Overview:

The BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations at Loughborough University examines how political ideas, institutions and relationships between states shape domestic and global affairs. The course connects political theory with contemporary international issues, helping students develop a deeper understanding of how governments, societies and international actors respond to complex challenges.

What You'll Learn:

• Foundations of academic study in politics, international relations and related disciplines

• Contemporary global issues, political actors and the relationship between theory and practice

• International political theories, concepts and major approaches to analysing world affairs

• The development and changing structure of the international order

• Political institutions, government and comparative politics

• The Cold War as a global system of rivalry, conflict and cooperation

• Research approaches and methods used in politics and international relations

• Research design, including developing questions, selecting methods and evaluating evidence

• Globalisation and its political, economic, cultural and developmental dimensions

• Specialist themes such as Asia-Pacific politics and contemporary political philosophy

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically assess political theories, concepts and institutions and apply them to contemporary domestic and international questions. They will be able to examine relationships between states and other actors, interpret major political developments, and evaluate different explanations of global events. Students will also develop the ability to formulate focused research questions, select suitable research methods, assess evidence and construct well-supported arguments. Through independent and collaborative academic work, they will strengthen their communication, analytical and research skills. The course also enables students to reflect critically on political decision-making, competing perspectives and their own position within wider political and international contexts.