The study of Politics and International Studies  is exciting and continually evolving. The development of political theory, the significance of democratisation, the politics of the European Union, problems of international development, issues relating to states and markets, and international conflict and security are all among the subjects you’ll find covered by modules in the Department. The Department’s research excellence in a wide range of subjects is fully
reflected in the extensive teaching provided to you by our faculty.

Example modules

World Politics

The aim of this module is to provide students with an introductory overview of politics at the international level, and the role of nation states in world politics. It will also introduce students to the concepts, issues and structure of the international political system, along with its complexity and continuing evolution, whilst locating the theoretical debates on the nature of the international political system within contemporary world politics.

Political Theory from Hobbes

This module aims to give you an understanding of the political philosophy of some of the most important European writers from 1640 onwards. You will be encouraged to read widely in both the primary and secondary literature concerning these writers. After having attended the seminars and lectures, in which this literature will be discussed, you should have gained an appreciation of debates about the connections between the ideas presented by these political philosophers, and historical developments concerning the state that took place in the period, as well as the economic transformation from agricultural to industrial society.

Students wishing to take PAIS modules should have some academic background in the social sciences or history. We do not have specific requisites for
modules, but you do need to have some prior study in, for example, political science, international relations, economics, law, history, international business and sociology.