About BA International Relations And Global Development in Aberystwyth University

What does international relations look like when we view it from beyond the developed world? We start our thinking about global politics and development with our intellectual feet deliberately planted outside the powerful, prosperous and dominant West in order to bring a fresh, questioning attitude to the study of world politics. The degree provides insights into the political, social, economic, and cultural changes affecting the developing world and emerging powers. It challenges the Eurocentric narratives of international politics by studying the interconnectedness of the developed and developing powers, engaging with marginalised issues and voices, as well as exploring the emerging global powers in Latin America, South Asia and the Far East. You will also study key issues such as colonialism, inequality, development, gender, identity, political economy, culture, race, religion, resistance and social movements.

Why study International Relations and Global Development at Aberystwyth University?

Our department is ranked in the top 40 in the world for academic reputation. (QS, 2017).

Studying this degree will allow you to broaden and deepen your understanding on key questions, such as:

• the ways that power and inequality operate at the local, regional, national and international level and shape global development
• the roles of governance, colonialism, poverty, conflict, health and capitalism , as well as the significance of race, gender, religion, ideology and nationalism for emerging powers and states in the Global South

You will become a student in the world’s first department of international politics, founded in 1919 after the end of World War I to help the world understand the world.

You will be guided and mentored by lecturers who are enthusiastic, committed in providing you with an outstanding and dynamic learning environment.

All students will have the opportunity to participate in our renowned ‘Crisis Games’; a three day role playing exercise in political, economic and diplomatic manoeuvre, developing negotiation and communication, critical thinking, team work, and problem-solving skills.

The Department operates a prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme, enabling you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff) for a period of 4-6 weeks during the summer. During this time you will write reports and speeches, undertake research projects, and respond to constituency issues. There may be further opportunities for you to get involved in elections and various international issues.

The Department also has an International Student Exchange Programme based on close links with carefully selected universities in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, offering you an excellent opportunity to expand your academic and social horizons by spending a part of your university experience abroad.

The Department is also home to Interstate, the oldest student-run international politics journal in the United Kingdom, providing a unique opportunity for you to publish your work (particularly advantageous if you wish to progress to postgraduate study) or gain valuable experience working as part of the editorial team.Stimulating student societies foster a strong sense of community within the department, offering a programme of political debates, visiting speakers, conferences and workshops, alongside numerous social activities such as an annual ball.

Last, but not least, the Department also offers a number of degree schemes and modules taught entirely or partially through the medium of Welsh. Check out the module tab for further information.

Employability is embedded within all courses provided by us. Our degrees provide a solid foundation for a vast array of careers across a range of sectors. In a rapidly shifting global economy, our graduates are adaptable and able to draw on a range of transferable skills, ensuring that they are always in demand.

The skill sets include:

• effective problem solving and creative thinking skills
• information technology skills
• the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• time-management, organisational skills
• communication skills both written and oral
• self-motivation and self-reliance.

What opportunities are there for me after I complete my degree?

Here is an example of what some of our graduates are doing:

Roles in the development sector, local and national politics, the Civil Service, Government research, Social researcher, roles in the third sector such as with NGOs, work with international organisations, journalism.

What opportunities are there for me whilst studying at University?

Employability is embedded across our teaching. We teach our students to aim for the career they want, not the job that they can get.

• The Department operates a prestigious Parliamentary Placement scheme, enabling you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff) for a period of 4-6 weeks during the summer. During this time, you will write reports and speeches, undertake research projects, and respond to constituency issues. There may be further opportunities for you to get involved in elections and various international issues.
• The Department is also home to Interstate, the oldest student-run international politics journal in the United Kingdom, providing a unique opportunity for you to publish your work (particularly advantageous if you wish to progress to postgraduate study) or gain valuable experience working as part of the editorial team. Stimulating student societies foster a strong sense of community within the department, offering a programme of political debates, visiting speakers, conferences and workshops, alongside numerous social activities such as an annual ball.

Academic qualification equivalents:

• We generally accept minimum 75% in year XII Std. of the Centeral Board of Secondary Education and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination, in addition to the state boards of education in India.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS          :         6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL         :         88 with minimum component scores: Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17. 
• PTE             :          55 with minimum scores of 51 in each component 

Aberystwyth University Highlights

Aberystwyth University The Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses