London, United Kingdom

International Relations

World politics today is characterised by increasing complexity. Alongside states, a myriad of international and regional organisations, interest groups, civil society organisations and even terrorist networks shape the dynamics of international politics. These interactions and alternative ways of understanding them are at the core of this module that examines the key issues in contemporary international relations.The module will first offer students an introduction to the discipline of International Relations to understand some of the key questions that scholars and policy makers have focused on, and how the field has been transformed as the world has changed around them. It will then study a series of pressing contemporary issues, including war, security, development, human rights and terrorism. These cases and questions will be analysed through different theories including realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism and feminism.

Course leader

Dr Behar Sadriu

Target group

This is a level one module (equivalent to first year undergraduate). No prior subject knowledge is required to study this module but students are expected to have a keen interest in the subject area.

Course aim

Upon successful completion of this module, students will:

Gain and/or deepen understanding of the key theoretical approaches and debates in contemporary IR
Gain familiarity with key trends and developments in contemporary international politics
Develop the ability to engage with ontological, epistemological and methodological questions relating to the study of IR
Develop the ability to critically appraise arguments, assumptions and methodologies
Consolidate public speaking skills

Credits info

7.5 EC
7.5 ECTS / 4 US / 15 UCL

Fee info

GBP 2585: Students joining us for six weeks (two modules) will receive a tuition fee discount.