International Relations - BA (Hons)

Durham University

Take a journey through different regions, political systems and contemporary world events to develop a deep understanding of the fast-changing global political landscape.,Our BA in International Relations will give you a grounding in global politics and so much more. Taking a research-led approach you’ll develop an understanding of many of the relationships that shape our complex and interconnected world. Issues that range from regional studies and global security to the balance of power and social norms. You can further tailor your course by applying to add a work placement, or an international dimension with an overseas study year in locations such as Boston College in the USA, the University of British Columbia in Canada, the University of Hong Kong or the National University of Singapore. The School of Government and International Affairs is home to a number of research centres and institutes. This innovative work is fed into the BA, so you can be sure the curriculum is informed by contemporary political debate. The critical analytical and research skills that underpin the course, coupled with an understanding of global current affairs and the connections between countries, governments, NGOs and the business sector, will put you in a strong position to pursue a career in areas including social policy, international finance, business, journalism and the charity sector.Study is structured around three main themes: political thought, political institutions and international relations. Following an introduction to these themes, you’ll begin to tailor the course to your interests and aspirations with a selection of optional modules. These include areas such as security, interdependence, liberty, comparative studies of political economies, democratic practice, and the role of global politics in the environment.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Introduction to International Relations provides an overview of the field of international relations including its historical context and traditions of thought. The module addresses core concepts in the field including power, sovereignty, the international system, the international society, the state and norms.International Security, Interdependence and Organisation introduces the major theoretical and analytical problems in the field, including the concept of war, conflict and security interdependence among states and international organisations and the practice of interdependence in global politics and security.Perspectives of Political Economy through an enquiry-based learning approach to contemporary issues in everyday life, the module introduces you to the central concerns of political economy as an inter-disciplinary social science that focuses on the relationship between political and economic systems, agents and institutions.Researching Politics and International Relations introduces a range of strategies used to produce knowledge in politics and international relations. This module examines the strengths and weaknesses of a range of research methods. You will gain some practical experience of carrying out research in politics and international relations.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Democratic Political SystemsIntroduction to Political TheoryIntroduction to Comparative Politics Year 2 modulesCore modules:Research Project is an extended piece of work produced within a structured framework that will help prepare you for the demands of writing a dissertation. You will gain a deeper understanding of politics as an academic subject and as an aspect of wider human activity.International Theory develops knowledge of the major debates in contemporary international relations theory. The module helps to build a wider understanding of theoretical, conceptual and methodological matters in the study of domestic and international politics.