International Relations, Politics and Security Studies

Overview

This innovative programme will give you a rigorous understanding of international relations and politics, and of conflict and security issues - globally and regionally across the world.

While placing international developments within historical context, it focusses particularly on recent and contemporary processes, trends and problems: examining efforts to respond to international and regional challenges in the spheres of policy and practice.

The programme combines in-depth academic training in key concepts, theories and case-studies, alongside a structured process of engagement with contemporary debates and experience by policy-makers, diplomats and practitioners. You will have opportunities to learn beyond the classroom through political simulation exercises, field trips and specialist workshops creating new bridges between academic and practical dimensions of the field.

This programme is delivered by the Division of Peace Studies and International Development, an internationally recognised centre for excellence in teaching, research, and policy engagement on International Relations, Peace, Conflict and Security issues.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer: 112 UCAS tariff points, to include GCSE English at grade C/grade 4 or above.
• A levels: BBC - there are no specific subject requirements.
• T levels: Merit - there are no specific subject requirements.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM — there are no specific subject requirements.
• Applicants on Access Programmes: We accept relevant Access (e.g. Social Science 3) to meet the 112 UCAS tariff points.
• International Baccalaureate Requirements: 112 UCAS tariff points to include Higher Level grade 3 or Standard Level grade 4 in English
• Plus minimum of GCSE English at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).
• English language requirements: The standard University requirement is IELTS 6.0 with no sub-test less than 5.0 (or equivalent).

Foundation Year Entry

• If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our Foundation Year in Management, Law and Social Sciences has a route to International Relations, Politics and Security Studies BA (Hons)
• Foundation Year entry requirements: 64 UCAS points or equivalent plus an English Language qualification equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.
• Study and progression requirements: Pass each module and achieve a programme average of at least 40%.
• You will study the relevant core modules plus five optional modules.

Transferring from Another University

• If you are currently studying at another university and would like to transfer to the University of Bradford, this course accepts students into the second or third year. This is called advanced entry.
• Applications for advanced entry will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must include an official transcript (not a screenshot of a portal), all module descriptors, and relevant qualifications. Module descriptors must include learning outcomes.
• Applications must be submitted through UCAS and the required documents emailed along with your UCAS Personal ID no later than 31 August prior to the course starting in September.

Curriculum

First Year

• Core:
  • Understanding the International System
  • Politics and the State
  • Challenges and Approaches to Development
  • Issues in World Politics
  • Peace and Violence: theories, cases and challenges

Second Year

• Core:
  • The Politics and Processes of Foreign Policy
  • Security: Concepts, Constructions and Analyses
  • Analysing Contemporary Conflict
  • Contemporary International Relations
• Optional:
  • Peacebuilding, Conflict and Security
  • Power Shifts: Regional and Global Challenges
  • Globalisation and Global Governance
  • Introduction to Conflict Transformation Skill

Final Year

• Core:
  • Dissertation
  • Advanced Study of International Relations
  • Politics of International Crisis Response
• Optional:
  • Authoritarianism, Nationalism and Populism
  • Politics and Security in Africa
  • Revolutions and Regime Change
  • Africa Study Visit
  • Politics and Security in the Middle East
  • Technology, Violence and War
  • Creative Practice in Conflict Engagement and Peacebuilding

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

• You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, directed study, discussion and group work. The programme also includes study trips, and an away-day crisis simulation exercise.
• You can tailor your studies to emerging areas of interest in the second and third years through optional modules and the final dissertation project, and will be supported to select your own projects, case-studies and topics throughout your studies.
• Outside of modules you will undertake a reflective learning journal with the support of your Personal Academic Tutor, through which you will identify, and take, opportunities to develop all the skills outlined in the learning outcomes.
• Assessment takes place through a well-developed range of formative and summative tasks designed to help students develop and demonstrate their understandings and skills.

Fees and Finance

• Tuition fee:
  • UK: £9,535
  • International: £20,538
• Additional course costs:
  • Africa study visit (optional 20-credit module) - approximate cost: £1,500
  • Northern Ireland study visit (non-credit bearing) - approximate cost: £700

Career Prospects

• On graduation you’ll have the professional competencies you need to launch a career in:
  • national and local government
  • global governance institutions
  • research institutes
  • international, national and local development agencies
  • environmental advocacy and policy work
  • private sector strategy and governance for sustainability
  • NGOs

Support for Your Studies

• At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions.
• We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment.
• In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.

University of Bradford

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Overview:

The University of Bradford is a public research university located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. It is known for its strong focus on research and its commitment to social mobility. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university provides a vibrant student life experience with a range of clubs, societies, and events. Students can expect a welcoming and supportive campus environment.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong research focus:

The university is recognized for its high-quality research, with 77% of its research impact rated internationally excellent or world-leading.

Social mobility:

The University of Bradford is ranked first in England for its impact on social mobility.

Value for money:

The university's Distance Learning MBA is ranked the best value for money by the Financial Times.

Excellent academic programs:

The university excels in various fields, including Physiotherapy, Forensic Science, and Children's Nursing.

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Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Business:

The University of Bradford's Business School is recognized for its support of firms and students.

Nursing:

The university provides financial help for nursing students.

Computer Science:

The university has invested £600k in new computer science labs.

Other:

The university also offers programs in various other fields, including engineering, law, and the arts.

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Other:

The university is a member of Yorkshire Universities and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. It has also received the Athena Swan Bronze Award and the Queen's Anniversary Prizes.