International Relations-University Degree

So my Sixth form is starting prep for personal statements early(I'm still in year 12 and it's April ) and we are supposed to give the first draft for next week(Monday 3rd May). I want to do International Relations at University and then do a law Conversion Course. I've researched International Relations and the modules in different universities but can someone who is doing International Relations at an undergraduate level tell me about their university learning experience in this degree(the compulsory modules and like what they have learnt)

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 1

Uni of Hull Students

Official Rep

Original post by heretohelp10

Hello @heretohelp10

Great to see you are going to be applying for university soon!! If you would like to speak a student on this course we have Peace and Isaac who study BA Politics and International Relations here at University of Hull. Although some modules will be different as they are doing a joint degree, they can give you their experience with the International Relations modules. Click HERE to go to our Ask A Student page and speak to them :smile:

Best of luck with your applications!

Megan
University of Hull Student Rep

Reply 2

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post by heretohelp10

Hi @heretohelp10,
International Relations modules will differ between universities, but I can tell you a bit about DMU's International Relations BA (Hons) course. You have compulsory modules that are related both to international relations and politics, even if you're not studying anything with politics in its name. It's, of course, because politics is essential in international relations. The optional modules are varied and will focus on history, corruption, nationalism, international security or things related to the topic of power and morality. It's up to the student to decide what they want to focus on based on what they're interested in or want to do in the future.

DMU, for instance, also has a practical module Politics in Action, which gives students the opportunity to participate in a project that aims to enhance the engagement of young people in politics and public policy. At the same time, it gives them the chance to put theory into action. After all, the theory is very important but there are various skills that are beneficial for students to develop while at university. Things such as debating, negotiating or public speaking are very important to gain if you want to work in this area.

I'm curious, however, as you mentioned doing a conversion course - what do you want to do as a career? Do you have a specific role in mind in international relations or politics or do you want to work as a solicitor or barrister?

Stay safe,
Marta

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 3

StudentRep Canterbury

Official Rep

Original post by heretohelp10

Hey there, its great that you are working on your personal statement already! As someone who does IR at Kent, I can tell you all that you need to know : )

During the first year, most of the modules lay a foundation. The aim is to gain an understanding of the world and the different power systems at play. For example, you will look at the world before the World Wars, after the World Wars , the Cold War and the current time we are living in now. This will help you understand how and why power is shared among countries. These modules include Introduction to International Relations, Comparative politics, Political Thought and Political science. You will look at Non-governmental Organisations such as the European Union, the United Nations etc. and get the option to look as specific countries such as British, American and Chinese politics (just to mention a few).

Other modules include Conflict Resolution modules (there are quite a few), which look at different types of wars, terrorism and other threats which organisations and governments are looking to tackle. These modules have quite a few guest speakers such as UN workers or people who work in foreign policy.

Political Thought modules take you through things such as justice, freedom, liberty and how these things came about. It’s a bit like philosophy but with political terms.

Lastly, Political Research and Analysis helps to understand things like voting and would really help if you are looking for a job in political research or even consulting on policies before they become laws.

I really love my degree and the support that my lecturers give me. If you are interested in studying IR at Kent, here is a link:
https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/31/politics-and-international-relations

Good luck with it all!

Sabrina

Reply 4

SOAS

Official Rep

Original post by heretohelp10

Hi there!

Researching unis and writing personal statements is a really exciting time, and there are so many unis that offer International Relations so it can be a little bit daunting! I'm studying at SOAS and I've loved the IR degree here. It's very varied, it offers a lot of modules which aren't offered anywhere else, and it allows you to specialise in the area of the world that you're most interested in. If you choose your modules carefully you can even end up with a degree that is as specialised as some masters courses! The degree overall gives you a great theoretical foundation and holistic understanding of IR, but the quality of the regional experts and the non-Western approach truly sets it apart from what a lot of other unis have to offer. The department always has its finger on the pulse of what's going on in the world (as it should!) so modules are altered each year where appropriate to reflect the world we live in, and whilst we do learn the traditional theories, there is a huge focus on understanding the world through a non-Western, postcolonial lens. On top of that, SOAS' Politics and International Studies department is ranked 5th in the UK and 21st globally so it has a brilliant reputation and very well-connected alumni :smile:

You can see the full course page here for some more detail, but I'll give you a little run-down of the compulsory modules and options for specialisation in later years
Year 1
Compulsory modules:
Intro to IR

•

This module covers the key theoretical approaches used in IR understood through the big themes in world politics such as war and peace, power, identities and ideologies, environmental politics, justice and human rights, empire etc

Intro to Global History

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An introduction to how the modern world was created including the creation of capitalism, the role of colonialism and empire, the world wars understood through a non-European lens, the making of the Middle East etc. I'd highly recommend reading the topics for this module!

Intro to Political Analysis

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This module helps you understand how academics approach the study of IR and politics and gives you a great foundation for the rest of your degree

+ 1 open option (ie. a free choice from a guided list OR a language module)

Year 2
- Intro to Research Methods
- Disciplinary Modules

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You choose your modules from a list of 'general' IR modules (ie. not specialised) such as the politics of nationalism, war and the international, postcolonial theory, religion in IR etc.

- Regional Module(s)

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Here you get to start specialising! You can pick a regional specialism of either the Middle East, Africa, East Asia or East & South Asia

+ Open option(s)

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Either from the IR & Pol department or from any other department in the uni

Year 3
Guided options

•

Final year gives you loads of choice, so you can do more general modules or explore further into your specialism. You also have the choice to write a dissertation if you'd like to!

+ Open option(s)

As you can see, the offering at SOAS is really unique and everything they teach is very relevant for the modern world. All of the lecturers and tutors I've had have been out of this world, always keen to help and they all have incredibly impressive CVs! Do have a look on the website if you're interested and send any questions you have our way :smile:

Ella
BA International Relations and Korean (Third year)

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 5

UniofReading

Official Rep

Original post by heretohelp10

Hey @heretohelp10,

That is so great to hear you want to study international relations! Its a fab course :smile:

I'm a current 2nd year student at the University of Reading studying politics and international relations and I absolutely love it! So far my learning experience has been amazing.

In my first year I studied the following modules;
- Introduction to Contemporary Democracy (compulsory)
- International Relations and Strategic Studies (compulsory)
- Introduction to Political Ideas (compulsory)
- British Society
- Freedom
- Modern History

Currently, I'm just finishing my second year and I've been studying;
- Modern International Relations
- Global Politics and History
- Study of Politics
- Comparative Government and Politics
- Contemporary Strategy
- War and Peace since 1800

Personally, I have really enjoyed all my modules so far. I'd say for me, its really interesting learning all the history behind politics and international relations and how it relates to the world today.

If you would like to learn more about Reading, we have open days coming up where you will be able to chat to students about the courses and the uni itself. If you have any questions for me, I would be happy to answer them for you!

Daisy
2nd year politics and international relations student