The world of Politics and International Relations is constantly evolving. We are living in an era that is both turbulent and fascinating, as the global order is being reshaped by the emergence of new powers. On this course, you will examine the political landscape past and present, learning about key political concepts such as power, democracy, freedom, inequality, rights, citizenship, representation and legitimacy, and how these are contested in contemporary politics.
You will explore different political systems and global institutions, learn about the driving forces behind political, economic and socio-cultural changes across the world, and explore the challenges facing the international system, such as globalisation, international security, the environment, inequality and global health.
You will also study current political debates such as the future of the UK after Brexit, climate change, dilemmas of modern migration, the rise of populist nationalism, the future of democracy, and the ways in which these are influencing radical transformation in the twenty-first century.
Throughout the course, you will explore different arguments, rival theories and alternative explanations - thereby building up the analytical skills that are important in the workplace.
**Opportunities for Politics and International Relations students at Aberystwyth include:**
- participating in our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ - a 3-day role playing exercise in political, economic and diplomatic manoeuvres which will develop your negotiation and communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills and one of the highlights of the course
- taking part in our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme, which enables you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff) for a period of 4-6 weeks during the summer
- being taught by expert lecturers who are committed to providing you with an outstanding and dynamic learning environment.
**What will I learn?**
**In your first year you will be introduced to:**
- central concepts and themes in the study of international politics, looking at key theoretical positions and you will be encouraged to analyse and evaluate them
- politics in the 21st Century, where you will study key features of political systems, and discuss key political ideas and issues
- developments in international politics in real time with the focus on news and opinions that appear from week to week, and an opportunity to critically reflect on events.
You will also study optional modules that cover the topics of war, peace and revolution since 1789; globalisation and global development; and war, strategy and intelligence.
**In your second year, you will explore:**
- the origins of the discipline of International Relations, the development of theoretical schools of thought, the role of theoretical lenses in shaping our understandings of the world, and a variety of different theoretical approaches through which to read the processes of international politics
- a range of key concepts and debates about different political forces and relationships and see how they relate to examples drawn from the practice of politics in different parts of the world, with the theme of political inequalities being a prominent focus.
**In your third year, you will be introduced to:**
- the general principles of research methods, methodologies and theoretical frameworks to enable you to undertake an independent research inquiry and write your dissertation.
You will also choose from a broad range of optional modules covering topics such as global development, trade wars and the liberal order, contemporary Latin America, justice, order and human rights, the EU, the Middle East in the 20th century, a military history of the United States, nationalism, Russian intelligence, the League of Nations and its legacies, and terrorism and counter terrorism in the modern world.
Course Details - Modules
Modules are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
L248
Institution code:
A40
Campus Name:
Main Site (Aberystwyth)
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Pass in Access qualification in a relevant subject with Merit in 50% of units at level 3.
Aberystwyth University welcomes the Welsh Baccalaureate as a valuable qualification in its own right and considers completion of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate to be equivalent to an A level grade.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
Cambridge English Advanced
Cambridge English Proficiency
IELTS (Academic)
6.5
With minimum 5.5 in each component.
PTE Academic
62.0
With minimum scores of 51 in each component.
TOEFL (iBT)
88.0
With minimum scores in components as follows: Listening 21; Writing 21; Reading 22; Speaking 23.
If you are an international student needing more information about the English Language requirement for your course (e.g. country-specific English Language tests, Partner Institution tests, EU/EEA English Language qualifications where the school curriculum is taught in a native language) please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further advice.
Unistats information
Student satisfaction :
85%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs):
75%
Go onto work and study:
85%
Fees and funding
England
9000.0
Year 1
Northern Ireland
9000.0
Year 1
Scotland
9000.0
Year 1
Wales
9000.0
Year 1
Channel Islands
9000.0
Year 1
Republic of Ireland
9000.0
Year 1
EU
14300.0
Year 1
International
14300.0
Year 1
Additional Fee Information
The UK and Welsh Governments have confirmed that EU students commencing their studies in the academic year 2021/22 will no longer be eligible for home fee status. Fees for EU students will therefore be charged in line with international fees from 2021/22 onwards.
Please note Irish nationals will continue to be eligible for home fee status and support by the Welsh Government under the Common Travel Area arrangement.
Provider information
Penglais
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
United Kingdom
SY23 3FL
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