This course offers a unique insight into significant global issues and the ways in which societies react and cooperate to establish processes that shape our ever-changing world.
Course overview
If you want to understand the changing world in which we live and you're concerned about pressing global crises then this is the perfect course for you.
The need for understanding how our world is connected, but also divided, has never been greater. Cultural and social crises are impacting on everyday experience, while work, leisure and identity can only be understood through the global structures that mediate them.
This course will help you develop a greater awareness of the complexity and connectedness of the processes that shape our worlds. You'll study diplomatic relations, international communications, the inequalities between developed and developing countries, and examine international flows of people, texts, images and ideas at place in our interconnected world.
It's a great opportunity to engage with the world as a global citizen, while gaining a qualification tailored to the international workplace.
Study this course full-time or part-time. See How to Apply section for more information.
How you're taught
Each year you'll choose a range of core and optional modules from the lists above. The first year is normally divided equally between the two joint honours subjects but at the end of Year One, you'll have the opportunity to select between an equally weighted joint honours course and a more specialised pathway, depending on your interests.
Teaching principally takes place through a combination of lectures, where tutors introduce the key ideas, and seminars, where smaller groups discuss those ideas.
Contact hours
If you're struggling with a topic or require additional support or guidance, you can arrange to see your tutors in small groups or one-to-one, to discuss essay plans or to seek some specific academic guidance.
It is the nature of the subjects offered in the School of Arts and Humanities, however, that much of your time will be spent engaged in independent study. We recognise that this marks a change of culture from school or college, and we have in place a system of study support to help you adapt to this.
International exchange
You'll also have the option to take part in an international exchange at a partner university. These options will enable you to gain impressive international experience, and broaden your perspective and career ambitions.
You'll experience other cultures, travel the globe and open your eyes to a world of opportunities. Our exchange partnership with a number of international universities enables you to live and study in another country in your second year. Find out more.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn another new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Assessment methods
- Year 1 coursework (50%) and written (50%)
- Year 2 coursework (83%) and written (17%)
- Year 3 coursework (83%) and written (17%)
Contact hours
A full-time student on average can expect to spend 1200 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (25%), independent study (75%)
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (24%), independent study (74%) and placements (2%)
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (18%), independent study (82%)
Careers and employability
Your career development
This is a major part of the curriculum. Key transferable skills are emphasised and there are opportunities to develop links with organisations and potential employers. Joint honours courses develop a wide range of skills. These include written and oral communication skills, critical analysis and a variety of IT skills. But you'll also become more self-motivated, be able to work independently and in teams, and develop excellent time management skills.
