Politics with International Relations (with Foundation Year)
UCAS code: L24X
COURSE OVERVIEW
*Subject to revalidation
- Develop your knowledge and analytical skills to understand politics at domestic, regional and international levels
- Join a department that has averaged over 95% overall satisfaction since 2013 in National Student Surveys of final-year undergraduate students
- Benefit from small numbers in tutorials, which allow for rewarding discussions and debates and closer interaction with our expert staff
- Pursue your own interests through a wide range of specialist optional modules, which cover topical issues such as The War on Terror, 21st Century Africa and The Ethics of the Post‐Crash Economy
How on earth do we make sense of Brexit, Trump and terrorism? Why do countries go to war? And how can I actively participate in policy making?
Our compelling course and enthusiastic team of expert lecturers will help you answer these questions and get to grips with the complexity of domestic, regional and international political life.
Over three years, you gain a thorough overview of the key forces and trends driving politics in a wide range of areas such as the environment, human and animal rights, conventional and non-conventional security threats, diplomacy, strategy, China’s rise, the future role of the EU and the US.
In today’s world of uncertain alliances and emerging popular movements, there is a new demand for experts who are equipped with the skills and knowledge to analyse global politics. You learn the various theoretical tools that are available to undertake such analyses and apply them to current political affairs.
On our distinctive programme you are encouraged to become an independent, critical inquirer and aspirational learner. Each module is designed by members of staff to reflect current debates within their disciplines and is shaped by their areas of research expertise.
A Foundation Year is the perfect way to boost your academic skills, build your confidence and develop your wider subject knowledge so you can succeed at Winchester. This course offers an extra year of study at the start (Year 0) which leads onto a full degree programme (Years 1, 2 and 3).
A Foundation Year is ideal if you are returning to education after a break; haven’t quite achieved the entry qualifications required; are wanting more support during the transition to studying at university; or are unsure about which subject you wish to pursue.
In Year 0, you will study a set of modules from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences which are designed to develop your academic and practical skills. This broader focus in your first year introduces you to studying at university level and provides you with a better understanding of Politics, International Relations and related subjects.
You will experience a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussion-based seminars and independent study. You will also receive support to boost your academic skills to prepare you for the rest of your time at Winchester. Find out more and hear from our Foundation Year students at winchester.ac.uk/foundation
Year 1 (second year of study) gives you a solid grounding in global political studies, including an introduction to International Relations, British and American Politics, Human Rights in the Global Political Economy and Principles of Micro- and Macroeconomics.
In Year 2 (third year of study), you study the institutions and concepts behind US and Russian foreign policies, Strategic and Security Studies, Southern Cultures, Political and Religious Themes in the Near and Middle East and International Law.
Your final year features compulsory modules in Diplomatic Studies, China: 21st Century Challenges, Politics of International Courts, Human Rights in World Politics, and Politics, Energy and the Environment. Having built up an understanding of the core research methods and taught modules, you undertake a dissertation on a topic of your choice; this is a significant piece of independent research supported by expert supervision.
Throughout Years 2 (third year of study) and 3 (fourth year of study) you can choose from a wide range of optional modules to explore your special interests. These may include The War on Terror, The Modern American Presidency, Sexual Violence and Politics, The Politics of Food Production, and The Ethics of the Post‐Crash Economy.
Find out more about the Department for Applied Social Science, Forensics and Politics
Careers
Our graduates bring a global perspective as well as transferable skills in time management, problem solving and critical thinking to the workplace. They are prepared to address many of the complex issues facing the modern world.
These skills open up a number of career paths to you, including roles in national and local government, the civil and foreign service, interest groups, non-government organisations and charities. You may also find rewarding roles in education, business, the military and media.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
University of Winchester students studying Bachelor Honours degrees are pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible students must apply by the end of March in their final year and meet the entry requirements of their chosen Masters degree.
*Subject to revalidation
This course is subject to revalidation. 'Revalidation' is the process by which the University refreshes its existing provision. Revalidation assesses the quality and standards of the programme to ensure it continues to provide a distinct, high quality academic experience for students, enabling them to acquire the necessary academic knowledge, understanding, general and subject-specific skills required to pursue a graduate level career.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Suitable for applications from:
UK, EU, World
Work placements
You have the opportunity to undertake professional practice placements during the programme for three months, six months or one year. Three or six month placements can be taken as part of credit bearing modules, allowing you to undertake a work placement and still graduate within three years.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 0 (Level 3): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 216 hours
- Independent learning: 984 hours
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 204 hours
- Independent learning: 996 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 216 hours
- Independent learning: 984 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 156 hours
- Independent learning: 1044 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 0 (Level 3)*:
- 80% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 20% practical exams
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
- 56% coursework
- 44% written exams
- 0% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
- 100% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 0% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
- 89% coursework
- 11% written exams
- 0% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2023 Entry: 48 UCAS tariff points
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: EEE from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations
- BTEC/CTEC: PPP from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 1 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
- GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Course Enquiries and Applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
International Students
International students seeking additional information about this programme can send an email to International@winchester.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1962 827023
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Days
Year 0 (Level 3)
Modules Credits
Succeeding at University | 15 | |
Succeeding at University introduces you to learning in higher education and provides you with a framework for reflection and understanding of your own personal learning identity as well as tools for continuing educational success. |
||
Making Sense of the World: The Tools for Argument and Analysis | 15 | |
This module is designed to enable you to develop the key critical thinking skills necessary for university study and beyond. Through a combination of lectures and small group seminars the class will discuss many of the key issues that underpin discussion of all academic disciplines. The lectures will introduce key themes and issues that enable students to make sense of the world in a critical fashion while the seminars will allow students to discuss these issues and engage with key readings each week. You are encouraged to apply these abstract concepts to your specific degree path. |
||
Humanity’s Big Question | 15 | |
Making Sense of Society | 15 | |
Pathways to Peace | 15 | |
Society’s Big Questions | 15 | |
Big Events in History | 15 | |
Optional Modules | ||
|
Optional Credits
Succeeding at University | 15 | |
Succeeding at University introduces you to learning in higher education and provides you with a framework for reflection and understanding of your own personal learning identity as well as tools for continuing educational success. |
||
Making Sense of the World: The Tools for Argument and Analysis | 15 | |
This module is designed to enable you to develop the key critical thinking skills necessary for university study and beyond. Through a combination of lectures and small group seminars the class will discuss many of the key issues that underpin discussion of all academic disciplines. The lectures will introduce key themes and issues that enable students to make sense of the world in a critical fashion while the seminars will allow students to discuss these issues and engage with key readings each week. You are encouraged to apply these abstract concepts to your specific degree path. |
||
Humanity’s Big Question | 15 | |
Making Sense of Society | 15 | |
Pathways to Peace | 15 | |
Society’s Big Questions | 15 | |
Big Events in History | 15 | |
Optional Modules | ||
|
Year 1 (Level 4)
Modules Credits
Introduction to Global Politics and Philosophy | 30 | |
This module introduces significant themes, theoretical perspectives and concepts in Politics and Global Studies, and aims to develop an initial understanding of the methodologies and practices of the discipline of Politics where it comes into contact with related subject areas such as international relations, economics, the environment and religion. This module aims to develop an understanding of Global Politics. By covering the theory and practice of politics in terms of examining different political systems such as representative, parliamentary democracy and their institutions of government, the role of interest groups, electoral systems, voting behaviour, public policy, human rights, security studies, international economic relations, dictatorships and one party states will give a grounding in how political processes work. The course then goes on to examine the philosophical underpinnings of differing systems of government by looking at ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, communism and socialism that originated in the Western world and comparing and contrasting systems of government elsewhere in the world where such beliefs have been used, adapted or rejected. |
||
Introduction to International Relations | 15 | |
This module outlines the key theoretical perspectives within International Relations. It will provide students with an overview of the development of the discipline of International Relations considering key historical eras. The module assists students in developing a theoretical vocabulary by introducing them to the major approaches and their critiques within the discipline. It will also draw upon empirical examples of historical and contemporary significance and equip students to describe, analysis and understand them. For example, war, peace, globalisation and terrorism. Students will be encouraged to critically engage with these issues in order to comprehend the way in which different theoretical approaches shape meaning and understanding of them. |
||
Introduction to British Politics | 15 | |
This module aims to introduce students to contemporary debates within British politics. Whilst focusing on contemporary issues, this module will also help students to understand the context and history of British political development. By focusing on British politics, students will be able to understand how British parliamentary democracy works. This will involve looking at political parties, the Great Offices of state, the role of the media and Britain's foreign relations and how the post-Brexit environment will impact on British politics. |
||
Human Rights in the Global Political Economy | 15 | |
Human rights have been called the ‘idea of our time.’ In the post-World War Two period this ‘idea’ has achieved a totemic status, associated with civility and modernity. Against this, however, are the widespread reports of torture, genocide, disappearances, ethnic cleansing, political prisoners, the suppression of trade unions and democracy movements, and willful deprivation of access to the basic necessities of life. One of the causes for the apparent disjuncture between the optimism represented by the idea of human rights, and the pessimism engendered by media reports of widespread violation of human rights, can be found in what John Vincent has called ‘human rights talk’. Human rights is not a singular discourse, but three overlapping discourses: philosophy, law and politics. We will critically explore these three discourses historically, culturally and in their contemporary form, and seek to gain an insight into the role of human rights under conditions of present-day globalization. |
||
United States Politics and Society | 15 | |
This module examines the ideas and themes in American politics, with particular emphasis on the contemporary situation. It will incorporate key theories of political science and political philosophy, looking at such themes as separation of powers and ideas including American liberalism and American conservatism. It will also look at the contemporary policy debates in America at present, such as healthcare and the size of the government. The module should provide sufficient foundational knowledge of the American political system, not least in the context of the controversies raised during and after the 2016 Presidential election, which will aid future study, especially in other modules like Modern American Presidency and US Foreign Policy. |
||
Principles of Micro‐ and Macro Economics | 30 | |
This module introduces students to the field of economics. The first semester focuses on Microeconomics, studying the behaviour of individual agents and their interaction in markets. The second semester focuses on Macroeconomics, the study of the economy at the aggregate level, and the fundamental policy choices that are associated with it. Students will learn a range of vocabulary and concepts that allow them to model and understand economic situations, to predict the consequences of changing a particular variable, and to determine the best economic course of action for agents. During the semester, students will undertake a range of exercises to be held during seminars. These will contribute to develop those skills that will be tested in two assignments, due at the end of each semester, and the final exam, taking place during assessment week. |
Year 2 (Level 5)
Modules Credits
Global Governance | 15 | |
This module focuses on the workings of international institutions and the on-going debates that seek to reform them. Starting with the United Nations and other post-WWII institutions, the module moves on to cover a range of international institutions and non-government organisations that have a role in politics and global studies. The module will assess the relations between international institutions and the state (and other actors) and the degree of cooperation, collaboration and harmonisation (or otherwise) that exists between various bodies in a global setting. |
||
Optional Modules | ||
|
||
Research Methods | 15 | |
This module provides students with an overview of research methods employed in the Social Sciences and they will learn to use a variety of the basic quantitative and qualitative methods. Students will work with tutors to sharpen their skills in researching, collating, organising, assessing and presenting materials drawn from different primary and secondary sources such as monographs, articles, newspapers, speeches and national statistics. The module will critically explore the appropriate use of different techniques. The underlying debates about research methodology and directly provide students with concrete tools to conduct independent research. The module ultimately guides students towards an independent research proposal and prepares them for the dissertation in the final year. |
Optional Credits
Global Governance | 15 | |
This module focuses on the workings of international institutions and the on-going debates that seek to reform them. Starting with the United Nations and other post-WWII institutions, the module moves on to cover a range of international institutions and non-government organisations that have a role in politics and global studies. The module will assess the relations between international institutions and the state (and other actors) and the degree of cooperation, collaboration and harmonisation (or otherwise) that exists between various bodies in a global setting. |
||
Optional Modules | ||
|
||
Research Methods | 15 | |
This module provides students with an overview of research methods employed in the Social Sciences and they will learn to use a variety of the basic quantitative and qualitative methods. Students will work with tutors to sharpen their skills in researching, collating, organising, assessing and presenting materials drawn from different primary and secondary sources such as monographs, articles, newspapers, speeches and national statistics. The module will critically explore the appropriate use of different techniques. The underlying debates about research methodology and directly provide students with concrete tools to conduct independent research. The module ultimately guides students towards an independent research proposal and prepares them for the dissertation in the final year. |
Year 3 (Level 6)
Modules Credits
Dissertation | 30 | |
This is a dissertation of between 8,000 and 10,000 words on a subject of the students’ choice (subject to approval). Study is primarily student-directed, with regular supervision supplied by tutors teaching in the subject. It is mandatory for Single Honours students; Joint students can choose which field to take their dissertation within. |
||
Foreign Policy Analysis | 15 | |
This module examines the nature of foreign policy decisions, including the process of decision-making and the actual foreign policies pursued by state actors. This module begins by considering the nature of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) before introducing levels of analysis and their relationship to international relations theory as key tools for understanding and explaining how and why foreign policy decisions are made. This module explores a range contemporary and classic case-study examples to illustrate the role of individual leaders in foreign policy decision-making, the interplay of domestic and international politics in FPA, regional and international or systemic influences on foreign policy and key debates in the field, such as the rise of ‘civilian powers’, including supra-national foreign policy actors, such as the EU, and the problem of explaining continuity and change in FPA. |
||
Optional Modules | ||
|
Optional Credits
Dissertation | 30 | |
This is a dissertation of between 8,000 and 10,000 words on a subject of the students’ choice (subject to approval). Study is primarily student-directed, with regular supervision supplied by tutors teaching in the subject. It is mandatory for Single Honours students; Joint students can choose which field to take their dissertation within. |
||
Foreign Policy Analysis | 15 | |
This module examines the nature of foreign policy decisions, including the process of decision-making and the actual foreign policies pursued by state actors. This module begins by considering the nature of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) before introducing levels of analysis and their relationship to international relations theory as key tools for understanding and explaining how and why foreign policy decisions are made. This module explores a range contemporary and classic case-study examples to illustrate the role of individual leaders in foreign policy decision-making, the interplay of domestic and international politics in FPA, regional and international or systemic influences on foreign policy and key debates in the field, such as the rise of ‘civilian powers’, including supra-national foreign policy actors, such as the EU, and the problem of explaining continuity and change in FPA. |
||
Optional Modules | ||
|
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2023 Course Tuition Fees
UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International | |
---|---|---|
Year 1 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Year 2 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Year 3 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Year 4 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Total | £37,000 | £58,800 |
Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,385 | £1,440 |
Total with Sandwich Year | £38,385 | £60,240 |
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2023, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a four-year degree would be £37,000 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £1,837.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
Additional Costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Mandatory Costs
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
Course specific bursaries/scholarships
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
Key course details
- UCAS code
- L24X
- Duration
- 4 years full-time
- Typical offer
- 48 points
- Location
- On campus, Winchester