International Politics BSc (Hons) degree Course overview
This degree enables you to understand global issues and actors in a time of fast-moving political and social change.
You will engage with important theoretical debates, exploring global political systems and how they are engaged in policy-making on issues like security, migration and social justice.
You will study diplomatic international relations between governments, as well as learning how intergovernmental organisations, transnational movements, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) international and multinational companies influence global politics.
You will benefit from this degree in the following ways:
- Become a critical thinker with an in-depth understanding of the complex interplay of local and global forces
- Develop your analytical skills to examine and critically assess information
- Enjoy access to a wide range of internship opportunities thanks to our proximity and connections with national and international political organisations
- Boost your employability with an optional integrated professional training year or study abroad
- Study in a department with a strong international focus, approachable staff and close connections with practitioners in the policy world
- Gain knowledge and expertise for a career in politics, policy making, the Civil Service or government
- Lay the foundations for postgraduate study or research in international politics.
Structure
Course content
During the three years of this International Politics BSc you will develop a coherent and systematic knowledge of the study of international politics. You will be able to draw on research and scholarship to become a reflective practitioner in your chosen field.
Year 1
Study theories of international politics, global political economy and how power has transformed in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Understand underlying concepts associated with the study of international politics.
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Introduction to Political and Economic Data Analysis - Core module (15 credits)
This module helps you develop a critical approach to statistical claims and the analysis of quantitative data. The module will be problem based – with different weeks focusing on the analysis of different sets of data.
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Studying Politics - Core module (15 credits)
This module introduces you to some of the big ideas and fundamental questions that are central to the study of politics, international politics and international political economy and which help us to make sense of the world around us.
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Myths and Mysteries in World Politics - Core module(15 credits)
This module provides a basic introduction to a range of questions and debates that define contemporary global politics and the study thereof.
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International Relations Theories - Core module (15 credits)
This module provides you with a focused introduction to a range of theories underpinning the study of global politics. It begins by exploring ‘traditional’ theories and the ongoing debates between them before examining a range of ‘critical’ theories.
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Politics and Power in World History - Core module (15 credits)
This module aims to introduce you to the dynamics of global politics and power, with a focus on developments in world history.
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Emerging Powers in a Changing World - Core module (15 credits)
This module is designed to provide you with an introduction to the dynamic and changing character of global power, with a special focus on rising powers and the challenges they face and constitute to “the West”.
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Puzzles in Comparative Politics (15 credits)
This module introduces you to the logic of comparative politics: what is it? What questions can you ask in comparative politics? What does it mean to think comparatively?
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Introduction to Political Theory (15 credits)
This module teaches you how to study politics normatively. It covers central ideas in the study of political theory at an introductory level while also considering the distinctive method of study in political theory.
Year 2
Develop skills in scholarly writing, intellectual enquiry and problem solving. Deepen your understanding with advanced theory plus elective modules from a wide selection.
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Advanced Theories of Global Politics - Core module(15 credits)
The course covers the latest debates within the rationalist sphere. In addition, the module explores institutionalist approaches and contemporary critical theory.
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Practical Politics - Core module (15 credits)
This module aims to place employability into the context of Politics by helping you develop the career readiness and practical skills necessary for careers political graduates commonly go onto.
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Transnational Social Movements (15 credits)
Provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of transnational social movements, and to enable you to assess their nature and impact in respect of a wide range of contemporary global political issues.
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States and Markets in the Era of Globalization (15 credits)
This module discusses the forces that are currently shaping the world economy, with specific emphasis on the diverging political and social responses to globalisation. I
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Security Studies: Conceptual Approaches (15 credits)
Provides an overview of the main conceptual approaches to the study of international security, and their contribution to the analysis of a number of contemporary international security threats, challenges and conflicts.
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Security Studies: Contemporary and Emerging Issues (15 credits)
This course provides you with the opportunity to critically engage with some of the more pressing international security issues in today’s world and will also explore existing solutions to contemporary international security issues.
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Foreign Policy Analysis : Theories and Issues (15 credits)
This module is designed to provide you with a comprehensive review of a variety of issues and problems in the study of foreign policy by engagement with the theoretical and practical dimensions of Foreign Policy Analysis.
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Foreign Policy Analysis: Instruments and Practice (15 credits)
This module provides you with a comprehensive review of the dynamics, processes and implications of foreign policy implementation, and gives you the opportunity to assess how foreign policy tools are employed and their impact.
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Religion and Politics in the Age of Global Change (15 credits)
This unit, far from being a course on comparative religion or on the sociology of religion, will address the interplay between religion and politics throughout history with a focus on the 20th and 21st centuries.
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Comparative Political Economy (15 credits)
The purpose of this course is to provide a survey of the key political economy concepts, issues, and theories that shape democratic and non-democratic systems.
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Advanced Topics in Comparative Politics (15 credits)
In this module you will engage with several contemporary debates in the field of comparative politics. Some examples of topics that might be covered in this module include state formation; democracy, authoritarianism, and democratisation.
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Politics of the USA (15 credits)
This module provides you with a comprehensive overview of the American political system, focusing on the intersection between the main actors and ideas that shape political outcomes.
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Comparative Asian Politics (15 credits)
The module will comparatively examine the historical origins and outcomes of systems of government, strategies of economic development as well as the sources and impact of corruption across Asian states.
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Analysing Political and Economic Data in the Real World (15 credits)
This module focuses on the ways in which we can understand major issues in political economy through real world data.
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Advanced Principles of Economics: Financial Markets and Corporate Systems (15 credits)
This module continues to analyse key concepts and approaches to economic theory, and focuses on two major areas of international politics economy: the firm/corporation and the financial market.
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Political Risk Analysis (15 credits)
The module explores the ways in which political risk is analysed and managed by different political organizations and decision-makers.
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Political Psychology: Reason & Emotion in Politics (15 credits)
The module will introduce you to the growing field of political psychology. It will explore how insights from psychology can help us understand important political phenomena, such as decision-making, political ideology and voting behaviour.
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Theories of International Political Economy (15 credits)
This module will introduce you to the main theories and concepts of international political economy (IPE). It provides in-depth knowledge of the rich intellectual history of IPE as it has developed over time.
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Authoritarianism and Democracy in the 21st Century (15 credits)
The module will comparatively examine changes in authoritarian and democratic politics over time, paying attention to manifestations of authoritarianism and democracy, as well as differences and commonalities between these systems of government.
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The Global Political Economy of Development (15 credits)
This module provides an introduction to the global politics of development. In its approach to development, this module bridges international politics and political economy to demonstrate the role of international organizations, institutions, and actors in promoting (1) domestic political institutions and (2) social welfare policies needed for promoting development.
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Fifty Shades of Red – Russia in the Twentieth Century (15 credits)
This module introduces you to political, social, and cultural developments in modern Russian history, and encourages you to consider how the Soviet experiment influenced the history of Russia and the world, and how we should relate to it today.
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The American Century: The United States in the Twentieth Century (15 credits)
This module will help you understand and assess the evolving role of the United States as a world power.
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Slavery, Colonialism and Revolution in the Caribbean (15 credits)
This module will introduce you to the history of the Caribbean, from the middle of the eighteenth century to the end of the Cold War. It will encourage you to consider how histories of colonialism, slavery, and revolution have shaped the development of the region and continue to shape it today.
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New Media Challenges (15 credits)
A sociological analysis of major spheres shaping and shaped by the development of ICTs and the Internet.
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Understanding Social Change (15 credits)
Introduces you to a range of debates about the ways in which social change is affecting us today, including the emergence of modernity and how this brought about new forms of social inequality, new identities and new patterns of social conflict.
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Contemporary Social Theory (15 credits)
This module focuses on the development of social theory in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.
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Sociology of Race and Racism (15 credits)
This module will allow you to develop an understanding of sociological theories about race and racism and their application to the analysis of specific social phenomena.
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Humanitarian Reporting (15 credits)
This is a module which examines how we understand and explain faraway disasters.
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Slavery, Colonialism and Revolution in the Caribbean (15 credits)
This module will introduce you to the history of the Caribbean, from the middle of the eighteenth century to the end of the Cold War. It will encourage you to consider how histories of colonialism, slavery, and revolution have shaped the development of the region and continue to shape it today.
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Micro-Placement (15 credits)
The module seeks to enhance career exploration and will provide you with professional level experience in the form of a self-contained project with one of City’s external employer partners. Completing the Micro-Placement module at level 5 will preclude you having the option to take the Micro-Placement elective module at level 6.
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Language modules (15 credits)
Only one of the following language modules can be chosen during Year 2:
- Any Language breadth module at level 1 (beginner level)
- Any Language for specific purposes module at level 1 (beginner level)
- Any Language breadth module at Level 2 (intermediate level)
- Any Language for specific purposes module at Level 2 (intermediate level)
- Any Language breadth module at Level 3 (upper intermediate level or higher)
- Any Language for specific purposes module at Level 3 (upper intermediate level or higher)
Year 3
Complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice, showcasing your knowledge and expertise. Choose five elective modules to tailor your final year to your personal and professional interests.
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Final Year Dissertation Project (45 credits)
The taught component of the module, which includes lectures and interactive workshops, will cover the main components and stages in the process of designing and executing a research project. Guided by theory and example, you will then use these methods to execute the empirical analysis of your chosen topic and conclude with a final thesis.
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Advanced Topics in International Political Economy (15 credits)
The module aims to cover a variety of issues and problems in international political economy. Potential topics may include: the offshore world and globalization, theories of money, economic historiography and climate change.
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Global Governance (15 credits)
This module examines the mechanisms by which collective problems and global issues are managed at the global level in the absence of global government.
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American Foreign Policy (15 credits)
This module will introduce you to American power in the world and its foreign policy through a combination of theory, institutions, and case studies.
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Political Change in Europe (15 credits)
The module examines a broad range of social and political developments and changes taking place in contemporary Europe, with a focus on the process of European integration and a range of political actors and institutions involved.
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Global Money and Finance (15 credits)
You will address many topics, such as the problems of money and the financial system in the global economy, the origins and different meanings of ‘money’ and the approaches to financial instability and regulation.
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Global Ethics: Power and Principle in World Politics (15 credits)
This module seeks to introduce you to the traditions of ethical thought in international politics by looking at pressing issues faced in today’s world, such as state and non-state violence that exceeds territorial boundaries.
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The Theory and Practice of Conflict and Peace (15 credits)
This module provides an introduction to how national decision-makers and diplomats have pursued war and peace since the early twentieth century with the aim of applying theory to illuminate key historical cases.
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Political Economy of Global Inequality (15 credits)
This module explores wealth and income inequality from a historical and global perspective. In particular, the module examines inequality within countries, between countries and among citizens of the world.
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Ethnicity and nationalism: Global comparisons (15 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the major theoretical approaches and problems in the study of ethnicity and nationalism.
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Geopolitical Macroeconomy (15 credits)
By taking this module you will expand your research skill-set, and learn how to analyse and compare existing policy tools of macroeconomic strategy and planning, fiscal and monetary interventions.
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The Multinational Corporation: Governance, Politics and Ethics (15 credits)
This course will apply your knowledge of economics and politics to the multinational corporation, helping you to understand the real world of the corporation and its social, political, ecological and economic influence.
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Sexuality and Gender in World Politics (15 credits)
This module provides tools to analyse how the power dynamics of world politics are closely intertwined with and draw on the dynamics that shape the gendered and sexual hierarchies.
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Digital Politics (15 credits)
The module draws on insights from political science, political economy, and other disciplines to understand the complex and rapidly-evolving relationships between digital technologies and politics in the 21st century. The module examines the political and economic impacts of the internet and digital technologies on society.
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Global Health Policy (15 credits)
This module introduces you to some of the key political and economic dimensions of contemporary global health issues. It gives you the tools to critically evaluate the governance of health, global health policies, and the stakeholders involved in governing health.
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Radicals and Reformers: Left-Wing Politics and Activism in Britain and the World since 1945 (15 credits)
This module will introduce you to left-wing politics, political parties and protest movements in Britain since 1945.
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Revolution: Rebels and Riots in Modern History (15 credits)
Provides an overview of the history of the major revolutionary moments that occurred between the Atlantic Revolutions and WWI, and examines the history of revolutionary movements.
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Comparative Empires in the Modern Era (15 credits)
This module explores the history of modern imperialism, focusing on the development of the European, Asian, and American empires in the 19th and 20th century.
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Genocide and the Holocaust in History and Memory (15 credits)
This module examines the origins, implementation, and aftermath of the Holocaust as it unfolded across the European continent, paying particular attention to the divergent perspectives of perpetrators and victims.
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Disruptive Divas. Riot Grrrls and Bad Sistas: A History of Women in Popular Music (15 credits)
The module will introduce you to concepts of gender history and politics as well as to the historical study of popular culture.
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Poverty: What Counts? (15 credits)
Introduces: the conceptualisation of UK poverty, how to understand and critically evaluate the different approaches to the quantitative measurement of UK poverty, the practical measurement of approaches using SPSS, and, social surveys.
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Global Migration Processes (15 credits)
This module introduces students to a key sociological and global phenomenon. This module allows students to develop a global and in depth understanding of this issue, and some of the economic, political and social factors that shape it.
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Reporting Conflict
The module will consider ways in which politics and technology shape and influence the reporting of conflicts. It will analyse in particular the coverage of conflicts which followed global events such as the collapse of the USSR and the attacks of September 11th, 2001.
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Reporting Business (15 credits)
This module provides you with an opportunity to explore the role and practices of finance and business specialist journalists.
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Micro-Placement (15 credits)
The module seeks to enhance career exploration and will provide you with professional level experience in the form of a self-contained project with one of City’s external employer partners. Completing the Micro-Placement module at level 5 will preclude you having the option to take the Micro-Placement elective module at level 6.
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Industry Projects (15 credits)
Using knowledge and skills gained through your degree, you will work in small multi-disciplinary groups on real-life professional level practical projects for employers, choosing between 5 sector streams, such as policy, finance, community, business and arts and culture.
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Year Placement: Integrated Professional Training (15 credits)
This module aims to consolidate the learning and development you have gained through professional level experience in the form of a substantial work placement.
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Language modules (15 credits)
Only one of the following language modules can be chosen during Year 3:
- Any Language breadth module at Level 2 (intermediate level)
- Any Language for specific purposes module at Level 2 (intermediate level)
- Any Language breadth module at Level 3 (upper intermediate level or higher)
- Any Language for specific purposes module at Level 3 (upper intermediate level or higher)
- Any Language for specific purposes module at Level 4 (advanced)
- Foreign Language for Media (Advanced – Portfolio)
Download course specification:
Teaching and assessment
Education
We teach through a combination of:
- Lectures
- Interactive sessions
- Practical workshops
- Small group seminars
- All supported by a personal tutoring system.
Lecturing and teaching is supported by a personal tutoring, mentoring and supervision system. We also arrange organised research seminar and policy series with inspiring outside speakers – both professional and academic – through our Centre for International Policy Studies.
The department also encourages the initiatives (talks, film screenings, etc.) of City’s Politics Student Society, which is run independently by student volunteers through the Student Union.
Independent study
In addition, you will undertake extensive reading and independent study. This will enable you to broaden and deepen your understanding of the topics and concepts covered in lectures and to learn how to use the library resources.
You will also have time to prepare for the interactive sessions and practical workshops, where you will be invited to ask questions and participate in in-depth discussions with other students and teaching staff.
Academic staff
The Department of International Politics is home to academics dedicated to exploring power, global transformations and new challenges in the twenty-first century.
Our expert staff are at the leading edge of contemporary research and debates concerning international diplomacy, finance, civil society, security, religion, migration and many other public policy issues across all continents.
We also engage in theoretical debate on global politics in today’s world. Our knowledge and research expertise are frequently sought after by the media and various international and national institutions where we serve as consultants and advisors.
Learn more about our International Politics staff.
You can follow our staff’s activity through their Twitter feed: @cityintpolitics
Assessment methods
Assessment is by coursework (assessed essays and assignments), and final year project.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The balance of assessment by coursework (assessed essays and assignments) unseen examinations and a final year project will to some extent depend on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:
Assessment
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Overall workload
Most contact hours will take the form of lectures, interactive sessions, practical workshops and small group classes, supported by a personal tutorial system. The number will decrease as you progress and you become more able to direct your own learning. Approximate study time based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:
Workload
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Fees and funding
Fees for year 2023/24
UK
£9,250
Overseas/EU
£19,870
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2023/24 academic year only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase in the region of 5%.
Funding options
- Fee waivers are available for this course.
- Means tested support is available for 2023/24 entry.
Additional expenses
Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses.
Career
This degree will prepare you for a diverse range of postgraduate study options and career possibilities, including:
- the Civil Service
- NGOs
- journalism
- teaching and education
- international organisations
- the corporate sector.
You will develop analytical and critical thinking skills alongside an expert insight into the global political landscape. This expertise is transferable and highly sought-after in a range of careers.
Recent employers include:
- Blackwood Group
- The London Borough of Islington
- The Department for Business, Innovation Skills
- ESA Market Research
- New Statesman.
How to apply
Applications for degree courses must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can apply through your school or college using the Apply system, which enables you to submit your application directly to the UCAS website.
You can apply to up to five universities or institutions on the form. The UCAS code for City, University of London is C60.
Please take care to enter the correct course code when applying, particularly for subjects with a Foundation year or with BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) options.
UCAS has implemented an 'invisibility of choices' policy so that, on the initial application and while you are receiving decisions, each institution can see only their entry and not those of other institutions you have chosen. This ensures that your application for a course at City is considered solely on your academic and personal qualities.
You should submit your completed application form to UCAS with a £23 application fee. If you want to apply to City, University of London only, you can make a single choice application at a reduced rate of £12.
For enquiries about the admissions process at City, please contact our Admissions Office
Complete the Admissions enquiry form.
Call: +44 (0)20 7040 8716.
When to apply
Your application for entry in September 2023 should arrive at UCAS between September 2022 and 25th January 2023. Applications that arrive after 25th January 2023 will be considered only at City's discretion.
Contacting UCAS
Website: www.ucas.com
Address: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3LZ
Telephone:
- from inside the UK 0871 468 0468
- from outside the UK +44 (0)871 468 0468
For callers with hearing difficulties:
- from inside the UK use the Text Relay service on 18001 0871 468 0468
- from outside the UK dial +44 151 494 1260 (text phone) and then ask the operator to dial 0871 468 0468.
Our students
Gain further insight into International Politics at City.
Ask a student
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Academics
Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. On occasion we also work with external professionals to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.
Professor Inderjeet Parmar
Professor of International Politics
Department of International Politics
Dr Charlotte Godziewski
Lecturer in International Politics
Department of International Politics
Dr Sasikumar Sundaram
Lecturer in International Politics (Foreign Policy/Security)
Department of International Politics
What's happening
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News
US banking failures: the role of big auditors in another financial crisis
Professor Atul Shah writes for The Conversation about the auditing failures that have undermined US banking performance.
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News
Timor-Leste election offers an extraordinary lesson in how to build a stable democracy
Dr Geoffrey Swenson writes for The Conversation about how Timor-Leste's recent elections can provide a shining example to other developing countries in how to build a strong democracy.
