Politics and International Relations Pathway from The College

Pathway Overview

Politics is not just about studying government institutions and international relationships; it is a discipline that has explored different visions for a more just society for thousands of years, and continues to address some of today's most pressing challenges.

Politics and International Relations students at Swansea University investigate issues such as genocide, financial crises, the role of the United States and the United Nations, and the future of political devolution. The course also asks where threats to our society come from, and whether we can prevent them.

Successful Completion of this Pathway

Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of one of the following from Swansea University:

• International Relations BA
• International Relations and American Studies, BA (Hons)
• International Relations and History BA
• Politics BA
• Politics and Social Policy BA

Entry Dates and Fees

• Foundation - Two Semesters: September, November, January - Ł17,600
• First Year - Two Semesters: September - Ł18,500
• Second and Final Year (University): September - Ł18,400 to Ł19,200

How to Apply

To apply, students can submit their application via the Study Link portal. Before applying, students should ensure they have electronic copies of their academic transcripts and know which course they want to study and which date they want to start.

Entry Requirements

There are both English Language and Academic Entry Requirements for Foundation and First Year study. Students can be admitted directly to First Year if their academic qualifications do not require a Foundation stage of study. For details of the requirements for students of specific countries, please refer to the Academic Entry Requirements page.

In addition to the above, all students will be required to demonstrate a suitable level of English language ability. Information on these requirements, and on the qualifications that are accepted, can be viewed on the English language requirements page.

Key Features

• Smaller class sizes allowing for a more personalised experience
• An affordable city, among the top 10 most affordable university towns in the UK in 2019, allowing for low cost of living
• A truly diverse community providing opportunities to meet people from all four corners of the map
• An outstanding support network ready to help with any issue, be it academic, financial, or personal
• Flexible starting times and course durations allowing for a tailored experience to suit individual desires and needs
• Full access to Swansea University; students of The College are Swansea University students from day one
• A stunning location only mere minutes away from the beach and a short drive from stunning areas of wilderness
• Swansea repeatedly ranks among the most affordable University towns, making it an ideal base for students

Foundation Year Modules

The following modules are studied in the Foundation Year:

• Living in the Social World: Introduces students to a range of key topics, contemporary issues, and approaches within the study of humanities, social, and life sciences
• Understanding Society: Introduces students to the core principles of sociology, focusing on the application of the sociological imagination to analyse and understand society
• Critical Thinking: Introduces students to critical thinking concepts, which can then be applied to the specific programme pathway students are following
• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication: Helps students develop their academic literacy and communication skills in preparation for undergraduate study
• Research Project: Provides students with an understanding of fundamental concepts and methods in research design
• Welfare Across the Globe: Provides an in-depth exploration of welfare systems, welfare problems, and the global factors that shape them
• English Skills Portfolio: Enables students to develop their English language level within an academic context and equips them with the linguistic and academic skills necessary to perform confidently within their chosen discipline

First Year Modules

As this course is an Integrated First Year, students are required to study 120 credits of Swansea University Modules. These modules can be found on The College of Arts and Humanities' section of the website.

In addition, students must study the following College modules:

• Research and Study Skills (ILSC) 1: Helps students develop their academic English, communication, research, and critical reasoning skills to be successful undergraduate students
• Academic Support Tutorial: Provides academic support and guidance to students on a year 1 Integrated programme with The College, Swansea University
• Composition and Style: Assists students in improving their academic performance in terms of writing and presenting

Location

All Foundation Year programmes will be taught on the Bay Campus. First and further years are taught on the Singleton Park Campus of Swansea University.

Additional Costs

Recommended textbooks for this course are available in the University libraries, but students may choose to purchase personal copies. All software needed for the course is available on the University network for use within University computer rooms. Free wireless internet access is available across the whole of the University campus, including halls of residence. Personal costs such as purchase of stationery, photocopying costs, parking fees, or travel between the campuses are not included in tuition fees.

There are additional costs for study abroad.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1920 as University College of Swansea
• Received its Royal Charter in 1948, becoming Swansea University
• Consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK
• Home to over 20,000 students from over 140 countries
• Notable achievements include:
  • 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in developing and delivering innovative teaching methods
  • 2018 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
  • 2017 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results showed that 90% of Swansea University's research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, and basketball
• Student support services include:
  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Disability support
  • Financial advice
  • International student support
• Campus facilities include:
  • Bay Campus: Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, sports center, and student union
  • Singleton Campus: Historic campus with a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including the iconic Singleton Abbey
  • Tycoch Campus: Home to the College of Engineering and the School of Management

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Academics:

• Academic resources include:
  • Over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  • World-class research facilities
  • Extensive library resources
• Faculty:
  • Over 1,000 academic staff, including internationally renowned researchers and industry experts
• Teaching methodologies:
  • Focus on student-centered learning
  • Use of innovative teaching methods, such as problem-based learning and flipped classrooms
• Academic support services:
  • Academic skills workshops
  • Writing center
  • Math and statistics support
• Unique academic programs or initiatives:
  • Swansea Employability Academy: Provides students with opportunities to develop employability skills
  • Swansea University Global: Offers international study and research opportunities

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Top 30 UK university
• Excellent teaching and research
• World-class facilities
• Strong industry connections
• Vibrant student life
• Notable alumni include:
  • Michael Sheen, actor
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress
  • Sir Terry Matthews, entrepreneur

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Housing services
• Library resources:
  • Over 1 million books and journals
  • Access to online databases and e-resources
• Technology support:
  • Free Wi-Fi across campus
  • Computer labs and printing facilities
• Career development services:
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Employer networking events