As our traditional political certainties crumble, knowledge of international affairs and skills of clear-sighted political analysis are needed more than ever before. Taught by experts in a stimulating and inclusive environment, our cutting-edge course will equip you with an in-depth understanding of foreign policy and diplomacy, security, and global justice. Faced with insecurity and instability around the world, some might find this unnerving, but as students of International Relations, we know you will thrive on finding different ways to analyse these problems and improve our world.

Our teaching has been recognised and awarded for its innovative character, particularly for its emphasis on student-centred learning, support, and assessment. Our cutting-edge course situates the big issues of the day in their historical and philosophical contexts. You’ll explore continuity and change in local, national, and global dimensions of politics, and scrutinise political ideas, structures and approaches that will help you to understand and address our complex, and ever-changing circumstances.

Our team of expert lecturers will help you settle in; guide you through your different modules; help you shape your learning in a manner which dovetails to your interests; and, support you in developing your employability and networking skills, thereby ensuring that your university experience will provide you with a competitive edge in today’s demanding job market.

 

You can discover more about us, our work and all our activities:

• on our blog Canterbury Politics and International Relations
• You can also keep up to date with what is going on in our Faculty and count down to beginning your studies with us by following us on Instagram

 

On the social side, the Student Union (CCSU) has a huge range of clubs and societies – all of which have unique social calendars of their own and offer endless opportunities to make lifelong friends and discover new hobbies. And you can always create your own society and cultivate your own community!

CCSU will be hosting their Welcome Fayre on Wednesday 18th September 2024. Make sure you keep checking the CCSU website for further details and how to get involved.

We understand that you may be nervous about your first few weeks on campus but rest assured - you'll be joining a nurturing and supportive environment where diversity, equality and individuality are part of everything we do.

You can find out more about our welcoming community and making friends.

If you are an International Student joining us then please see our International Student Support pages for further information and guidance.

 

We recommend that all students read a good quality newspaper – such as The Guardian, The Independent or The Times – every day to keep informed and up-to-date with global issues and national politics. There are lots of great political podcasts for you to explore too.

If you really would like to read further, why not look at some of our favourite political novels:

• Birdsong – Sebastian Faulks
• Darkness at Noon – Arthur Koestler
• 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

There are also some very interesting non-fiction books available for you to read. It’s up to you to decide how credible their arguments are. As you will discover on our course, we like you to read a wide variety of materials without necessarily endorsing their ideas. The aim is to get you thinking! Here are a few suggestions:

• Silent Spring - Rachael Carson
• The Silk Roads: A New History of the World – Peter Frankopan
• Mother of Invention: Katrine Marcal
• PostCapitalism: A Guide to Our Future – Paul Mason
• The Establishment: And how they get away with it – Owen Jones
• Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race - Reni Eddo Lodge
• Nudge: improving decisions about health, wealth and happiness - Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein
• Feminism Interrupted - Lola Olufemi

 

The first time we will meet is the week commencing 16th September 2024. This is a welcome and induction week, where you will be invited to a number of activities to get you started on our course.

You will also be assigned (and speak with) your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who will provide you with academic and personal support and signpost you to other relevant departments for any additional help you may need throughout your time with us.

By the end of welcome week, you will be a fully-fledged member of the Politics and International Relations community, and on Monday 23rd September 2024, the real work begins, as you start your first 3 modules.

If you have any concerns about starting university, please do not fret, as this is perfectly normal. You will find the Politics and International Relations staff friendly, experienced and readily available to support you with your studies.

We know that choosing to embark on a degree course is a big commitment in time, energy and money and we assure you that we are fully committed to helping you to reach your goal….so enjoy and embrace your future. We will be with you all the way!