Politics & International Relations - BA (Hons)

Liverpool Hope University

The Politics and International Relations degree brings together the broader study of politics and political ideas with the question of how states interact with each other on the global stage. It evaluates the key questions related to transnational issues such as globalization and the environment and the actors engaged in them. Politics and International Relations is a very dynamic subject, which places a special emphasis on the international and global dimension of politics. In an ever changing world, new challenges are constantly arising – from terrorism and security to climate change and pandemics – and we therefore seek to engage with live issues in the world as they evolve and change over time. We actively encourage debate and discussion amongst our students, encouraging a stronger awareness and appreciation of different points of view. In doing so, we explore the key ideas, institutions and issues that can help us to understand politics in an international, national and local context. You will be taught by staff who are experts in their field, who will teach you to engage with political research and develop the capacity to be an independent, critically-minded scholar and equip you with transferable skills to take into the world of work.And study does not just take place in the classroom and the library. We also organise fieldtrips to relevant local, regional and national institutions as well as organising events with guest speakers and practitioners (conditions permitting). Recent visits have included a trip to the UK Parliament, Brussels, and Berlin along with visits and talks from key experts, academics and campaigners.There are also opportunities available to study abroad as part of our exchange programme and to visit overseas development projects as part of the University’s Global Hope initiative.CareersCareers available for Politics and International Relations graduates include those in government, in international organisations and in policy work. There is a demand for teachers with politics skills and knowledge as well. Many firms and companies look for the general skills that a Politics and International Relations degree gives you – such as conducting analysis, preparing reports, constructing arguments and making judgements.We encourage both teamwork and independent learning, and develop your communication skills throughout the three years of study. Many students move on to postgraduate Masters programmes and research degrees. We have graduate students who work in parliament in the field of communications, with the civil service and with the NHS and with voluntary bodies. In recent years, we have had students who have gone to work in the field of law, with think tanks and in journalism. We also have students who have entered politics and have contested and won council seats.