The course content is made up of a variety of subject area strands that can be studied across all three years of the programme. At every level, there are modules relating to each strand. After taking the compulsory modules in the first year, you can choose to study across a range of strands, or specialise in particular strands.
International Relations (compulsory elements): This strand equips you with tools to understand contemporary International Relations at every level. It will focus on war and peace and the ways in which we understand the international system. You will also you develop the tools for sustained research in International Relations. This will include research design on qualitative methods, such as interview techniques, as well as quantitative methods, which will give you valuable transferable skills.
International Relations (elective elements): This strand builds on the strand above. You will be able to develop expertise in war and peace, Africa, Europe, the US, terrorism and intelligence.
History (compulsory elements): This strand focuses world history. There will be a chance to explore the social, cultural and political dimensions to the formation and interaction of nations as well as important human phenomena such as exploration, migration and war. There will also be a chance to focus on what historians do and how they do it. You will look at debate, fake debate (e.g. Holocaust denial), controversy and primary sources and, in so doing, build up the skills for your dissertation.
History (elective elements): This strand builds on the strand above. You will be able to develop specialisms in the history of Africa and America or focus on diplomacy and war or study issues of race, gender and identity