International Relations and Global Challenges

Put concepts and theories of international relations under critical scrutiny as you examine key approaches in the field. You will explore mainstream approaches to international relations from realism to neoliberalism, before applying theories to different areas and continents including Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and the polar regions. This module gives you the tools you need to deepen your understanding of world events, international organisations and how nations respond to global challenges.

This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to Security Studies. The module focuses on the main approaches and methods used by experts in the field to conduct research and analyse major security issues both military and non-military. The module provides an overview of the major issues of the field, which can include military security, human security, New Wars, interstate/intra-state conflict, environmental security, food security, cyber security, etc.

How to contribute to the field of international relations yourself is at the centre of this module. You’ll develop advanced skills in evaluating and conducting a range of research methods in politics and the social sciences, with a focus on qualitative approaches. This will give you analytical skills vital for a range of careers and your own final dissertation project.

This module offers you the chance to develop a critical understanding of the scope and nature of terrorism as it relates to the Middle East. You will develop the ability to differentiate between varying forms of terrorism in relation to the political and societal context from which they originate and the differing domestic, regional and international responses they provoke.

This module considers the complex relationship between politics, strategy and security. You will examine traditional and enduring topics such as the dynamics of war, terrorism, nuclear deterrence and weapons proliferation, as well as non-violent security concerns such as environmental degradation and international trade and economics. The module provides the opportunity to explore key historical and contemporary issues in strategic and security studies, by applying the theoretical and conceptual tools of strategic and security studies to real-world examples.

As the Cold War ended, optimism for more peaceful and secure world was dampened by the prevalence of widespread political violence, most commonly in the form of civil war. On this module, you will be focusing on civil and war and be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the study of conflict and development, examining the core debates within the field. You will learn how to analyse, the root causes, dynamics and consequences or armed conflict, with an understanding of how conflict interacts with development and prosperity.

On this module, you will be led through discussions and analyses of many of the major terrorist and counter-terrorist campaigns seen in Europe since 1945. The module has a comparative element, and will provide students with an advanced understanding and critical awareness of the current state of scholarship on this field of study.

On this module will gain a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the current issues raised by security, intelligence, terrorism and counter-terrorism, and of scholarship in these fields of study. You will study concepts such as security, surveillance and terrorism threats posed to Western states since the end of the Cold War, and how states and corporate actors have responded to those threats.

If you pass the taught component of the course you may then proceed to the 14,000 word dissertation, which is worth 60 credits. You will complete an individual research project into an aspect of international relations of your choice, with close tutor support. Those not wishing to continue onto the dissertation can be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma if leaving the course at this stage.