Overview
This exciting course examines the events and issues shaping contemporary world politics, providing a deeper understanding of the rationale and value of peaceful and cooperative relationships between nations, as well as the challenges of foreign policies.
As citizens of a global society, we’re becoming increasingly connected by communication technology and rapid transportation, international relations between different countries and states now play a vital role in our personal and professional life – affecting all aspects of work undertaken by governments, charities, educational establishments, multinational companies, the police and so on.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costRelated Links
Building Redevelopment
We are currently in the process of a major redevelopment of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities buildings. The building will be open to the public as well as students, and will feature an expansive gallery space.
Creative Community Hub
We hope that you are all staying safe in these uncertain times. Creative activities can really help fill the days, while we are spending more time at home and we have some ideas to keep you busy.
Employability
We are at the forefront of delivering enterprise and employability as part of our undergraduate programme and our employability unit co-ordinates the delivery of this for all students.
What our students say
The university offers very unique modules that you wouldn’t find at undergraduate level, such as organised crime, and the quality of teaching is really good. During my time at Coventry University I have attended a number of seminars and study trips that have enriched my knowledge of my field further than what I have learnt in lecture theatres.
Course information
Drawing on case studies of intervention in the Congo, Somalia, the Balkans and Iraq, for example, you will examine sometimes controversial decisions around peacekeeping and peace enforcement in the wake of conflict, state collapse political or natural crises and large-scale human rights abuse.
You will cover the evolution and interaction of different states and societies around the globe, exploring the history of world politics since World War II. We consider how foreign policy decision-makers and international organisations respond in the face of war, social movements, terrorism, political struggles, democratic advances and setbacks.
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
We are ranked as the 15th best University in the United Kingdom in The Guardian University Guide 2020
In more detail...
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 will 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 study the evolution and interaction of different states and societies around the globe, exploring the history of world politics since World War II. We 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.
- 80% of students on this course were in work or continuing their studies after six months (DLHE 2014/15).
- Optional modules allow you to specialise in different areas of the world, such as the Middle East, Africa or China.
- Teaching staff currently include a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
- Coventry has received the prestigious ‘Gold award’ in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
- 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.*
- 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 (subject to application, availability, and meeting any applicable visa requirements. Additional costs may also apply).
- *Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Opportunities to apply for an international experience, which in the past have included trips to Germany, Costa Rica and the United States.
Your main study themes are:
- International relations: You will learn to see and understand the world from perspectives and positions you may not agree with to raise your socio-political and cultural awareness, as well as your empathy for difference. We examine three major themes that underpin the development of international relations in the 21st century: globalisation, power and order. We consider globalisation and its impact, especially the issue of whether the state is declining as the central entity in world politics, given the rise and significance of non-state actors. You will also look at the nature of power and how it is exercised in a changing world, for example, how military power is responding to the fact terrorism now represents as much, if not more, of a threat than conventional war. We will also examine how international legal rules and organisations, such as the United Nations, are trying to limit conflict. We will have the opportunity to debate some of the ethical problems that are emerging, including the uneven distribution of gains and losses, the conflicting loyalties we might have to co-nationals and foreigners, the ethics of conflict and the problem of cross-border and trans-generational harm.
- Globalisation: We introduce you to the ways in which the emergence of the Atlantic World, and later globalisation, altered the cultural, social, and economic realities of all involved. We consider historical change from the 15th century to the present, with emphasis on the history of the Atlantic World (Europe, Africa, and the Americas). We will examine the exchange of cultures, goods and peoples through a range of historic documents, such as American court cases and government acts with regards to the recent travel ban, moving on to consider modern challenges like global security. You will explore a broad range of specific issues on the contemporary security agenda, including terrorism, migration, and modern warfare.
- Politics: You will study political institutions and behaviour post World War II, examining the theories associated with political systems and institutions that form the framework for political life. The major focus will be on the ways individuals and groups react to and behave within the political framework of the Nation State, including political participation, political communication and the expression of interests. We will draw on case studies highlighting contemporary from a range of countries to reflect the variety of political systems, including the changes brought about after the collapse of the USSR. We will consider the foreign policy ‘problem’, assessing the ways in which national political systems experience and cope with challenges arising from their involvement in international affairs.
The course normally lasts three years when studied full-time and four to six years part-time. You can start in September or January.
Your course will be based on a series of lectures, with associated seminars, tutorials, workshops, online discussions and web-based activities. In addition, your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice.
The teaching and learning environment is shaped by staff who have recognised authority in their fields and will bring you up-to-date with their research and the latest political thought. For example, in some modules foreign policy simulation exercises are being used to explore theoretical models of foreign policy decision making. These exercises are informed by staff experience of working with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Iraq. You’ll have the opportunity to go on exciting international fieldtrips for example, to Germany and Italy, as well as local trips to places like the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Birmingham Philharmonic, the slavery museum in Liverpool, or the Houses Of Parliament in London (subject to application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements. Additional costs may also apply).
Our excellent professional links with international organisations and institutions like Chatham House enable us to host an exciting programme of with diplomats, officials from criminal justice and law enforcement, academics, and journalists as guest speakers, covering topics with relevance to our degree, including global terrorism and organised crime, American government under President Trump, or China’s new Silk Road project.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations and coursework.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:
- The origins and character of the contemporary international system.
- The key issues, institutions and processes that determine international relations.
- The methods and approaches employed in the study of international relations.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Identify accurately the issue(s) which need researching and retrieve up-to-date disciplined based information using paper and electronic sources.
- Locate a range of information sources, to gather and marshal relevant evidence successfully.
- Review critically, synthesise and debate evidence collected by research.
- Construct fair, coherent and convincing arguments utilising the relevant key concepts and approaches in the discipline.
- Analyse problems, take decisions, be creative and show initiative.
- Work independently with increasing self-confidence and to reflect upon the process of learning.
- Work within a group, to negotiate, to learn from others and to lead an activity.
- Manage time effectively, to set objectives and to evaluate the performance of oneself and others.
- Develop and debate ideas and to sustain arguments effectively both orally and in written form.
In a typical teaching week, you will have up to 14 ‘contact’ hours of teaching. This generally breaks down as:
- Personal tutorial/small group teaching: a tutorial each week.
- Medium group teaching: practical classes, workshops or seminars each week.
- Large group teaching: lectures each week.
This course has an inherently international perspective, however, to further enhance your opportunity to gain an international experience, we will provide support for you to spend a year studying abroad or on placement and organise an annual overseas study trip (subject to additional costs, availability, application and meeting any applicable visa requirements). For example, previous students spent a week in Sicily examining how the anti-mafia organisation Libera has been working to combat organised crime.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we provided a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say
You can talk to lecturers at any time both in and out of office hours. The best thing about being at Coventry is the student community, there is always something going on and the perks such as CGE and Add Vantage modules.
Entry Requirements
What our graduates say
I chose this course because I am really keen to pursue a diplomatic career and better understand global politics. Coventry University seemed to be one of the best choices, taking into account the teaching quality, student satisfaction and the living expenses.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.This course may be subject to incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas. This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our alumni say
I chose this course because I am really keen to pursue a diplomatic career and better understand global politics. Coventry University seemed to be one of the best choices, taking into account the teaching quality, student satisfaction and the living expenses.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
In a globalised world where companies increasingly do business across national boundaries, you will be able to benefit from an in-depth understanding of the international political, commercial, social and cultural landscape, gaining an insight appealing to many employers – from media outlets to multinationals, the civil service to the European Parliament, NGOs or thinktanks.
This course is informed by up-to-date research and allows you to be engaged in debates that are at the forefront of the international relations discipline. Greater understanding, the encouragement of critical analysis and the increasing ability to convey ideas, concepts and context will be nurtured throughout your studies. When you successfully graduate, you should have developed a range of transferrable skills, which are highly valued by employers, including excellent communications, critical thinking and analysis, strong presentation and listening skills.
Our Creative Futures employment team is on hand to offer tailored career and enterprise support if you wish to gain employment or take advantage of professional practice opportunities within course specific industries. You’ll have access to a designated employability officer who can advise you on career opportunities and give support to help you develop tailor-made job applications.
89%
of our graduates are in work or further study six months after the course.
DLHE 2016/17
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates are now employed in the private sector, ranging from marketing, human resources, banking, and finance to media, and across the public sector in education, the civil service, police forces, local authorities, charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and international organisations.
They work for a range of organisations, including the Houses of Parliament, BUPA Healthcare, BMI Healthcare, Barclays, HSBC, Amazon, National Crime Agency, BBC, West Midlands Police/Transport Police, European Union, Atlas Copco, GlaxoSmithKline, Grant Thornton, IPSOS Mori, European Parliament, NHS, Commonwealth, Amnesty International and Greenpeace.
In addition, some of our students set up in business for themselves, which range from youth mentoring, learning and development workshop delivery, logistics and creative industries.
What our students say
You can talk to lecturers at any time both in and out of office hours. The best thing about being at Coventry is the student community, there is always something going on and the perks such as CGE and Add Vantage modules.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
