edge research examining a wide range of aspects of international relations. You will explore political ideas, systems and processes, learn to question and to challenge, how to collect data, develop knowledge, construct arguments and communicate your findings in different ways.
What you'll learn
- Key features of international relations and politics
- Ability to investigate and analyse questions of international concern
- Critical evaluation of political events, ideas and institutions using a variety of methodologies and approaches
- Principles of academic writing and speaking
- Opportunity to undertake a work placement
- Application of the academic study of politics to questions of public concern and the ability to communicate with both specialist and non-specialist audiences
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
In year one you will take Foundations in politics and Foundations in international politics, Comparative Politics and a study skills module Studying Politics Successfully: Skills and Methods that will aid you in developing all the tools you need to study International Relations effectively throughout your degree programme. You will also have the option to take either British Politics or Political Theory modules and a final 30 credits to study courses elsewhere in the University such as languages which can be an excellent companion to an International Relations degree.
Students take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in each semester.
Students must take either POLI101 and POLI102 or POLI105.
POLI105 is a ‘year-long’ module and represents 15 credits in each semester.
Additional optional modules from Open Languages may be taken up to a maximum of 30 credits.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In year two you will select from a pool of modules including International organisations, International political economy, Security in a globalised world, Foreign analysis and world politics, and Politics of international Human Rights as well as having the choice of a wide variety of modules that deal with the international political sphere. These include, but are not limited to American politics and society, Regimes and their consequences, and Gender and Feminist politics: core concepts and theories.
Students take 60 credits of optional modules in each semester.
Students must take 45 credits of specifically International Relations modules across the year.
POLI200 is subject to an appropriate placement being sourced. Students cannot register directly for this module.
Registration onto HLAC220 is only for students planning to undertake a work placement year.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
In year three modules are available on Identity in contemporary international politics; World politics and the world economy, Comparative peace processes and Africa-China relations in a changing global order. You can also choose from a range of modules that don’t have an explicit international dimension.
Students take 60 credits of optional modules in each semester.
POLI342, POLI343 and POLI354 are subject to a suitable placement being sourced. Students cannot register directly onto these modules.
There is an application process for POLI342 and POLI343. Students accepted onto POLI342 module take POLI401 (Dissertation). Students cannot take both POLI342 and POLI343.
POLI339 is a ‘year-long’ module and represents 15 credits in each semester. There is an application process for this module. Students cannot register directly onto this module
POLI401 is a ‘year-long’ module and represents 15 credits in each semester.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Combined degree
Choosing this subject as a combined degree
You will explore international political ideas, systems and processes and learn how to collect data, develop knowledge and construct arguments.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Research-connected teaching is initiated in the first year with introductions to quantitative, qualitative, theoretical, and critical methodologies, which are then embedded in second- and third-year modules so that students can evaluate and apply the methodologies to construct their own analyses. Though our lectures are interactive, our seminars, workshops, computer lab sessions, dissertations, and placements form the core of our active learning approach.
How you're assessed
We use a rich variety of assessment methods to develop students’ various skills. Essays, exams, and presentations enable to students to practice core academic writing and speaking skills, while innovative assessments such as blog posts, reflective logs, group projects, podcasts, radio broadcasts and speeches expand our authentic assessment, enabling students to deploy transferable skills in various formats. Digital fluency is also developed in different ways, including sourcing relevant material, using online learning platforms and tools, producing audio and visual materials, word processing and statistical analysis.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDM. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Diploma DM plus B at A level; BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus BB at A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
C in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Combine this subject
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
- Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
- Choose joint or major minor subjects
- Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
- Same number of credits as single honours students
- Same classes as single honours students
- Appeal to a wide range of employers
Study as part of XJTLU 2+2
Students studying International Relations BA at XJTLU can study this course at the University of Liverpool. Read more about International Relations BA (Hons) as part of the 2+2 programme .
The natural next step for ambitious XJTLU students who want to build a brilliant career.
- Spend two years at the University of Liverpool campus
- Improve your prospects of progressing to postgraduate study at a top 100 university
- Receive two degrees: one from XJTLU, one from the University of Liverpool
- Get support with visas, accommodation and your career.
Your experience
The department of Politics is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures and is based in 8-14 Abercromby Square. Students will be taught in a variety of buildings across campus.
Explore where you'll study
Inside Politics. A conversation with Juliana Christianson and Dr Gemma Bird
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why Politics at University of Liverpool?
- We are able to offer an excellent range of modules providing both a national and international focus. Pathways offer students module choices to develop their own specialist interests
- We are a small department that works to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Due to the small size of the seminar groups and the MA programmes in general, lecturers know students individually, and are easily accessible
- The Department of Politics is home to the Europe and the World Research Centre, through which you will you will be able to take advantage of the strong programme of organised activities such as conferences, guest lectures, seminars
- We aim to be a flexible and open department. We adopt a positive and flexible policy towards the postgraduate requirements of overseas and/or part-time students, including effective timetabling on taught programmes and facilitation of language training.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
An International Relations degree from the University of Liverpool offers you the chance to develop a variety of transferrable skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, written and verbal communication, teamwork, confidence and digital fluency.
Our graduates progress to a range of careers including local government, political parties, NGOs, charities and human rights organisations, civil and diplomatic services, market research, media and communications and public relations.
Previous employers include:
- Dell
- Pricewaterhouse Coopers
- The National Trust
- The British Council
- The Independent.