BA Honours International Politics Degree

Overview & facilities

The BA International Political Studies Degree focuses on international politics, with theopportunity for specializing in areas such as Middle Eastern politics, European politics or International Political Economy. The course combines political theory and international relations and provides opportunities for internships in the political world.It would appeal tothose with a range of knowledgeand interestin current affairs. An A level in Politics is not required.

The International Political Studies degree aims to

• Support the acquisition of knowledge and skills in political studies
• Encourage your development of a critical approach to your studies, evaluating theory and evidence accordingly
• Equip you in effective written, oral and IT communications skills Develop your analytical, research and graduate skills relevant to a range of professions
• Encourage you to develop as an autonomous learner; and instil a culture of lifelong learning in you.

Why study International Political Studies at Middlesex

• Rated excellent in national quality reviews
• Placements with MPs, MEPs and pressure groups taken part-time whilst studying- not offered by most universities
• Diverse cohort of international students
• Teaching staff have impressive research pedigree

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Citizenship and Contemporary Society (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Citizenship is an expression of progress and modernity. It is therefore a critical idea in assessing the nature and the direction of change of modern society. The module aims to introduce students to the many dimensions of citizenship, the processes that have constituted it and the policies designed to improve it. It explores how the nature of citizenship has changed since the war, looking at the three periods of welfare, neo-liberalism and New Labour. Citizenship is made up of civil, political and social rights; the module charts how and why these rights have changed and examines their expression in contemporary society. In order to do this it focuses on key historical periods and issues which have the greatest influence upon citizenship. The module also develops student s skills in critical reading and argument. This will be developed formally through lectures but primarily by using citizenship-related material in the workshops and encouraging students to develop their skills in critical reading and analysis of argument as well as developing their ability to construct their own arguments. The module also includes their personal and career development skills through a combination of critical reflection on their performance, guest lectures from the careers service and the use of the learning diary.

  Introduction to Politics (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Introduces students to fundamental concepts of Political Science and the distinctions which can be drawn between theoretical and empirical approaches to the subject. Provides a preparation for subsequent modules which build upon and reinforce levels of competency gained at this stage. Includes questions on the nature of politics, the relationship between the state and civil society, authority and legitimacy.

  Social Science in the Contemporary World (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module introduces students to methods and theories that underpin the social sciences as well as giving them a grounding in key political processes, institutions and forms of global socio-economic change. The module provides a preparation for studying such approaches and phenomenon more critically and in greater detail in years two and three.

  The Construction of the Third World (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to introduce students to the processes that have shaped, and continue to shape, the contemporary First and Third Worlds. The module explores how the Third World was geographically and historically constructed through processes of colonialism and post-colonial development policies in order to better understand how these have shaped the contemporary development landscape in both its professional and popular imaginations. Since the year 2000 the development agenda has been dominated by the Millennium Development Goals MDGs and their achievement has become a priority for governments and development agencies. Through critical examination of the MDG framework, those aspects that are contained within it and those omitted from it, contemporary notions of development will be critically analysed.

• Year 2

  Approaches to Research in Social Science (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module is designed for students studying programmes in the social sciences. The module aims to develop students critical evaluation of the range of appropriate quantitative and qualitative research methodologies available, and the underlying philosophical and ethical principles of social research. The module aims to make clear the links between theory, method and data as well as defining what data is within different research paradigms and the various ways of generating and analysing it. The module aims to evaluate and critique published research. Emphasis is placed on developing awareness and critique of secondary sources and especially the use of official statistics. The module will also provide an overview of the theoretical basis of social research. The module also aims to prepare students for the development of a proposal for their final year project. Throughout the module students will apply the various components of research methods to the specific subject of the programme they are studying.

  Comparative Politics (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Comparative Politics examines the different political systems of the developed and developing worlds. The module considers the patterns of political behaviour adopted by very different forms of government across the world

  Globalism: An Introduction to International Political Economy (30 Credits) - Optional

  You will explore, historically and conceptually, the interplay of economics and politics at the global level. The economic, political and cultural implications of living in an increasingly inter-dependent world are explored. You will examine the workings of the global economy and key issues of global governance, both theoretically and empirically.

  International Political Theory (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Introduces students to the main theories, concepts and themes of international relations. The rival paradigms of the discipline are initially explored and then applied to the understanding of key topics of relations between states and also non-state global actors.

  Placement Learning (30 Credits) - Optional

  Placement learning aims to link academic learning to a placement organisation providing an opportunity to apply, consolidate and develop skills and knowledge from University to the placement and future employment. This practical experience module provides the means for students to link academic work with the real world situation in order to conceptualise the meaning of theory in the wider world context. This module facilitates the embedding of transferable and graduate skills necessary for future career paths and employment. It is envisaged the student will reflect upon areas of knowledge relevant to the placement learning experience and develop personal knowledge through a review of their learning. The placement learning experience provides students with the opportunity to enhance their skills of self expression, communication, self reliance and co-operation. Students will also engage in risk assessment.

  Politics of Europe (30 Credits) - Optional

  The module provides an introduction to the political institutions and policy-making processes of the European Union and contemporary international political developments across the whole of Europe. This module facilitates an empirical and theoretical understanding of how the EU has evolved and operates today. The politics of transition in former Communist states are then explored along with analysis of the Geopolitics of South East Europe to provide a through appreciation of what is Europe .

• Year 3

  Critical issues in Geopolitics (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module builds upon knowledge acquired in the Level 2 modules comparative Politics and International Political Theory. Students will apply theories and concepts explored in those modules to a range of contemporary global political issues. A more advanced, critical appreciation of international politics will be gained along with a more detailed understanding of key geopolitical issues of the day.

  Disasters Development (30 Credits) - Optional

  Many feel that the World is becoming a more dangerous place as the number and severity of natural events, such as the Boxing day Tsunami of 2005, appear to have increased in recent years. Rather than examining how nature produces such hazards, the module focuses on how these hazardous events become disasters through examination of their differentiated impact on the human population. The module considers what happens after an event like a hurricane, and focuses on the often marginalised aspects of disasters, such as the psychosocial impact on those who survive and secondary disasters that follow such as gender based violence. The module aims to highlight how disasters are as much political, social and economic events as they are natural occurrences.

  Dissertation (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to synthesise learning from the students undergraduate programme providing an opportunity for students to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity, an inquiry based approach, the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. Students will select a topic of personal interest they wish to study further and will manage their own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period of independent study.

  Globalism: An Introduction to International Political Economy (30 Credits) - Optional

  You will explore, historically and conceptually, the interplay of economics and politics at the global level. The economic, political and cultural implications of living in an increasingly inter-dependent world are explored. You will examine the workings of the global economy and key issues of global governance, both theoretically and empirically.

  Migration, Racism and Citizenship (30 Credits) - Optional

  To provide a critical understanding of contemporary migratory processes, migrant communities and experiences and issues of citizenship. To provide an understanding of the sources and methods appropriate to the study of migration and migrant communities.

  Placement Learning (30 Credits) - Optional

  Placement learning aims to link academic learning to a placement organisation providing an opportunity to apply, consolidate and develop skills and knowledge from University to the placement and future employment. This practical experience module provides the means for students to link academic work with the real world situation in order to conceptualise the meaning of theory in the wider world context. This module facilitates the embedding of transferable and graduate skills necessary for future career paths and employment. It is envisaged the student will reflect upon areas of knowledge relevant to the placement learning experience and develop personal knowledge through a review of their learning. The placement learning experience provides students with the opportunity to enhance their skills of self expression, communication, self reliance and co-operation. Students will also engage in risk assessment.

  Politics of Europe (30 Credits) - Optional

  The module provides an introduction to the political institutions and policy-making processes of the European Union and contemporary international political developments across the whole of Europe. This module facilitates an empirical and theoretical understanding of how the EU has evolved and operates today. The politics of transition in former Communist states are then explored along with analysis of the Geopolitics of South East Europe to provide a through appreciation of what is Europe .

  Public International Law (30 Credits) - Optional

  Module aims: to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the principles of public international law in order to enable students to extend their ability to evaluate and analyse legal issues in the international context, often dealing with topical concerns. Whether it is debates over the legality of the use of armed force, the protection of the environment or the extent of individual responsibility for war crimes, questions of public international law are often in the news.

Entry & applying

Entry requirements

We normally require 200-280 tariff points for entry onto undergraduate courses. However, some degrees may require additional entry requirements, for example a portfolio or an audition.

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Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. 

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements