Global Politics and International Relations with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Our BA Global Politics and International Relations provides you with a strong foundation in international politics and an in-depth understanding of pressing global challenges of our time. You will explore contending approaches to international relations as well as evolving regional and global political dynamics. You will also develop essential verbal and analytical skills to help significantly expand your career options.

Why choose this course?

• Our academics in this field are outstanding researchers publishing in major academic journals and contributing to public debate in the wider arena, including engaging with politicians and others who play a key role in today’s international political landscape.
• The diversity of our staff and student body provides you with a unique learning environment to gain insight into political and economic dynamics around the globe.
• We have built a strong reputation for more than 50 years for the excellence of our teaching and the international significance of our research in politics and international studies.
• You can choose to take classes in the daytime or the evening, so you can fit your studies around other commitments like work or family.

What you will learn

This course focuses your attention on political changes that are sweeping the globe, transforming politics across countries and regions as well as relations between states in the international system.

You will receive a grounding in the key concepts and theories that inform the study of global politics and international relations. You will also study the core institutions and processes of the international political and economic system, as well as the challenges that are posed by today’s core global problems including:

• the climate crisis
• the rise of new powers and intensified inter-state tensions
• transformations in the nature of warfare
• new policy directions in response to shifts in the world economy.

The course features a range of modules designed to enhance your academic comprehension, develop your ability to evaluate and present data and evidence, and foster your independent research skills.

How you will learn

Teaching on this course is delivered via lectures, seminars and workshops in small groups at our central London campus. We encourage and value critical thinking, skills development and guided independent learning.

You can study this course full- or part-time. You can also choose your own timetable for the core/compulsory modules selecting whether to study them either in the daytime or evening. Find out more about choosing your own timetable. Please note that Foundation Year classes are available in the evening only until you progress on to the main degree.

Foundation Year

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.