BA (Hons) Geography with International Relations

PIR4003
Imagining World Order 20 credits

This module introduces the essential terms, concepts and processes of international relations analysis. It describes the main features of the international system since its evolution from the Treaty of Westphalia, continuities and discontinuities with earlier international systems, plus the move from state sovereignty to global governance in the contemporary context. It also introduces the primary theories of international relations analysis, whilst putting their emergence and development into historical context.

PIR4005
International Relations Since 1945 20 credits

This module provides an introduction to the historical development of the international political system since 1945. It provides a crucial background to the major processes and actors that have shaped the contemporary international system.

GEES2000
Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module explores the role of placements, work experience and volunteering for enhancing employability whilst at university and as a future graduate. It considers placement options (types, durations) and supports students in developing applications and preparing for interviews.

PIR5008
International Security Studies 20 credits

This module considers the issue of security in contemporary international relations. It examines a variety of different security concepts from deterrence and the security dilemma to arms control, peacekeeping, terrorism, regional security complexes and governance. It then seeks to relate these to practical examples from world politics.

PIR5005
Democracy in the UK: An Introduction to British Politics 20 credits

This module presents an introduction to a basic understanding of how governance and democracy is organised in the United Kingdom. We explore the post war history of the UK, its evolving constitutional settlement, political institutions, regions, political parties, and devolution. We apply theoretical notions of democracy to the empirical reality of political life in the United Kingdom in the present day, against the backdrop of declining trust in institutions and eroding political engagement.

PIR5001
The Politics of the European Union 20 credits

This module introduces students to the history, structure, tensions and potential future development of the European Union. It examines these within the context of theories of democracy and power. There is a specific focus on the unique supranational element of the EU and the multilevel politics involved. It also offers case studies of key policies and the experience of specific states within the EU. Furthermore, Brexit and the process of leaving the European Union is covered.

PIR5002
Global Governance and the United Nations 20 credits

This module explores the transformation of political community in the 21st century through the prism of international institutions such as the United Nations. The module offers an overview of international institutions and considers various theoretical approaches to understanding the resulting regimes of global governance. The aim is to evaluate the nature of ‘governance’ in world politics.

GEES3000
Placement 0 credits

This module is a placement position, where a student undertakes a programme of work within a host company or organisation. The placement occurs within a yearlong period, meeting minimum duration requirements. Students experience applying their degree, experience professional practice, develop enhanced subject-related knowledge and skills, and undergo personal-professional development.

GEES3001
Work Based Learning in Geography and Sustainability 20 credits

This module provides an opportunity for students to experience professional practice in environmental management and sustainability. Students will undertake a minimum of 100 hours service with a professional organisation (private, public or third sector). You will investigate the organisation's practice in environmental management and sustainability and further develop professional attitudes and behaviours.

PIR6002
NATO after the Cold War and Beyond 20 credits

This module proposes to study the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) from a theoretical as well policy point of view. The aim is to investigate the relevance of NATO in the 21st century by looking at how NATO survived and developed in the aftermath of the Cold War as it appeared to have lost its original purpose of containing the Soviet Union. By looking at key developments within NATO in the post-Cold War period, this module also looks at the challenges which NATO has faced and overcome but it also critically reflects on the contemporary relevance of NATO.

PIR6009
Mao to Now: the Politics of Modern China 20 credits

This module introduces students to politics in China. It provides them with the analytical skills and historical understanding to examine the structure of the contemporary Chinese state, looking in particular at Maoist legacies, nationalism and ideology, the relationships between party, law, state and market, and China’s involvement in international affairs.

PIR6006
The Politics of the United States 20 credits

This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of politics in the United States. While domestic politics are privileged, consideration is given to the foreign policy of the US. Specific emphasis placed on the role of the Constitution and institutions of governance in promoting (or inhibiting) democracy both domestically and abroad.

PIR6003
Africa in the International System 20 credits

This module provides an introduction to African politics, examining the historical, economic and socio-political developments of over fifty states with a strong regional emphasis, and a particular focus on political economy, state-society relations, foreign policy and conflict analysis. The module’s regional focus allows comparison between different approaches to international relations. It also seeks to provide the tools to analyse and understand what is going on in Africa today.

PIR6004
Europe in the World 20 credits

Europe includes the European Union (the world’s major trading bloc and its most integrated regional institution) as well as many states of importance in their own right. This module takes a holistic look at the EU’s role in the world and the link between its economic and political presence. Furthermore it analyses the role of individual European states (inside and outside the EU). Apart from the policies and strategies of European actors vis-à-vis Russia, the US, China and countries in the Middle East and Africa it will also cover these states’ opinions of Europe and the European Union.