Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons) - 2026/7

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 6

Final award and programme/pathway title

BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
Ord Politics and International Relations
DipHE Politics and International Relations
CertHE Politics and International Relations

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time ULB10028 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits
Full-time with PTY ULB10029 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

KITCHEN Nicholas (Politics IR)

Date of production/revision of spec

29/05/2026

Educational aims of the programme

  • The programme is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience.
  • To assist students to develop a range of cognitive and social skills relevant to their intellectual, vocational and personal development.
  • To create a learning environment that is receptive to the needs and views of students and encourages them to achieve their full potential, even while fostering an atmosphere where students as independent learners can take responsibility for their own learning processes
  • To develop students' capacity to think critically about events, ideas, people and institutions at local, national, regional and international levels, opening up their cultural and global horizons
  • To enable students to understand and use a range of concepts, approaches and methods appropriate to politics and international relations, and to develop an understanding of their contested nature and of the problematic character of political enquiry.
  • To give students opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge and understanding to the resolution of real-life problems and so develop their skills in respect of professional as well as academic life.
  • To provide a curriculum which encourages breadth and depth of intellectual enquiry and debate, supported by scholarship, a research culture, and staff reflection and development
  • To provide students with a foundation of knowledge and understanding of theory and analysis, and to encourage them to apply these to issues in contemporary national and international affairs.
  • To understand and respect issues related to diversity and to employ a range of methods and approaches in relation to diverse needs.

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
Identify and evaluate key concepts in the discipline. KC CertHE
Construct reasoned argument, synthesise relevant information and demonstrate ability to evaluate material. KCP CertHE
Apply conceptual frameworks to policy/empirical analysis. KCPT CertHE
Employ basic digital and non-digital research skills. PT CertHE
Engage with academic texts. CT CertHE
Recognise the importance of academic integrity. PT CertHE
Demonstrate the ability to work independently and in groups. PT CertHE
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and assessment of key concepts in the discipline. KC DipHE
Develop more sophisticated argument, analyse significant information and demonstrate sound academic judgement. KCP DipHE
Analyse conceptual frameworks and apply them to relevant policies/empirics. KCPT DipHE
Build on digital and non-digital research skills, through engagement with qualitative and quantitative methods. CPT DipHE
Evaluate academic texts. CT DipHE
Demonstrate academic integrity. PT DipHE
Work independently and with peers, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management. PT DipHE
Critique disciplinary concepts, understanding their limitations. KC BSc (Hons)
Produce a critical line of argumentation, formed through the analysis of essential information and demonstrate more advanced academic judgement. KCP BSc (Hons)
Critique conceptual frameworks and apply them to relevant empirics, some of which may be generated by the student. KCPT BSc (Hons)
Evaluate and apply different qualitative and/or quantitative methods to relevant independently-sourced academic material. CPT BSc (Hons)
Critique academic texts. CT BSc (Hons)
Apply principles of academic integrity and research ethics. PT BSc (Hons)
Work productively, highlighting advanced transferable skills including written and oral communication skills, taking the initiative, and time-management. PT BSc (Hons)

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 three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
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 four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
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 1 - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL1028 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS Compulsory 30 Year-long
POL1029 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Compulsory 30 Year-long
POL1030 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY AND IDEOLOGY Compulsory 30 Year-long
POL1017 DEBATES IN BRITISH POLITICS Compulsory 15 1
POL1027 POLITICS OF CRISIS Compulsory 15 2

Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL2027 APPROACHES TO RESEARCH Compulsory 15 1
POL2034 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS Compulsory 15 1
POL2028 RESEARCH METHODS Compulsory 15 2
POL2029 THEM AND US: COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT & POLITICS Compulsory 15 2
POL2049 THE TRANSFORMATION OF CONTEMPORARY EUROPE Optional 30 Year-long
POL2047 MAKING PUBLIC POLICY: THEORY AND PRACTICE Optional 15 1
POL2038 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY Optional 15 1
POL2050 THE EVOLUTION OF CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY Optional 15 2
POL2048 ELECTIONS AND VOTERS: UNDERSTANDING POLITICAL CHOICE Optional 15 2
POL2036 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY: THE RETURN OF GREAT POWER POLITICS Optional 15 2
POL2051 THE GLOBAL SOUTH: PERSPECTIVES, POLITICS AND CHALLENGES Optional 15 2
MAN2225 IDEA LAB Optional 15 1
ENG2139 SUSTAINABILITY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Optional 15 1
ENG2138 MULTI-NATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT Optional 15 2
SOC2108 COMMUNICATION IN SOCIETY Optional 15 2
ELI2051 UNDERSTANDING POPULAR CULTURE: FROM DICKENS TO DISNEY Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Semester 1 you will study two compulsory modules (15 credits):
POL2027 APPROACHES TO RESEARCH
POL2034 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

Semester 2 you will study this compulsory module (15 credits each):
POL2028 RESEARCH METHODS
POL2029 Them and US: Comparative Government and Politics


Students may choose 1. The optional 30 credit module plus two further 15 credit modules, one in each semester Or 2. Two optional 15 credit modules per semester (equating to 4 options in total). These should be balanced across politics and IR.

Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL3066 CRITICAL TERRORISM STUDIES Optional 15 2
POL3090 POLITICS OF THE GREATER CHINA REGION Optional 15 1
POL3081 POPULISM AND DEMOCRACY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE Optional 15 1
POL3097 PLANETARY POLITICS: CITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND INTERNATIONAL ORDER Optional 15 1
POL3070 NEGOTIATING POLITICS AND POLICY Optional 15 1
POL3082 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION Optional 15 1
POL3088 POLITICAL LEADERSHIP Optional 15 2
POL3067 ENGENDERING WORLD POLITICS Optional 15 2
POL3072 STATES AND MARKETS IN EAST ASIA Optional 15 2
POL3092 GOODBYE LENIN: DEMOCRATISATION IN EASTERN EUROPE AND BEYOND Optional 15 1
POL3093 ETHICS, KILLING, AND WAR Optional 15 2
POL3087 SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY IN EUROPE Optional 15 2
POL3091 ACTIVISM, PARTICIPATION AND PARTY ORGANISATION Optional 15 2
POL3065 US FOREIGN POLICY IN TRANSITION Optional 15 1
SOC3092 QUEER STUDIES NOW Optional 15 2
LAW3159 INTERNATIONAL LAW Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Students need to choose four optional modules per semester, equating to eight optional modules per academic year. These should be balanced across Politics and IR.

Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL1028 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS Compulsory 30 Year-long
POL1029 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Compulsory 30 Year-long
POL1030 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY AND IDEOLOGY Compulsory 30 Year-long
POL1017 DEBATES IN BRITISH POLITICS Compulsory 15 1
POL1027 POLITICS OF CRISIS Compulsory 15 2

Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL2027 APPROACHES TO RESEARCH Compulsory 15 1
POL2034 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS Compulsory 15 1
POL2028 RESEARCH METHODS Compulsory 15 2
POL2029 THEM AND US: COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT & POLITICS Compulsory 15 2
POL2049 THE TRANSFORMATION OF CONTEMPORARY EUROPE Optional 30 Year-long
POL2047 MAKING PUBLIC POLICY: THEORY AND PRACTICE Optional 15 1
POL2038 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY Optional 15 1
POL2050 THE EVOLUTION OF CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY Optional 15 2
POL2048 ELECTIONS AND VOTERS: UNDERSTANDING POLITICAL CHOICE Optional 15 2
POL2036 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY: THE RETURN OF GREAT POWER POLITICS Optional 15 2
POL2051 THE GLOBAL SOUTH: PERSPECTIVES, POLITICS AND CHALLENGES Optional 15 2
MAN2225 IDEA LAB Optional 15 1
ENG2139 SUSTAINABILITY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Optional 15 1
ENG2138 MULTI-NATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT Optional 15 2
SOC2108 COMMUNICATION IN SOCIETY Optional 15 2
ELI2051 UNDERSTANDING POPULAR CULTURE: FROM DICKENS TO DISNEY Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

Semester 1 you will study two compulsory modules (15 credits):
POL2027 APPROACHES TO RESEARCH
POL2034 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

Semester 2 you will study this compulsory module (15 credits each):
POL2028 RESEARCH METHODS
POL2029 Them and US: Comparative Government and Politics


Students may choose 1. The optional 30 credit module plus two further 15 credit modules, one in each semester Or 2. Two optional 15 credit modules per semester (equating to 4 options in total). These should be balanced across politics and IR.

Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL3090 POLITICS OF THE GREATER CHINA REGION Optional 15 1
POL3081 POPULISM AND DEMOCRACY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE Optional 15 1
POL3097 PLANETARY POLITICS: CITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND INTERNATIONAL ORDER Optional 15 1
POL3070 NEGOTIATING POLITICS AND POLICY Optional 15 1
POL3082 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION Optional 15 1
POL3088 POLITICAL LEADERSHIP Optional 15 2
POL3067 ENGENDERING WORLD POLITICS Optional 15 2
POL3072 STATES AND MARKETS IN EAST ASIA Optional 15 2
POL3092 GOODBYE LENIN: DEMOCRATISATION IN EASTERN EUROPE AND BEYOND Optional 15 1
POL3066 CRITICAL TERRORISM STUDIES Optional 15 2
POL3093 ETHICS, KILLING, AND WAR Optional 15 2
POL3087 SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY IN EUROPE Optional 15 2
POL3091 ACTIVISM, PARTICIPATION AND PARTY ORGANISATION Optional 15 2
POL3065 US FOREIGN POLICY IN TRANSITION Optional 15 1
SOC3092 QUEER STUDIES NOW Optional 15 2
LAW3159 INTERNATIONAL LAW Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Students need to choose four optional modules per semester, equating to eight optional modules per academic year. These should be balanced across Politics and IR.

Professional Training Year (PTY) -

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POLP025 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) Core 120 Year-long
POLP026 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (WORK-STUDY 50/50) Core 120 Year-long
POLP027 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR STUDY) Core 120 Year-long

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

Quality assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

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 2026/7 academic year.