Course overview

Why did the US invade Iraq? What is terrorism and where did it come from? Why is it that some people in the world do not have enough to eat? Why are some countries politically stable and others not so? What do the ideas of democracy, freedom and equality mean to different people and where do these ideas come from? How have they informed the development of political ideologies and movements?

If you're interested in these questions, then the BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics is the course for you. It is not essential for applicants to have a prior qualification in Politics or International Relations. The most essential requirement is a keen interest in relevant/contemporary domestic and international issues.

This degree adopts a contemporary and global approach, providing you with the opportunity to examine international affairs and the inter-relationship of national and world politics.

Central to our degree are the following key issues:

• the origins of war
• the changing character of international order
• international economic relations
• conflict resolution
• governance and governability
• the role of international institutions
• globalisation
• political ideas, concepts and ideologies, and their historical roots and development
• exploring different political systems and their interrelationships

You can choose to 'major' in either half of your degree by choosing your options and dissertation from either politics or international relations.

We welcome applicants with many different sorts of qualifications who can demonstrate evidence of competence to succeed on our programmes. We particularly welcome applications from mature students over the age of 21 and/or applicants who have an Access qualification or equivalent.

Why study at Portsmouth?

In the most recent external review of our teaching, this degree scored 23 out of 24 putting us in the 'premier league' of politics and international relations degrees in the country.

Both subject areas contributed strongly to the Centre for European and International Studies Research which received the top grade of five in the most recent review of University research.

Our course is also noteworthy for its contemporary, global and broad curriculum and for a tradition of providing a high standard of guidance whilst encouraging you to develop as an independent learner through the later stages of your degree.

Placements

This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work / research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies.  The option gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, to reflect on the ways in which you've done so, and to learn to express this to potential employers.

How do I apply?

All undergraduate applicants should apply through UCAS by 15 January each year. Late applicants should contact the Admissions Centre first for advice.

For further information and advice, please contact our Admissions Centre (details below). As the support base for all our students, the Admissions Centre is happy to help you with your enquiry, through to completion of application forms and offer.

We look to recruit a diverse range of students from different backgrounds and demonstrating evidence of competence to complete the programme.

Course content

Year one

All year one units are compulsory.

• Introduction to Political Thought
• Introduction to International Relations: States, Conflict and Cooperation
• Understanding Governance and Politics
• Introduction to Political Economy
• Current Political Issues
• Introduction to Global Issues

Year two

Alongside year two's core study, you are able to select options that shape your degree to the issues or countries that most interest you.

• Comparative Politics
• International Politics
• Options chosen from a range including:
  • American Civil War
  • Colonialism & End of Empire: France & Algeria
  • Colonialism & End of Empire: France & West Africa
  • Comparing Extremism in European Liberal Democracies
  • Conflict and Disaster
  • Culture and Ideas in Twentieth Century Europe
  • Democratisation of Latin America
  • Foundations of the European Union
  • France 1945 - 1995: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity?
  • France from Colonial Exhibition to Liberation
  • From Revolution to Dictatorship - Russia and the Soviet Union 1917-1941
  • German Unity and its Consequences
  • Global Environmental Issues and Concerns
  • Governing the European Union
  • International Community Development
  • International Politics of the Middle East
  • International Relations Theory
  • Key Issues in Development
  • Nation, Language and Identity
  • Policy and Politics - Analysing Public Policy
  • Politics in Post-War Germany 1945 - 1990
  • Race, Slavery and Emancipation in the Americas
  • Russian and Eurasian Politics
  • US Foreign Policy: Ideals and Self Interest
  • US Government and Politics
  • Languages (University Wide Option)
  • Learning from Experience (Faculty Wide Option)

Please note that whilst a wide range of options will be offered in every year, there will inevitably be some variation in the availability of individual units at any given time.

Year three

In year three, you will write your dissertation, or undertake a work-based project, alongside further core study.

• Dissertation / Project
• Global Political Economy
• Modern Political Ideologies
• Democracy and Democratisation
• Strategic and Security Studies

Teaching and assessment

You will meet your personal tutor in your first week and will maintain a personal tutor at every level of study. In your first and second year you will have regular timetabled tutorial groups with your personal tutor in units such as Study Skills, Analysing Political Data and Careers and Research Management, which encourage your personal and academic development including the development of a range of transferable skills in communication, time management and IT.

In addition to timetabled tutorial groups, all staff offer weekly office hours - where they are available for personal tutorials to support you with any and all aspects of your academic study.

Our teaching approach involves a range of small and large group learning environments with lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. You will be encouraged to participate fully in group discussions in order to develop your communication skills.

We use a range of assessment methods including article reviews, essays, projects, documentary commentaries, briefing papers, individual and group presentations and a 10,000-word dissertation. Examinations include open, pre-seen papers and closed traditional examinations. This diversity of assessment allows you to develop your writing and communication skills in a range of styles and contexts.

Full support is also given to help you develop the techniques necessary for the assessed work. This includes the dissertation where you will conduct your own detailed research with the support of a supervisor.

In order to prepare you for this project, you will do a Research Management unit in your second year, which will introduce you to a range of research techniques and their limitations, and you will be assessed on an oral and written proposal for your dissertation topic.

Career prospects

You will be given the opportunity to practise and develop various skills such as team working, time and project management, presentational skills and skills of analysis and argument. These skills open up a range of careers for graduates studying this degree.

As a result, many of our graduates go into areas related to the degree such as teaching or lecturing, research, voluntary organisations and NGOs, as well as local, national and international government and politics. Others enter areas such as advertising and marketing, PR, the media, banking and financial services, and personnel management.

Some students choose to study further and we offer a range of postgraduate programmes with good career prospects and in some cases opportunities to study in other European universities. These include our MA European Law and Policy MA European Studies and MA Public Administration.

Facilities and features

Over the last four years, the University has invested substantially in its teaching facilities. Our teaching rooms at Milldam are equipped with multimedia and audiovisual facilities. In addition, we provide quiet rooms and a dedicated IT teaching room and facilities.

The School has a large archive of documentary films in its multimedia resources area and the University library has undergone significant investment and expansion to further enhance the range of resources available to you.

Study abroad

You can spend your second year studying at Moorhead State University in the USA.

Entry requirements

View all the entry requirements for BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics for the academic year 2013/14 (opens in new window).