Introduction to International Relations (L2008)

15 credits, Level 4

Autumn teaching

What is international relations?

On this module, you’ll:

  • find out about the study of International Relations (IR)
  • explore some of the core questions that define it as a discipline
  • explore its most pressing political questions
  • examine its contested historical and conceptual terrain.

While the discipline has traditionally traced a path from idealism via realism towards a more pluralist methodological position, you’ll also engage alternative ways of historicising and conceptualising.

You’ll begin to understand:

  • these debates
  • the circumstances that have given rise to them
  • the ideas that they have generated.

This will give you a good orientation in the disciplinary terrain of IR that will help to contextualise the ideas you’ll encounter throughout your degree.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We鈥檙e planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We鈥檒l make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: