International Relations BA (Hons)

The world is becoming ever more interdependent with the resulting global socio-political changes – from the rising cost of foreign aid to the impact of non-English speaking immigrants within the education system – increasingly affecting people at a local level.If you are fascinated by world politics, global citizenship and international humanitarian aid, this dynamic and topical course covers these issues and more. Ideal if you wish to pursue careers in the field of diplomacy, intelligence, development or international organisations, it could lead to jobs in local, national or international government, as well as teaching, research, voluntary organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).Taught by staff with research expertise in security studies, development, peace studies, foreign policy analysis and the history of international political thought, the course aims to provide a solid grounding in international relations theory, coupled with practical explanations of how states and other international actors compete and cooperate within the world system.You will have the opportunity to study the evolution and interaction of different states and societies around the globe, exploring the history of world politics since World War II. You will consider how foreign policy decision-makers and international organisations respond in the face of war, social movements, terrorism, political struggles, democratic advances and setbacks. During your studies, we encourage you to become an independent, reflective and analytical thinker, able to navigate complex issues, prepare reasoned arguments and develop exceptional communication skills – all of which are vital in today’s competitive world of work.**Key Course Benefits*** Optional modules allow you to specialise in different areas of the world, such as the Middle East, Africa or China.* Teaching staff include a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.* Spend a year studying abroad – we have links with universities globally, for example in the European Union, the United States, Australia, South Korea, and beyond (additional costs may apply).* Extensive employer links with Houses of Parliament, House of Commons, National Crime Agency (NCA), local council, local and national non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and charities.* Placement opportunities have previously included First Utility, GE Alstrom, University Hospital Coventry Warwickshire (NHS), Citizens Advice Bureau, Cardinal Newman School, MIND, Coventry City Council, Refuges and Migrant Centres, working for MPs and MEPs, as well as local heritage sites such as Coventry Cathedral.* Join our active student-led History, International Relations, Politics and Sociology Society (HIPSOC), which has organised fieldtrips to the Houses of Parliament here in the UK, as well as Germany and the United States to learn about the Cold War, genocide, and parliamentary democracy, Italy to experience the fight against organised crime, and Costa Rica to discuss questions of development aid (additional costs may apply).