The University of Wolverhampton offers a supportive, innovative programme of study covering key subject skills and knowledge towards its International Relations award in conjunction with vital practical experience of working within relevant organisations. By choosing the Sandwich Placement, you will apply your abstract learning environment-taught ideas into a productive work environment, safe space exploration of international issues branching out into public, private and communication sector careers which your qualities and qualifications will prove valuable for upon graduation. Research into foundational concepts of rights, responsibilities, justice and citizenship alongside contemporary climate, migration, terrorism and trafficking concerns among others, curated according to your own individual interests, will inform your development into an educated Global Citizen and able practitioner in the International Relations field.
BA (Hons) International Relations with Sandwich Placement
Why choose this course?
Course Modules
Throughout this module, we will examine how various actors, ranging from institutions and organizations to communities and individuals, work together at different levels – international, regional, national, and local – to address and resolve global issues. By examining practical case studies, we will dissect the strategies employed by these diverse actors to navigate complex problems such as climate change, human rights, security dynamics, economic inequalities, and more. Our discussions will focus on the dynamics of cooperation and alliance-building, power play, and innovative problem-solving strategies that emerge when different actors collaborate or contend within the global arena. Whether your aspirations lie in diplomacy, international organizations, or you simply seek a deeper comprehension of global affairs, this module will provide you with analytical tools to unravel the nuances of international relations. The case studies are tailored to reflect current global concerns. If there's a specific topic within the field of international relations that you're eager to explore further in our class, please don't hesitate to share it.
The aim of this module is to introduce you to the main issues in international relations (IR) at the current time and to provide an intellectual framework to enable you to better understand our contemporary world and analyse and interpret international developments. The first part of the module deals with the scope and main concepts and theories of IR, the second part with the main actors in international relations and the third part looks at some of the main issues on the contemporary global agenda. This module is designed for ‘beginners’ and no prior study of IR is needed.
This module will review the importance of advocacy in challenging disadvantage and in raising awareness of issues that impact on the health, wellbeing and efficacy of citizens locally, nationally and/ or globally. It will also focus on skills for the workplace, including working in a team and research skills. It will examine the importance of knowledge to a functioning society, including active citizen engagement, and how to access reliable information to support the campaign. It will examine the skills needed to work productively in a team and how to put them into practice. The module will review successful awareness raising campaigns, leading to the development and implementation of a campaign or event.
Britain was a global nation before it was an imperial power and it exists within a wider international context even after leaving the European Union. This module offers a survey of that long history of Britain’s relationship with the wider world between the early modern period and the early twenty-first century. By looking at the movement of people, practices, materials and ideas to, from and through Britain, we will explore the ways in which Britain has influenced and been influenced by the rest of the world, and the extent to which British history can be understood as world history.
The module examines the notion of rights, with particular reference to the rights enshrined in the Human Rights Act 1998. The legal issues arising from claims that human rights have been infringed are examined in the context of case law. This in turn illustrates the relevant legal principles that are applied and remedies available for infringement.
Through the use of case-studies, this module will examine the debates surrounding issues in contemporary British politics. The module will consider both the themes of the need for constitutional or electoral change to reform the British political system and the debates informing the wider arena of cultural politics and social protest. This will emphasize to students that politics has both constitutional and institutional dimensions and `wider' social and cultural dimensions.
This module focuses on Macroeconomic principles and aims at developing students understanding of economic thinking through rigorous and analytical assessment of Macroeconomic key concepts such as national income and its measurement, economic growth, unemployment and inflation rates. The module will encourage students to consider the importance of becoming a responsible economic professional, embed critical thinking and develop their analytical skills so they understand and can use data and a range of information sources that help interpret and analyse macroeconomic issues.
Terrorism was, is and will continue to be a technique used by aggrieved individuals, groups and rogue states that cannot see, or refuse to see, any other way of influencing political developments. Drawing on first-hand research, this module will offer students an opportunity to engage with a wide range of causes/concepts/ debates surrounding the subject and identify the characteristics that make terrorism the distinct phenomenon that it is.
This module introduces students to key issues and debates concerning the origins, nature, and conduct of war. The contributions of political philosophers are discussed, as is the concept of 'Just War', which is applied to recent conflicts. Other contemporary issues in how war is waged are also covered. This module provides an ideal opportunity to develop your thinking about the causes, conduct, and nature of war.
This module explores how disputes in international relations come to be identified, discussed and, if possible, resolved. Through a focus on specific examples, we explore the mechanisms and resources available to states in their attempts to manage cross-border or international disputes, whether on their own terms – via diplomacy – or through regional or international arbiters such as the United Nations. We will also consider the role that ‘soft power’ and ‘public diplomacy’ might play in the resolution of international disputes, as well as exploring the role played by sub-state actors and regional organisations.
Research underpins all academic study. Most scholarly monographs and journal articles present new research that has been undertaken and understanding that research helps with understanding the reading. Equally, research is not only something you will read about but something you will undertake for yourself before the end of your course. To do so, it is important that you are aware of the different options available to you as you embark upon your own research. To that end, this module will introduce you to a variety of approaches to research in your subject area and to how you might develop ideas for your own research projects.
This module is intended to develop and refine your understanding of selected aspects of international politics. It begins by looking at key schools of thought and evolving debates in international relations theory in order to explore in depth some of the key concepts regarding which factors shape how international politics and relations are conducted. The module also considers some of the key structural factors at play in international relations. To this end the role of the international and transnational organisations is examined, and debates regarding their purpose and effectiveness are considered. The module also looks at the concepts of regionalism and globalisation, and explores how states respond to these ideas in terms of policy formation.
This module explores the history of America and the Cold War between 1947 and 1991. The module traces the course of conflict from the Truman Administration, through periods of crisis and detente, to its end during the George H.W. Bush administration in 1991. At the same time, the module explores the evolving ramifications of the Cold War upon domestic politics and society across these decades.
This module will explore the role of community engagement in the delivery of public and third sector services. It will look at how policy initiatives such as ‘co-production’ and ‘partnership working’ have impacted on both the commissioning and delivery of welfare services in the UK, and how some of these initiatives have been driven by policy failures. It will also investigate the role of social movements, such as Black Lives Matter and Reclaim the Streets, on our society. It will critically examine how enhancing the voice of service users, parent carers and community activists in decision-making can not only enhance the services being delivered and but can bring about social change.
The ‘traditional’ image of wars and conflicts tend to be of large confrontations where states’ forces are pitted against each other, but how accurate is this perception in the contemporary world? This module examines the reality of modern war and conflicts, highlighting its changing nature and examining why modern conflict is overwhelmingly intrastate rather than interstate. It encourages students to consider the shifting nature of war and conflict in terms of where wars occur, who are the likely victims of modern campaigns and the ways in which the causes, impacts and outcomes of modern warfare are significantly altered over recent decades.
International economics considers how economies and global economy have become more inter-connected. It focusses on International trade theory, both in its historic context and in imperfect markets, before moving on to consider international trade policy, including trade barriers (both tariffs and non-tariffs) the role of global regional and bilateral integration, trading bodies and the role MNEs play in this process. The module then focusses on the balance of payments and exchange rates, before considering open economy macroeconomics and the international monetary system.
This course explores the upheavals of modern history through the eyes of some of those who were most profoundly affected: Itinerants, migrants and refugees. With a focus on the available primary sources, we will examine the different ways that historians have attempted to reconstruct the perspective and agency of the men, women and children in question, and also consider the manner in which governments have sought to control this movement of people. The course takes as its two main themes the geographical mobility that came in the wake of nineteenth century industrialisation and the displacement of populations that resulted from war and persecution in the twentieth century.
This module provides opportunities for community-based learning through voluntary community engagement. This activity will enable you to understand the relevance of your studies within a community context, combining practical experience with academic studies. In addition, it is an opportunity to develop a critical understanding of the Third Sector, and the notion of citizenship. Both subject specific and transferable skills will be developed and utilised throughout this module, thus developing graduate employment attributes.
This module provides you with a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience of working within and for an organisation connected with the field of International Relations. You will undertake a year-long work-related placement with a company or organisation relevant to your award, which has been negotiated between you and your prospective placement liaison, and approved by your designated supervisor. In the course of your placement you will undertake both theoretical and practical tasks relevant to your award and in accordance with any agreed assessment goals. You well not only develop valuable insights into how such organisations work, but will build contacts and develop skills that future employers will value.
This module explores issues arising from the attempt on the part of the international community to develop sustainable policies and practices. It examines concepts that enable analysis and interpretation of social and political issues related to global sustainable development. The module covers a range of sustainability topics, including climate change, decarbonisation, and biodiversity loss. Students will evaluate existing governance and management efforts around key sustainability issues while developing innovative policy responses of their own. Ethical issues arising from these attempts at sustainable development are also considered.
This module explores the rapid emergence of Asia as a major force in global affairs. With a particular emphasis on the growth of powers like China and India, it examines Asia's increasing economic, political, and cultural prominence. The module covers topics such as the economic rise of China, India's role as an emerging power, the continued influence of Japan and South Korea, and Asia's growing assertiveness on issues like trade, security, and global governance. It analyses dynamics like the US-China strategic rivalry, China's Belt and Road Initiative across Eurasia and the developing world, and the China-India relationship. The module also addresses implications for the international order as Asian countries challenge Western dominance and promote new models of development and globalization rooted in Asian traditions and institutions. Overall, it provides a comprehensive look at the major forces reshaping international relations due to Asia's rise.
This module allows students to analyse how conflicts end. It will consider and critique the debates around the theory and outcomes of conflict resolution. The module adopts a case study approach and critically analyses the extent to which peace processes in the modern world have followed similar or unique patterns. It will consider whether examining peace processes in a comparative manner can provide ‘models’ or ‘best practice’ that may be extrapolated from the case studies considered and potentially applied to future peace processes in different states.
The Independent Study - Written Project is a sustained piece of independent study carried out in the field of International Relations, under supervision. You will be expected to devise, plan, research and write your project, the content of which will be of your own devising.
The Independent Study - Written Project is a sustained piece of independent study carried out in the field of International Relations, under supervision. You will be expected to devise, plan, research and write your project, the content of which will be of your own devising.
This module explores the nature of modern, post-colonial India through an analysis of its politics, economics, religion, caste-system and culture. Modern India is the second most populous country in the world and the world’s largest democracy, yet it is a complex and diverse country – linguistically, religiously, and ethnically – which, since achieving independence, has sought both to unify itself internally, and, as a unified nation-state, to assert its place both regionally and globally. This module examines the achievements, problems and potential of this important country.
This module will focus on how international Non Governmental Organisations – such as World Health Organisation and United Nations – impact on policy making in the UK. It will investigate whether global problems, such as climate changes, increasing wealth inequality, modern day slavery and global pandemics and disease, give these NGO’s legitimacy in the national policy-making context – including with the general public. It will explore the range of ways International NGO’s try to influence national policy – and how and why national policymakers resist the policy directives of these organisations.
Since modern nations and nationalism have existed there have been accounts that their power is set to diminish. There is no evidence that this is likely in the contemporary world. In fact, the direct opposite is the case: the centrality of the nation state and the power of nationalism as a mobilising ideology have recently come to the fore. Nationalism is a massive subject and a single module cannot hope to cover all of its aspects. Rather, it will take key aspects from its study to give students insight into key issues and debates. The module will begin with definitions of the key terms, move to consideration of the classic theoretical formulations of the rise of nations and nationalism, then assess selected conceptual relationships and, finally, look at particular case studies.
Additional Information
Everything you need to know about this course!
Location | Mode | Fee | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Home | Sandwich | £9250 per year | 2022-23 |
Home | Sandwich | £9250 per year | 2023-24 |
Home | Sandwich | £9250 per year | 2024-25 |
International | Sandwich | £13450 per year | 2022-23 |
International | Sandwich | £14450 per year | 2023-24 |
International | Sandwich | £14450 per year | 2023-24 |
International | Sandwich | £14950 per year | 2024-25 |
International | Sandwich | £14950 per year | 2024-25 |
The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed
Typical entry requirement: 96 UCAS points
- A Levels - grades CCC / BCD
- BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades MMM
- BTEC L3 Diploma - grades DD
- Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (96 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit)
Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points
- If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.
- International entry requirements and application guidance can be found at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/international/apply
- Successful completion of the International Foundation Year in Social Sciences guarantees entry on to this course
Other Requirements
Students must usually have studied for a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, we will consider applications from mature students who do not have two years of post-16 study, where they have relevant work experience. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.
Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):
Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.
Changes for EU students:
The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.
Self-funding:
If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.
For more information please contact the Gateway.Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:
If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.
We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.
Financial Hardship:
Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.
for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.Bursaries and Scholarships:
In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages
You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.
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BA (Hons) Sandwich 4 years
Clearing is open: Call 01902 323 232 to get an offer today!
Location | Study mode | Duration | Start date | |
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University: City Campus | Sandwich | 4 years | 16 September 2024 | Apply via UCAS |