International Relations with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) - 2025/6
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 6
Final award and programme/pathway title
BSc (Hons) International Relations with Foundation Year
Subsidiary award(s)
Award | Title |
---|---|
Ord | International Relations with Foundation Year |
DipHE | International Relations with Foundation Year |
CertHE | International Relations with Foundation Year |
Modes of study
Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
Full-time | ULB10019 | 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits |
Full-time with PTY | ULB10027 | 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences - Politics & International Relations
Programme Leader
KESHISHI Nayiri (Law)
Date of production/revision of spec
11/12/2024
Educational aims of the programme
- Developing in students an ability to interpret real world social science events and critically assess a range of types of evidence
- Developing in students the ability to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired to the solution of theoretical and applied problems in the social sciences
- Developing in students the skills and aptitudes, academic and personal, for successful transition into HE4-6 level study.
- Developing in students, through the study of social sciences, a range of generic skills that will be of value in employment and self-employment
- Embedding digital skills
- Equipping students with appropriate tools of analysis to tackle issues and problems associated with social science policy-making in a global context
- Providing students with a knowledge of ethical frameworks and their repercussions for decision making
- Providing students with analytical skills and an ability to develop simplifying frameworks for studying the real world
- Providing students with knowledge in social science concepts, theories, ideas and tools and their application
Programme learning outcomes
Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key legal, and sociopolitical concepts and theories, and critically evaluate models and approaches that facilitate decision-making and application to real-world contexts in the fields of law, politics, sociology, criminology and media. | KC | ||
Show critical understanding of different influences upon decision-making, including global, ethical, and cultural factors, by examining their impact on legal systems, political processes, societal norms, and criminological practices. Be aware of the international legal and political environment and current global sociopolitical trends. | KC | ||
Demonstrate creative problem-solving and decision-making skills in complex and unpredictable social contexts, with an awareness of essential functions within legal, political, sociological, and criminological systems, taking into account competing priorities and ethical considerations. | KCPT | ||
Critically analyze the characteristics of entrepreneurship within the context of social sciences, considering legal, political, and sociological factors. Demonstrate an understanding of how entrepreneurship and innovation can address societal issues | KCPT | ||
Interpret, analyze, and synthesize information and data to compare and contrast the socio-economic and political performance of nations, legal systems, and societal structures, displaying appropriate quantitative skills where applicable. | KC | ||
Use well-developed digital skills to conduct research and analyze data in the context of social science disciplines. Make creative use of a range of digital technologies for information, communication, and problem-solving in contemporary legal, political, sociological, and criminological contexts. | CPT | ||
Show confidence, resilience, and independence as a learner, learn from feedback, and improve your performance through critical reflection, particularly in relation to legal, political, sociological, and criminological issues. Develop resourceful approaches to time management and organization to meet academic and professional deadlines. | CPT | ||
Demonstrate oral communication skills appropriate for academic work, including the skills and confidence necessary to deliver engaging presentations on topics related to law, politics, sociology, criminology and media. | KPT | ||
Demonstrate written communication skills appropriate for academic work, understanding the conventions for writing in different genres acceptable to an academic audience, including an understanding of how to use sources appropriately in academic work, using relevant referencing techniques within the context of social science disciplines. | T | ||
Show evidence of effective teamwork in completing group tasks with strong interpersonal skills and communication. Evaluate leadership within the context of social science disciplines, recognizing how leadership and collaboration influence legal, political, sociological, and criminological outcomes. | PT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of a Foundation Year and 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are based on a 15-credit tariff
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Full-time with PTY
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over five academic years, consisting of a Foundation Year, an optional professional training year and 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are based on a 15-credit tariff
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 0 - FHEQ Level 3
Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|---|---|
LAW0001 | CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN LAW | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
POL0001 | CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN POLITICS | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
SOC0001 | CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN SOCIOLOGY | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
SOC0002 | TACKLING SOCIAL ISSUES | Compulsory | 45 | Year-long |
SOC0004 | CHALLENGE WEEK | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
SOC0005 | APPLIED RESEARCH SKILLS | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
Module Selection for Year 0 - FHEQ Level 3
For further information on FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 please view the programme specification for the full-time BSc (Hons) International Relations programme.
Year 0 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 3
Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|---|---|
LAW0001 | CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN LAW | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
POL0001 | CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN POLITICS | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
SOC0001 | CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN SOCIOLOGY | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
SOC0002 | TACKLING SOCIAL ISSUES | Compulsory | 45 | Year-long |
SOC0004 | CHALLENGE WEEK | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
SOC0005 | APPLIED RESEARCH SKILLS | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
Module Selection for Year 0 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 3
For further information on FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 and professional training year please view the programme specification for the full-time with PTY BSc (Hons) International Relations programme
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
Dual degree | N |
Other information
The Foundation Year programme is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Digital Capabilities, Employability, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Resourcefulness and Resilience, and Sustainability. This programme is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:
Global and Cultural Capabilities
We delve into the profound impacts of globalization and culture on various aspects of the social sciences, including law, politics, sociology, criminology, and media. We understand that our students come from diverse educational backgrounds, so our teaching approach is interactive and collaborative, encouraging students to engage with diverse perspectives through teamwork and interaction.
Through in-depth analysis of relevant case studies and theories, our students gain a deep appreciation for diversity in education and employment. We empower students them to adapt their attitudes and practices accordingly. Furthermore, our flexible coursework assessments allow students with specific interests in global and cultural themes to explore these areas through the lens of their chosen questions.
Digital Capabilities
In today's interconnected world, digital literacy is an indispensable skill. Our Foundation Year programme equips students with the essential digital skills necessary for success in the social sciences. Students have the opportunity to develop skills such as digital content creation, critical thinking when navigating the vast digital landscape, and the ability to identify and evaluate credible sources from the internet, university library, and electronic tools.
In a world where digital tools, including Artificial Intelligence, are increasingly influential, our programme also examines the potential of these tools in helping students achieve their academic goals while upholding academic integrity.
Employability
Employability is a key focus in our programme. We guide students to develop their understanding of core social science subjects, foster critical thinking within their chosen fields, and apply theory to real-world contexts. Our programme also supports the development of specific skills and attributes essential for both employment and self-employment. Visiting industry speakers provide diverse perspectives to enhance the learning experience.
We emphasize the development of effective teamwork skills through in-class, out-of-class, and online activities, preparing students for the demands of the workplace. Authentic assessments mirror real-world tasks, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers. We also focus on individual skills, such as verbal and written communication, research, data analysis, and time management, which are crucial for managing complex tasks independently.
Resourcefulness and Resilience
The curriculum's extensive reliance on independent work and the wide range of choices available can be challenging for students. Many entering the Foundation Year programme lack confidence in their academic abilities. However, our scaffolded learning approach supports students in developing resourcefulness and resilience necessary to tackle these new challenges. Individual support from our teaching team is readily available, fostering a culture of support and guidance.
Formative and low-stakes summative assessments allow students to learn from their work in progress and make effective use of feedback. The programme encourages students to create personalized learning schedules, fostering strong and sustainable study habits.
Sustainability
Students can explore sustainability issues within the context of the social sciences. We analyse relevant case studies to help students recognize the wide-ranging societal and environmental impacts of decisions made in their chosen fields. Critical thinking skills are honed to apply problem-solving strategies to sustainability challenges, such as excessive consumption and climate change.
Students with a particular interest in sustainability can choose topics for further investigation and explore their relevance to their chosen area of study. We prepare students to engage with the critical issues of our time, ensuring that they are well-equipped to contribute to a sustainable future. Connections are made with the Inner Development Goals (IDG) framework, consisting of the 23 skills and qualities of human inner growth and development required to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.