BSc International Relations

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a compelling BSc (Hons) International Relations program, designed to equip students with a nuanced understanding of global politics, diplomacy, and interconnectedness in the 21st century. This interdisciplinary degree delves into the complexities of power dynamics, security challenges, ethics, inequality, and justice on an international scale. The program distinguishes itself through innovative teaching methodologies, including simulations, role-playing, and student conferences, which provide practical engagement with real-world political scenarios. It aims to develop critical, innovative, and interdisciplinary thinking, alongside professional skills as compassionate advocates for sustainability and global challenges.

Curriculum: The BSc International Relations curriculum at CCCU provides a comprehensive exploration of global political landscapes. Students investigate themes such as the historical development of nation-states and their contemporary relevance, the links between identity, conflict, and models of governance, and contemporary global politics. Modules typically cover core areas like "Power, Politics and the State," "Contemporary Global Politics," and "Comparative Politics." The teaching methods are diverse, encompassing lectures, seminars, and workshops that include specific sessions on skills development, assignment preparation, and career development. Students are encouraged to engage actively through political role-plays, simulations, policy brief writing, blogging, case study analysis, and interactive learning via workshops 1 and digital platforms. The curriculum emphasizes transferable skills such as critical thought and analysis, teamwork, and effective communication of complex ideas.  

Research Focus: The BSc International Relations program at Canterbury Christ Church University benefits from a team of highly qualified academics who are active researchers in their fields. Their cutting-edge research directly informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to contemporary issues and advanced scholarly perspectives. Faculty research interests include diverse areas such as small states and the new security environment, particularly in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. Other research includes the Southeast Asia Research Initiative, focusing on cross-disciplinary research on contemporary Southeast Asia, and the "Hei Puāwaitanga: Sustainability, Citizenship and Civic Imagination Research Group," which investigates citizenship, civic governance, participation, and democratic urbanization with a focus on sustainability and inclusion, especially for children and youth. This strong research environment allows students to engage with academic debates and contribute to pressing global discussions.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant aspect of the BSc International Relations program at CCCU, with a strong focus on career development and employability. The university actively seeks to connect students with partners from the political arena, including journalists, diplomats, parliamentarians, civil servants, and NGOs, who are actively involved with the curriculum. This involvement can manifest through guest lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities with graduates who have built careers in the civil service, international business, the NGO sector, or academia. While specific details on mandatory placements for this particular BSc program were not as prominent as for other programs, the university generally offers a "Year in Industry" option that allows students to gain practical experience, domestically or internationally, which significantly enhances their career prospects.

Global Perspective: The BSc International Relations program at Canterbury Christ Church University is inherently global in its perspective, exploring interconnectedness of politics, economics, and law on a worldwide scale. The curriculum examines the importance of international cooperation and global governance, focusing on contemporary issues like the political influence of emerging powers, energy security, and climate change. Taught by an international team of staff, the program provides insights into decision-making from local to global scales. Students are encouraged to critically analyze how power and resources are allocated globally, with issues such as development, human rights, environment, nationalism, and foreign policy. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree, drawing from behavioural economics, political economy, international relations, sociology, and political philosophy, provides a holistic understanding of global challenges and prepares graduates to work in diverse international contexts.