Program Overview

BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics with Foundation Year

Why study this course with LJMU?

• Develop your own political voices and choose how to actively engage with world affairs
• Hear from experts and practitioners in the field of International Relations
• The option to study abroad for either a semester or a year with one of our overseas partners
• The option to do a year-long work placement in an international-related organisation
• Participate in field trips to visit and understand the complex workings of institutions and think tanks
• Join a highly motivated and research active academic community

About your course

This innovative degree will provide a grounding in international relations theory while examining in-depth issues of enduring international significance. In examining the challenges the world faces today, we will encourage you to develop your own opinions and actively engage in politics

The degree takes an expanded definition of what is International Relations and covers a range of subjects from economics, politics, law and culture to examining the actions of international organisations, nation-states and non-state actors. It provides you with an essential grounding in international relations theory and a range of specialist modules, which examine in-depth issues of enduring international significance, such as conflict, state-building, and the role of multilateral organisations.

To develop your knowledge and interest in the varying topics and roles that people do, we will hold and attend regular events and workshops with practitioners and experts.

Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the interest and ability to study for a degree, but do not have the qualifications to enter directly onto the International Relations and Politics honours degree programme yet. Once you pass the Foundation Year (level 3) you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

Course modules

Foundation Year

• Preparing for Academic Success (30 credits)
• Investigating Liverpool (30 credits)
• War: Conflict in the Humanities and Social Sciences (30 credits)
• Peace: the Pursuit of Harmony in Humanities and Social Science (30 credits)

Year 1

• Introduction to International Relations and Politics (20 credits)
• Comparative Politics (20 credits)
• Being Politically Engaged (20 credits)
• Modern Global History: Empire, Statehood, and Sovereignty (20 credits)
• Communicating Politics and Protest (20 credits)
• Understanding the theories behind politics (20 credits)

Year 2

• Debating International Relations Theories (20 credits)
• Politics in Practice (20 credits)
• International Politics at the Regional Level (20 credits)
• Colonial Africa (20 credits)
• Study Semester Abroad International Relations and Politics (60 credits)
• Study Year Abroad International Relations and Politics (120 credits)
• Sandwich Year - International Relations and Politics (120 credits)
• Politics and Popular Culture (20 credits)
• International Organisations (20 credits)
• British Politics: Continuity, Change and Crisis (20 credits)
• The Scandinavian Dream: Nordic Politics, Culture, and Society (20 credits)
• From the Confucian World to Chip War: Politics and Development in East Asia (20 credits)
• Teaching International Relations and Politics (20 credits)
• Terrorism, Race and Empire (20 credits)
• Tanzimat to Tahrir 2.0: the modern and contemporary history of the Middle East (20 credits)
• Writing Race in Britain (20 credits)
• Global Crime and Harm (20 credits)

Year 3

• Research Project in International Relations and Politics route 1 (40 credits)
• Research Project in International Relations and Politics route 2 (40 credits)
• Challenging Western-centrism in International Relations (20 credits)
• US Democracy Promotion in the Contemporary Era (20 credits)
• Sport, Crime and Politics: Critical Sociological Analyses (20 credits)
• The Politics of War and Organised Violence (20 credits)
• Body Politics: Gender, Sexuality and Society (20 credits)
• Securing Spaces: Security and Places in the Modern World (20 credits)
• Comparative Nationalism, Secession and the Politics of Territory (20 credits)
• The International Politics of Development at the Regional Level (20 credits)
• Fear and Loathing: the politics and aesthetics of aversive emotion (20 credits)
• Britain, Brexit, Europe and the Media (20 credits)
• The Hatred that Never Dies: the Long History of Contemporary Global Antisemitism (20 credits)
• Power, Politics, and Human Rights (20 credits)
• Security, Terrorism, and War (20 credits)
• International Law, Peace and Security (20 credits)

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching Support Assessment
• Excellent facilities and learning resources
• Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
• Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

Career paths

• This programme aims to enhance your career prospects in a range of international relations related fields such as in the government and non-government sectors.
• It is why you will meet practitioners, go on field trips, and have the opportunity to gain work experience in the field.
• If you are interested in studying international relations further then this BA will provide a solid basis for applying to do an MA in the subject.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £5,760 (Foundation first year), £9,535 (Second and subsequent years)
• International: £17,750 (Full-time per year)
• Scholarships and payment plans available for international students.

Entry requirements

• GCSEs and equivalents: Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification.
• A levels: Minimum number of A Levels required: 2, Average A Level offer: DDD.
• BTECs: National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications, National Extended Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
• Access awards: Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
• International Baccalaureate: International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
• Irish awards: Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
• Welsh awards: Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.
• T levels: T Level requirements: 72 UCAS Tariff points.
• Alternative qualifications considered: Mature applicants will be considered on an individual basis. These applicants may be required to submit an essay and/or attend an interview, and should demonstrate potential and motivation and/or have relevant experience.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.