This course enables you to discover how political and social systems in the UK, Europe and beyond are organised, how governments function and how individuals and regimes get and employ power.

You will uncover how political structures emerge out of interactions between people and their values, ideas and institutions.

You will study history and theory to help you understand the present. The course has an emphasis on contemporary global problems with the aim of developing and applying:

• critical reading
• writing
• debating skills.

You will graduate with many indispensable and transferrable skills, including effective communication, negotiation skills, a critical mindset and a solid grasp of the way the world works on the local, national as well as the global stage.

As a member of United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), we are fully committed to supporting and contributing to UNAI's values by undertaking student-led activities related to the ten UNAI Principles.

Placement

In your second year you will undertake ‘Working in Political and International Contexts’ placement which will enable you to develop a portfolio of work-based learning and experience. Throughout the module expert advice will be given about the different employment opportunities open to you as a result of taking this degree. Careers in international organisations, government, NGO’s, transnational charities and aid organisations will all be featured as possibilities for your future.

Upon successful course completion career progression routes include working in:

• national and international government organisations
• public sector
• NGOs
• third sector organisations
• diplomacy
• probation service
• teaching.