BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a vibrant and intellectually stimulating learning environment. It is structured to progressively build foundational knowledge in political theory and international relations concepts in the first year, explore diverse political systems and key areas of global politics in the second, and culminate in specialized studies in areas such as security studies, international development, or comparative politics, along with an independent research project in the final year. Students benefit from engaging lectures and seminars, lively debates on contemporary political issues, opportunities for research and analysis of international events, and collaborative projects. A key element involves fostering a deep understanding of the complexities of global governance, the drivers of international conflict and cooperation, and the diverse political landscapes shaping the world. The program encourages students to develop their analytical skills, research proficiency, and the ability to critically evaluate political actions and international relations.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics program is designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the core areas of both disciplines. Core modules typically cover political theory, comparative politics, international relations theory, global politics, research methods in political science, and international political economy. As students progress, they often have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as security studies, international law and organizations, human rights, regional studies, and the politics of development through elective modules that bridge the two fields. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, research methodologies relevant to political science and international relations, and the ability to synthesize domestic and international political perspectives. Students will engage in analyzing political ideologies and systems, examining international events and treaties, participating in debates on global challenges, and undertaking research projects that require them to integrate knowledge from both fields. The final year often includes advanced seminars on current international and political debates and a significant independent research project or dissertation.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within the wider Faculty of Business and Law and the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries. Faculty members are actively engaged in research related to areas such as international security, political economy, comparative democratization, human rights, and the role of international organizations. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current academic debates, theoretical advancements, and empirical findings in both political science and international relations. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests through assignments and their final year independent project, fostering independent learning and critical inquiry.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics program fosters connections with relevant organizations within government, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and media outlets. The program may facilitate guest lectures by diplomats, policy analysts, representatives from international bodies, and professionals working in related fields. Students may have opportunities for visits to embassies, international organizations, and policy institutes. While formal placements may vary, the program emphasizes the development of transferable skills relevant to these sectors, such as communication, critical analysis, research skills, and understanding of political and international contexts. The curriculum often incorporates real-world case studies and policy challenges to enhance students' understanding of professional practice at the intersection of international relations and politics.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics program at Bath Spa University inherently embraces a global perspective by examining diverse political systems, international institutions, and global challenges from around the world. The curriculum includes the study of comparative political ideologies, international law, global governance, and the dynamics of international conflict and cooperation. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on politics and international affairs. Furthermore, the program directly addresses topics such as globalization, human rights, international development, and the role of various actors in the international system, preparing graduates to understand and engage with complex global issues with both political insight and international awareness.