Objectives
This programme aims to enable you to understand and evaluate key conceptual debates in politics, and the role of cross-national and comparative perspectives. In addition, on this programme you are encouraged to explore in considerable detail contemporary debates in the study of both European and international politics and to focus on the link between different modes and levels of governance. You will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of theoretical aspects of European and international politics, including different theories of international relations, European integration and international politics. You will also be able to further your understanding in at least two sub-fields of European politics and two sub-fields of international politics. The programme will also provide you with the skills necessary to design and complete a dissertation on a specialist topic, including: formulating research questions; selecting appropriate methods of data collection and analysis; conducting a literature review; and presenting research according to scholarly conventions. This programme provides intellectual training relevant to careers in national, European and international governance, the media, business or other fields which have an international or European orientation.
Course description
Core Modules
Global Governance
This module introduces contemporary systems of global governance. It explores the links between national and international politics, and provides an understanding of key concepts, structures and theoretical debates.
Theories of International Relations
This module explores a range of theoretical approaches to the study of international relations. It begins with the classical debates, moving on to mainstream theories and concluding with critical approaches.
The State and European Integration
This module introduces the European Union (EU). Beginning with the roots of the integration process, it moves on to consider the EU's operation, in terms of actors and policies. It concludes by exploring perspectives on its future development.
Theories of European Integration
This module provides a critical overview of the theories applied to the process of European integration. It engages with different families of theory, before comparing, contrasting and reconciling the differing approaches.
Introduction to Research
This module provides an introduction to the design and conduct of social science research. Emphasis is placed on the applicability of these methods to other subject areas across the social sciences.
Research in Practice
This module has a strong practical focus. Students gain experience of using both qualitative and quantitative methods, and applying their knowledge of research methods.
Optional modules include:
Nationalism, Migration and Identity
This module introduces the concepts used in social-scientific examination of relationships within and between social groups which consider themselves distinctive. It uses case studies to demonstrate the continuing importance of ethnicity, national identity, nationalism and the politics of migration as sources of tension or conflict in Europe.
Key Issues in International Politics Today
This module investigates contemporary developments in international politics. It covers a range of issues at regional and international levels such as: the war on terror, human rights, development, humanitarianism and the environment.
International Security and Defence
This module provides an overview of the field since 1945, in particular, the shifts resulting from the end of the Cold War. It moves on to consider contemporary themes and future scenarios for the development of security and defence.
Religious Ideologies and International Conflict
This module considers religious ideologies and the significance of belief in contemporary conflicts. It examines the relationship between belief and reason, and the politicisation of religious ideologies.
The European Social Dimension
This module assesses the development of a 'European Social Dimension'. It explores the impact of Europeanisation and globalisation on the European welfare model, and introduces theoretical approaches to the study of European social policy.
The Changing Face of Eastern Europe
This module considers the historical and contemporary position of Central and Eastern Europe in the European system of states. It explores the impact of major external forces in the form of Soviet Communism and European integration.
Programme length
12 months full-time, 24 months part-time
