Study at Cardiff | Undergraduate

International Relations is a branch of Political Science that examines the interaction of states, international alliances, NGOs and multinational companies in an increasingly globalised world. Our aim is for students to develop a critical understanding of key aspects of political theory and modern politics, along with a command of associated transferable skills. You will be taught by staff who are all research-active and publish books and journal articles on a regular basis. We have particular expertise in political theory, European politics, public policy and international relations.

As part of the degree programme at Cardiff, you will have the opportunity to study with leading experts , the major problems of global politics, including war and peace, development, justice or interventions. You will study one of the following languages French (advanced), German, Italian and Spanish (Beginners and Advanced) in Years 1 and 2. You will learn how to analyse the behaviour of key international actors and how they address core problems of today’s world. You will also have the opportunity attend a lecture series hosted by the University on International Relations & International Law, featuring high profile speakers from institutions such as NATO and the UN Security Council.

Key Facts

The course is made up of both compulsory and optional modules allowing to study modules outside of your home school allowing you the opportunity to explore new subjects or pursue existing academic interests.

Year 1

Politics compulsory modules

• Introduction to Government
• Introduction to European Integration
• Introduction to Political Thought
• Introduction to International Relations

Optional modules

• Introduction to Political Science

Year 2

Six of the following modules:

• British Politics since 1945
• Theory and Practice in Comparative Politics
• Western European Politics and Society
• Politics and Policies of the EU
• Democracy in Crisis?
• Transatlantic Security Relations
• International Security
• International Law in a Changing World
• Global Justice
• Justice and Politics
• Political Thought from Machiavelli to Rousseau
• Political Thought from Marx to Nietzsche
• Conducting Political Research

Year 3

Six of the following modules:

• Global International Organisations in World Politics
• Justice and the Politics and International Law
• Conflict, Security and Development
• EU Security
• Global Climate Politics
• Influencing Public Policy
• Personality and power
• Public Policy in Britain
• Modern Welsh Politics
• French Politics and Society
• Elections in the UK
• The European Mid in the 20th Century
• May 68
• Dissertation in International Relations and Politics
• Managing a difficult democracy

Lectures provide a broad structure for each subject, introduce key concepts, and convey relevant up-to-date information. These are outlined in course syllabi.

Seminars provide an opportunity to ask questions and discuss key ideas in a small group environment. Their purpose is to assist you to integrate the information and ideas you receive from lectures and readings and to explore issues critically and in depth. Seminars are kept small and usually average between 12-15 students. This is designed to give you ample opportunity to participate and to provide close contact between you and members of the academic staff.

Different seminar formats are used. Set questions and readings form the basis for discussion by directing your attention to relevant aspects of the subject matter and to various types of sources of information. Giving presentations develops your capacity to gather, organise and synthesise relevant information and ideas and to communicate these in a logical and concise manner. Tutor-led and student-led discussion hones logical skills and gives you practice in applying different concepts, theories and methods to the subject-matter at hand. It also exposes you to different interpretations of political ideas and events. Group problem-solving helps to develop collaborative skills.

Essays and examinations are used not only for assessment purposes but also as a means of developing your capacities to gather, organise, evaluate and deploy relevant information and ideas from a variety of sources in reasoned arguments. Prior advice and written feedback (for essays) are used to help you understand what is required.

Dissertation

The optional final-year dissertation provides you with the opportunity to investigate a specific topic of interest to you in depth and thereby develop your capacities to apply different concepts, theories and methods to the analysis of political questions; acquire detailed knowledge about a particular area of politics; use your initiative in the collection and presentation of material; and present a clear, cogent argument and draw appropriate conclusions.

Pastoral Care

You will be allocated a personal tutor for the entire period you are at the University. Personal tutors are members of the academic staff who are available to students seeking advice, guidance and help.

Politics at Cardiff School of European Languages, Translation and Politics received excellent ratings for both teaching outcomes and teaching delivery in the National Audit of University Teaching Quality.

A list of commonly accepted alternative entry qualifications and admissions and selection criteria for this degree programme can be read here.