International Relations and Politics (with a Language) (BSc Econ)

You will primarily be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars. Language modules will also offer the opportunity for workshops and language classes.

Lectures take a range of forms but generally provide an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you to carry out independent research for the seminars and to develop your own ideas.

Seminars provide an opportunity for you to engage critically with key ideas and explore the ideas outlined in lectures in a small group environment, usually consisting of around 15 students and the seminar leader (a member of the teaching team). Seminars may take various formats, including plenary group discussion, small group work and student-led presentations.

Language classes are taught in groups to enhance confidence and active learning. A varied timetable includes oral expression, aural comprehension and writing skills, which are taught in small groups to enhance confidence and active learning. These vital communication skills are practiced and developed through regular classwork exercises and written work. Our teaching methods allow you to engage with a range of language-learning technologies. Materials including textbooks, videos, films, novels, audio files and websites are supported by online resources that compliment classroom activities and promote and enable independent learning. Class materials include a range from literary and historical to contemporary journalistic texts, providing a broad insight into language and culture.

Independent study forms a key part of your learning, and our independent learning portfolios have been developed to provide you with online resources to support your independent language learning.

How will I be supported?

The BSc Econ International Relations and Politics with a language programme is team-taught, with the programme as a whole overseen by the Programme Director. Students are supported by a number of different staff, some focussing on academic performance in a particular area and some looking at learning and progress more holistically.

All academic staff offer designated hours when they are available to meet with students to offer advice and feedback on the subjects that they teach.

Students will also be allocated a personal tutor, who will meet with them regularly to reflect on their progress and development across their studies, and to think about how to build on their achievements and advance further. The personal tutor can also guide students who are experiencing difficulties towards appropriate support.

An extensive programme of careers lectures and workshops is delivered within the School.

A range of staff are available to provide further support. A member of academic staff acts as a designated Disability and Diversity Officer and ensures that reasonable adjustments are made for students with disabilities. Specialist librarians are also available to provide support and advice.

All modules make extensive use of the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, Learning Central, where you can access discussion forums and find course materials including recordings of lectures, links to related materials, multiple-choice tests, past exam papers and examples of student work from previous years.

A Professional Services Team provides support for all programmes. The team are located in the Law Building and are able to provide information and guidance in response to any queries you may have.

Beyond the School, the University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, the Academic Skills Development Centre and excellent libraries and resource centres.

What are the learning outcomes of this course/programme?

Knowledge & Understanding:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:

• demonstrate a critical understanding of various international relations theories, the nature of the international system and of global power structures
• understand the nature and significance of politics as a global activity
• apply concepts and theories used in the study of international relations to the analysis of political ideas, practices and issues in the global arena
• make use of empirical evidence to illustrate the applicability and limitations of the aforementioned concepts, theories and methods
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key aspects of contemporary international relations, embracing global and also regional studies
• critically engage with contemporary research materials in the relevant areas
• effectively manage time, tasks and resources
• speak, write, and understand one or more foreign languages to a high level of competency

Intellectual Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:

• gather, organize and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of sources
• develop a reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement
• reflect on your own learning and make use of constructive feedback
• manage your own learning self-critically
• communicate ideas effectively and fluently, both orally and in writing
• use communications and information technologies for the retrieval and presentation of information
• work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management
• collaborate with others and contribute to the achievement of common goals
• communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively in writing and speech, both in English and another language
• work to deadlines and priorities, managing a range of tasks at the same time
• learn from constructive criticism and incorporate its insights
• work as part of a team, developing a collaborative approach to problem-solving
• use IT programmes and digital media, where appropriate
• take responsibility for your own learning programme and professional development
• demonstrate high-level communication and critical-thinking skills

Professional Practical Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:

• communicate ideas effectively and fluently, both orally and in writing
• use communications and information technologies for the retrieval and presentation of information
• work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management
• collaborate with others and contribute to the achievement of common goals
• communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively in writing and speech, both in English and another language
• work to deadlines and priorities, managing a range of tasks at the same time
• learn from constructive criticism and incorporate its insights
• work as part of a team, developing a collaborative approach to problem-solving
• use IT programmes and digital media, where appropriate

Transferable/Key Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:

• work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management
• collaborate with others and contribute to the achievement of common goals
• use communications and information technologies for the retrieval and presentation of information