Politics or International Relations?

I have an unconditional offer to study Politics at Leicester starting in September. However, I'm thinking about asking if I can switch to International Relations.

There isn't much difference between the information given on each course on the university website. I was just wondering if anyone knew what the main differences are?

And also, do you think there's a good chance they'll let me switch if I decide I want to?

Any info would be appreciated! :smile:

Reply 1

Natasharox

I'm studying Politics at Leicester. You'll be pleased to know that in the first year, politics and IR students study exactly the same modules, and very similar modules in the following years. After the first year, you are allowed to switch if you want, after having had a taste of both areas.

Politics deals more with things like political philosophy and theory, and political systems, e.g. the workings of Parliament, etc. I particularly like the course for its emphasis on ideologies. IR is much more history based, with some theory (particularly in the second year). It really depends on what you're interested in, but I'd recommend waiting until after the first year, as it won't change your course at all if you change now.