Politics and International Relations, BSc

​​Politics is shaped by some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from the climate crisis to the human cost of conflict. There are no simple answers. This is exactly why studying politics matters.

On this course, you will develop the skills to think critically, question assumptions, and explore new ways of understanding and responding to complex global issues.

​Our team of expert lecturers will guide you throughout your studies, helping you develop your ideas, refine your arguments, and grow in confidence as an independent thinker.

You will also have opportunities to build professional networks, develop your employability, and apply your learning beyond the classroom.

​Your journey begins in the week commencing 14 September 2026 with our Welcome and Induction Week. These sessions are an essential part of getting started. They will introduce you to your course, help you meet your lecturers and fellow students, and ensure you feel prepared and ready to begin.

We strongly encourage you to attend as many sessions as possible so you can make the most of this important first step.

​You will also be assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who will be your main point of contact throughout your degree. Your PAT will support your academic progress, check in on how you are settling into university life, and offer guidance whenever you need it.

They can also help you access wider university support, ensuring you stay on track and get the most out of your time with us.

​​By the end of Welcome Week, you will already be part of the Politics community. On Monday 21 September 2026, your first semester begins, and you’ll start your core modules: Power, Politics and the State and Freedom, Justice and Rebellion, alongside the micro-credential modules you have chosen.

​Full module details will be confirmed during induction and available on Blackboard.

​How You’ll Learn

​Your teaching takes place in three-hour interactive workshops, designed to combine key ideas with discussion and practical activities.

​Rather than listening passively, you’ll be expected to engage – working with others, contributing to discussions, and exploring different perspectives. At times, you may work in smaller groups to support participation.

​Politics involves debating complex and sometimes challenging issues. You won’t always agree, but all discussions should be respectful and constructive. As your confidence grows, you’ll be encouraged to develop and share your own ideas.

​Workshops build on your preparation. Materials such as readings, links to podcasts or videos and reflective activities will be provided on Blackboard, and engaging with these in advance will help you get the most out of each session.

​You will also spend time on independent study, developing your understanding, strengthening your analytical skills, and preparing for assessments. The more you put in, the more you will gain.

Blackboard

​You will use Blackboard, our online learning platform, throughout your studies. This is where you will:

• ​Access lecture materials and readings

• ​Submit assignments

• ​Receive feedback

• ​Keep track of announcements and deadlines

​​You will be introduced to Blackboard during induction, so don’t worry if it feels unfamiliar at first.

​Your First Few Weeks

​The first weeks of teaching are designed to help you adjust to university study. You will:

• ​Get to know your lecturers and fellow students

• ​Learn how your modules are structured

• ​Begin developing key academic skills

​If you feel unsure at first, that’s completely normal - support is always available.

​Getting Ready

​To start strongly, we recommend:

• ​Creating your Computing account as soon as possible

• ​Attending all induction sessions

​You may also find it helpful to explore the Learning Skills Hub, particularly resources on academic writing, critical thinking, and time management.

​Alongside your studies, the Students’ Union (CCSU) offers a wide range of clubs and societies, with events throughout the year. It’s a great way to meet people, try new things, and build your community. A former politics student is the current CCSU President, and you can even start your own society.

​Starting a degree is a big commitment, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Embrace the experience, stay curious, and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

​​We recommend that all students read a high‑quality newspaper—such as The Guardian, The Independent, or The Times—on a regular basis to stay informed about global issues and national politics. There are also many excellent political podcasts available, offering accessible ways to explore current debates and different perspectives.

​If you’d like to read further, you might enjoy some of our favourite political novels. These explore themes such as power, conflict, identity, and social change, and offer engaging ways to think about politics in action:

• ​Birdsong – Sebastian Faulks

• ​The Dispossessed – Ursula Le Guin

• ​The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood

• ​1984 – George Orwell

• ​Americanah – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

• ​Brave New World – Aldous Huxley

• ​Jingo – Terry Pratchett

• ​As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow – Zoulfa Katouh

• ​Exit West – Mohsin Hamid

• ​The Ministry for the Future – Kim Stanley Robinson

​There are also many engaging works of non‑fiction that explore political ideas and contemporary issues from a range of perspectives. As you will discover on this course, we encourage you to read widely and think critically. We want you to engage with arguments without necessarily agreeing with them. The aim is to get you questioning, analysing, and forming your own views.

​Some suggested starting points include:

• ​Silent Spring – Rachel Carson

• ​The Silk Roads: A New History of the World – Peter Frankopan

• ​Mother of Invention – Katrine Marçal

• ​PostCapitalism: A Guide to Our Future – Paul Mason

• ​The Establishment: And How They Get Away With It – Owen Jones

• ​Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth and Happiness – Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein

• ​Feminism, Interrupted – Lola Olufemi

• ​How Democracies Die – Steven Levitsky & Daniel Ziblatt

• ​Vulture Capitalism – Grace Blakeley​

​There is no required pre-reading. Indeed, you might prefer to explore these ideas through podcasts or audiobooks - this all counts as developing your political thinking.

​ The most important thing is to stay curious, explore different viewpoints, and start noticing how politics shapes the world around you. When we meet, we would love to hear your suggestions to add to next year’s list!