International Relations with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) - 2025/6

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).