Year one
Core modules
Single honours students will study all of the following modules. Combined honours students will study three of these modules: Introduction to Politics and Governance, British Politics in Context plus one optional module.
Introduction to Politics and Governance
This module has two aims; first, to provide you with an understanding of key issues and themes in the study of politics; second, to develop the key skills you will need to progress through your university career. The module will combine areas of political science, political theory and methodology with important skills training. In doing so, the module will work on a thematic basis to examine important political concepts, will introduce you to life at university and provide a skills base that should allow you to best cope with and benefit from your degree programme.
British Politics in Context
This module will help you build a firm foundation of knowledge about the issues and challenges which have preoccupied British politicians and voters in past decades, many of which continue to concern us today and all of which have had a crucial bearing on contemporary political practice. The module will subject crucial aspects of contemporary British political history to critical analysis. You will end up better-informed and more skeptical, better able to tackle the more advanced modules available in British politics in the second and final years. The module will provide you with a much improved understanding of the country’s political heritage and current political scene.
Contemporary Global Politics
This module will aim to provide a basis of knowledge and skills which will prepare you for the more advanced work on global politics to be undertaken at in years two and three. Key issues will include the emergence of modern empires, the emergence of a global political world where state power is less significant. The module will allow you to see how the acquisition, possession and loss of state power became systematised over time and in different ways, and enable you to explain critically the responses which have been made to this loss of power, from protectionism to full scale war.
The module will aim to provide you with knowledge of the significant historical differences which may be considered to exist between political systems and structures – and indeed empires – grounded in the nation state, and the global political world which it can be argued we have now entered.
Europe: From Continent to Community
This module will introduce you to the politics, policies and Member States of the European Union. It will combine the ‘politics’ priorities of institutions, sovereignty and decision making, with the ‘international relations’ focus on global and regional issues pertaining largely to conflict and cooperation. As such, the policies and politics, the institutions and integrations will be examined both from an historical and a theoretical perspective.
Key Political Thinkers
This module aims to provide an introduction to classic and modern European political theory, in a way that is relevant to both politics and international relations. Key thinkers will include Machiavelli, Hobbes, Lock and Kant. Its focus is political philosophy. Several areas of contestation including the nature of good government, the importance of discourses of human rights, and the role of national interest will emerge, providing you with the necessary theoretical and conceptual tools to make connections between the political concerns of the past and present – be it at the national, European, or international levels.
Power Politics and the State
The module aims to introduce you to some of the key issues and challenges pertaining to the study of the state, its modes of power (territory and sovereignty), methods of political representation, and broader forms of governance. Key questions will include: How does political investigation differ from other forms of academic investigation? What is the nature of political power? How does it operate in practice? What concepts are used to explain the role of the state, and its principle attribute of sovereignty? Moving from these three core concepts, the module will go on to examine related and supporting concepts. How have different theoretical approaches conceived of the relationship between authority and legitimacy? What do we understand by ‘democracy’, and how does it differ, say, from ‘authoritarian’ forms of government? What is the relationship between political and economic power?
Contemporary Language Studies
Both single honours and combined honours students have the opportunity to study a modern language in all three years. Languages offered vary year on year but typically include modern languages such as: French, Spanish, Italian, German and Mandarin Chinese
Year two
Core modules
British Politics: Continuity and Change
This module introduces you to the structure of British politics and the practical functioning of British government. Providing a contemporary focus, the main political and administrative institutions in the British system will be examined and set within a comparative context. This module will examine alternative political processes as well as the formal institutions of state; therefore powerful forces such as political parties, nongovernmental organisations and the British media will be examined alongside institutions such as Parliament, the Prime Minister, the civil service and the constitutional monarchy.
Contemporary Political Theory
This module is based on the long tradition of comparative political science and seeks to give you the critical knowledge and understanding required to appreciate the importance of global events and to analyse contemporary political institutions. In terms of practical comparative analysis, themes such as the following may be addressed: How do rates, and means, of political participation vary between countries? What impact do parliamentary structures have on political outcomes? Can we measure the impact of the powerful individual leader? To what extent is ‘democratisation’ an unstoppable force in international politics? How and why do countries make the transition from authoritarian to democratic regimes? This module will address questions such as these and many more.
Likely optional modules
Comparative Politics: States and Societies
This module is designed to provide an in depth understanding of the European Union; based on both its legal foundations and the political will of its member states to engage in the ambitious, and unique, European integration project. You will first look at the history the European Union by studying its institutions. Themes to be examined will include; the scope of community power – why do states cede autonomy to a European supranational body? The supremacy of EU law – to what extent, and under what conditions, must member states apply EU directives and legislation? The complexity of EU decision making – why are different legislative procedures used for different policy areas? The judicial system – what role is played by direct actions and preliminary rulings within the judicial system? Second, you will examine some of the major policy areas covered by the EU; for example, the continuing debate over the role of the EU in a common defence strategy; and some of its major legal doctrines.
EU: Power Policy and Integration
This module is designed to provide an in depth understanding of the European Union; based on both its legal foundations and the political will of its member states to engage in the ambitious, and unique, European integration project. Themes to be examined will include; the scope of community power – why do states cede autonomy to a European supranational body? The supremacy of EU law – to what extent, and under what conditions, must member states apply EU directives and legislation? The complexity of EU decision making – why are different legislative procedures used for different policy areas? The judicial system – what role is played by direct actions and preliminary rulings within the judicial system? We will also examine some of the major policy areas covered by the EU; for example, the continuing debate over the role of the EU in a common defence strategy; and some of its major legal doctrines.
Federalism, Multinationalism and the Future of Europe (summer school)
The module aims to develop awareness of the connection between the development of regional forms of government (in federal and regional states), the issue of multinationality and the evolution of the European Union. It studies the evolution and functioning of federal and regional government in a number of countries (including Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the USA, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina) and also provides some important insight into the discourses of federal theory (by focusing on the connection of federalism and democracy and the study of federalism and socialism). Finally, the module aims at assessing the role of the European Union (EU) in the federalist discourse.
Global Ethics
This module aims to introduce you to the key debates in contemporary global ethics, from the cosmopolitanism versus communitarianism debate to the deontological versus consequentialist approach to politics. This module will also offer a number of conceptual and theoretical tools that will allow you to understand and assess politics and political action through an ethical and moral prism. Finally, it gives you the opportunity to understand in detail the ethical dilemmas associated with some of most pressing issues in contemporary global politics, namely, the legitimacy of international humanitarianism, the utility of development aid or the role multinational corporations play in fulfilling an ethical agenda in the international markets.
Global Governance
This module has three aims. First, it provides a broad introduction to concepts and examples of globalisation and governance using a range of ‘globalisation theories’ including approaches to governance, regime theory, neoliberal institutionalism and hegemonic stability theory. Second, it provides a detailed exploration of international, suprastate and global dynamics, their mandate, composition, operation and impact across a range of international policymaking. Third, it presents a series of practical, institution specific case studies, by which to explore in detail four specific themes of multilateral policymaking that arguably display differing forms of contemporary governance: Security (e.g. UN, IAEA, NATO, OSCE, EU), Justice (e.g. ICJ, ICC, ICTY, ICTR), Environment (e.g. UNEP, CEC, EU), Humanitarian Issues (e.g. UN agencies including UNCDF, UNCHS, UNDP, UNHCR, UNRWA, WFP, IBRD, EBRD).
Political Research
The main aim of this module is to develop your appreciation of the importance of political enquiry, the contours of the empirical research process, and refine your ability to utilise these methods in your academic work. Through practical engagement and application of research skills you will gain an understanding of how the political arena operates in reality, and how to apply your research skills and wider subject knowledge to the realm of concrete politics.
Year three
Core modules
Political Ideologies in Action
This module aims to provide you with a critical understanding of the way in which ideologies shape major phenomena in contemporary politics, both national and international. In that regard, this module has two main aims: first, to offer adequate theoretical and conceptual tools in order to understand political phenomena through ideological lenses; second, to familiarise you with the ideological underpinnings of the major issues in politics. These will vary according to their contemporary relevance, but can include topics such as: austerity politics, surveillance and privacy in the cyberspace, or the ascent of nationalist parties in contemporary Europe.
Individual Study
The individual study is designed to allow you to study in depth an area of special interest within the Politics discipline area, encouraging wide research, relative autonomy, timemanagement, disciplined pursuit of goals and the enhancement of knowledge and skills bases. In relation to benchmark aims you will be encouraged to tackle topics which will enhance knowledge of concepts, questions and approaches pivotal to the politics area, presented with a balanced view of the areas of contestation which are inherent within the discipline.
Likely optional modules
Contemporary Security
This module provides a general outline to study of security. You will first look at the conceptual and theoretical history of security studies. Themes to be examined will include: NATO after the end of the Cold War and the security priorities for the United Kingdom. This will be followed by an indepth study of what is known in the literature as ‘Critical Security Studies’. Here, the main theoretical schools – from the Copenhagen School to Post Colonialism will be discussed at length, supported by the analysis of specific case studies as diverse as the Arab Spring or global warming as a security issue. The third and last part of the module deals with the interaction between theory and technological development, focusing on postmodernity and risk as conceptual tools for the understanding of issues such as cybersecurity or the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the socalled drones.
EU Foreign Affairs
This offering provides an advanced but cutting edge exploration of the challenges surrounding contemporary EU foreign policy as the EU – in the wake of Lisbon Treaty implementation now strives to assert itself as a region, a foreign policy actor, a neighbour, and a source of European power. It will combine the ‘politics’ priorities of examining international institutions alongside national sovereignty and forms decision making, with the ‘international relations’ focus on regional and global issues pertaining to national interest, foreign policy, European foreign policy and international engagement.
EU Power and Strategy
This offering is set to provide you with a smooth transition to exploring the range of external dynamics facing the European Union as it strives to assert itself as a region, a foreign policy actor, a neighbour, and a source of European power. It will combine the ‘politics’ priorities of examining international institutions alongside national sovereignty and forms decision making, with the ‘international relations’ focus on regional and global issues pertaining to national interest, foreign policy, European foreign policy and international engagement. This module thus examines the foundational aspects of European strategic culture in terms of its historical development, conceptual schools of thought, empirical impact on decisionmaking modes, and case study examples highlighting the implementation of key EU outputs.
Parliamentary Studies
Parliament plays a key role in the British political system, but that role is often misunderstood. This module will explore this role, and adopt both a descriptive and analytical approach in doing so. It will provide an introduction to the Westminster Parliament, and examine where it fits into the political system as a representative institution. It will explore the key functions performed by parliament, in terms of deliberation, legislation and scrutiny, along with analysis of proposals to reform these functions. It will also examine the relationship between parliament and the public, and contemporary discussions about how this relationship might be improved. The module will cover both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and will also, where useful, include some analysis of the devolved institutions.
Politics of Migration
The module will aim to address a range of crucial political and ethical questions pertaining to the issue of migration perhaps one of the most ideologically contested topics in contemporary politics. This module will introduce you to the debates and controversies which surround the politics of migration in all its varied forms. This may include high and lowskilled labour migration, the ethics of migration, lifestyle migration, refugees, internally displaced persons and human trafficking. The module will outline how patterns of migration and perceptions of migrants have changed over time. We will examine how different forms of migration are governed at state, regional and global levels and the motivations for and effectiveness of practices and policies used by states and nonstate actors to manage, control, or protect migrants.
Contemporary Security
This module provides a general outline to study of security. You will first look at the conceptual and theoretical history of security studies. Themes to be examined will include: NATO after the end of the Cold War and the security priorities for the United Kingdom. This will be followed by an in-depth study of what is known in the literature as ‘Critical Security Studies’. Here, the main theoretical schools – from the Copenhagen School to Post-Colonialism - will be discussed at length, supported by the analysis of specific case studies as diverse as the Arab Spring or global warming as a security issue. The third and last part of the module deals with the interaction between theory and technological development, focusing on post-modernity and risk as conceptual tools for the understanding of issues such as cybersecurity or the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the so-called drones.
Foreign Policy Analysis
The aim of the module is to examine the nature of modern diplomacy and foreign policy in terms of how states formulate goals and use available instruments to achieve these on an international level. Why do some foreign policy choices end in success and others in failure? Is it the way decisions are made or policies are implemented? Who are the important actors and what factors influence their behaviour? What are the consequences of the rise of new powers and the shifts in priorities in a globalising world? Foreign Policy Analysis examines the nature of diplomacy and foreign policy in the 21st century. You will address both conceptual and empirical issues in relation to how foreign policy is designed and implemented. In terms of theoretical and conceptual analysis you will also critically analyse decision-making theories, consider questions of agency and structure and address theories of policy implementation. This module will also encourage you to address issues of truth and power and to question the relationship between academic work and practitioner reality.
In terms of practical empirical analysis, this module will explore in depth how foreign policy decisions are made in the context of a changing international system. Among other issues, we will address the impact of the rise of new global players, security in the post-Cold War and post-9/11 world and human security challenges which face those responsible for making foreign policy in the 21st century.
Parliamentary Studies
Parliament plays a key role in the British political system, but that role is often misunderstood. This module will explore this role, and adopt both a descriptive and analytical approach in doing so. It will provide an introduction to the Westminster Parliament, and examine where it fits into the political system as a representative institution. It will explore the key functions performed by parliament, in terms of deliberation, legislation and scrutiny, along with analysis of proposals to reform these functions. It will also examine the relationship between parliament and the public, and contemporary discussions about how this relationship might be improved. The module will cover both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and will also, where useful, include some analysis of the devolved institutions.
Politics of Migration
The module will aim to address a range of crucial political and ethical questions pertaining to the issue of migration - perhaps one of the most ideologically contested topics in contemporary politics. This module will introduce you to the debates and controversies which surround the politics of migration in all its varied forms. This may include high and low-skilled labour migration, the ethics of migration, lifestyle migration, refugees, internally displaced persons and human trafficking. The module will outline how patterns of migration and perceptions of migrants have changed over time. We will examine how different forms of migration are governed at state, regional and global levels and the motivations for and effectiveness of practices and policies used by states and non-state actors to manage, control, or protect migrants.
Radical Political Thought
The module will aim to address a range of crucial political and philosophical themes and issues at the heart of contemporary radical political thought, including Marxism/postMarxism and Anarchism/postAnarchism. Key thinkers to be explored include Althusser, Laclau and Mouffe, Geras, Badiou, and Žižek. Key questions will include: To what extent are the ‘problems of Marxism’ insurmountable for its reform? Is ideology a permanent aspect of human existence? Can a revolutionary ethics address the issue of ‘dirty hands’? How does desire motivate politics? Can we imagine a world free of ‘the state’? Is social clear still relevant for emancipatory politics? How important is the ecological ‘crisis’ for our understanding of radical politics? Can we imagine a world ‘beyond capitalism’? Is the ‘idea of communism’ dead?