BA International Relations and Politics with Foundation Year
About this course
International relations and politics is a degree that addresses the forces and structures that shape the world we live in, examining how power operates both within states and between them. International relations focuses on the global level, examining diplomacy, conflict and cooperation, international law and institutions, trade, human rights, and the dynamics of a world in which no single state can act in isolation. Politics examines how power is organised and exercised in domestic and comparative contexts, how political institutions work, and what drives political change. Together, the two disciplines give you a comprehensive understanding of how the world is governed and how it might be improved. At the University of Derby, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year that builds the academic skills and subject knowledge needed before you enter the main degree, and the programme also includes a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities. This combination of academic preparation and real-world professional experience gives you a strong foundation for careers in sectors that value both analytical ability and practical political awareness. Graduates in international relations and politics go on to work in government, the diplomatic and foreign services, international organisations, NGOs, development agencies, policy research institutions, journalism, international business, and the charitable sector. The analytical and research skills the degree builds are valued wherever complex global or political problems need to be understood and addressed. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in international relations, politics, public policy, law, or security studies, deepening their expertise for academic or specialist professional careers.
Syllabus & Modules
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