International Relations with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) - 2023/4

Other information

The Foundation Year is effectively Year Zero of an undergraduate programme. It will be made up of five separate compulsory modules, three at 15 credits, one at 30 credits and one year-long module at 45 credits. Students will be full-time and will be expected to achieve 50% to pass. For progression they will need to achieve 50%. Taught aspects will include lectures, seminars, workshops and guest lectures and an experiential workshop. There will be no formal award on completion, but a letter will be supplied outlining personal and academic development across the year. In moving to the BSc programme students will develop the following.

Resourcefulness and resilience: Students are offered numerous opportunities for receiving support throughout their studies with the presence of a strong departmental network both in academic and pastoral terms. The programmes however are designed to increase students inquisitive nature and learn to go beyond their object of study, extend the scope of their knowledge and encouraged to challenge established knowledge. In this way, they develop a mindset based on grabbing opportunities, on seeking for alternative solutions, on leading the next generation of thinkers, and on standing on their own feet. Every module challenges conventional thinking, and offers a series of problems that require solutions. Hence, across the programme students learn to respond creatively, and with confidence, to opportunities, challenges and setbacks, find their own solutions with an increasing level of independence, and reflect and learn from their own experiences and from the world around them in social, political and economic terms.

Digital Capabilities: This programme offers a continuous engagement with the University¿s Virtual Learning Environment (SurreyLearn). Modules and assignments utilise SurreyLearn as a scaffolding platform that allows students to benefit from other digital resources, video content and online databases. The programme contains dedicated modules that facilitate the development of students as researchers, becoming well versed in statistics, visual analysis, qualitative content analysis, use of existing datasets and by extension, becoming well-versed in incorporating these tools in their own work (formative or summative). Within specific modules, online collaborative tools are encouraged as well as extensive training on our digital footprint in society and beyond, and the importance of digital capabilities in international affairs, modern democratic systems and policymaking processes.

Employability: All modules contain skills-based assignments and authentic assessment that helps students prepare for the real world and are designed with the feedback the Department receives from employers as to what they are looking for in graduates. The programme is designed as a Bachelor of Science, meaning the training in research methods prepares students for the job market. Exposure to R and other contemporary tools, preparation of policy briefs, simulation games, and direct engagement with practitioners through masterclasses and guest lectures means that students are acquiring a first-hand taste of the world beyond academia. The programme nurtures future leaders in politics and international relations, and public affairs more widely by developing critical thinking and analysis, applied skills in terms of methods and research design, high quality assessment of evidence and information, as well as generative thinking that can lead to innovative ideas and solution-driven graduates. The programme refreshes by default as it follows current affairs and political developments, so students remain always up to date. Finally, professional training opportunities are available to all students in between their second and final year as part of the PTY offering, alongside opportunities within the Department to engage in professional experience activities and projects.

Global and Cultural Capabilities: the nature of politics, international relations and public affairs more widely requires the development of global and cultural capabilities. Exploring issues that extend beyond domestic borders and jurisdictions, looking at transnational cooperation and dealing with issues of equality, diversity and inclusion, students are exposed to a spectrum of different opinions where they have to substantiate their point of view, demonstrate empathy for others¿ opinions and conditions, and debate contemporary issues that concern modern political dialogue. Discussions around inequalities, structural barriers, political traditions, policy styles and recognising the diversity of political systems across different parts of the world becomes central in the development of students¿ knowledge, and prominent lenses in completing assignments, reading, and other learning activities in the classroom and beyond. The programme benefits from the ability of students to take on a Professional Training Year opportunity and study and work anywhere in the world as they wish and according to University policy.

Sustainability: From the very beginning of their studies, students begin to consider the future of our societies within a political and international context and how decisions taken today may affect the world outlook tomorrow. Therefore, issues of sustainable societies are at the forefront, alongside the political aspects of global and transregional environmental problems that lead to conflict, migration, displacement, inequalities and availability of resources required for sustainable state, international system and global society. Students have the opportunity to further explore such issues in their own research project and benefit from the wider University opportunities for collaboration with relevant researchers and sustainability practitioners that are brought in as guests in many modules.