This module will introduce students to a range of theories, ideas and processes related to international trade from several perspectives: economic, historical, political and international. Students are shown how international trade and commercial relationships impact, alter and create political and social connections. Student learn how political, social and cultural institutions play a large role in facilitating these arrangements, and how relationships develop and change over time. The exercise of power in international relationships, ad its impact on trade and through the form of economic diplomacy is explored through the module.

The content will include topics such as:

• The origins of international trade
• The creation and role of the World Trade Organisation and other international organisations
• Barriers to trade (tariffs and quotas, political)
• International Trade Agreements and disagreements
• Regional integration areas
• The role of currencies and exchange rates
• Globalisation and finance
• Global crisis and their effects on trade
• Economic diplomacy and trade
• Economic destabilisation and trade
• Changing power in international trade: The rise of China, India, Brazil
• Effects of and constraints of international trade on development and environment

The aims of the module are to:

• Enable student appreciation of the role and relevance of international trade and international politics and their relationship to one another.
• Facilitate student understanding of the economic rationale behind the existence of international trade.
• Ensure student appreciation of the complexity of commercial relationships and their inter-relationship with political systems and with power in the international arena.
• Facilitate an appreciation of the changing nature of international trade over time and in terms of institutions, instruments, agreements and countries' roles.
• Enable application of theory to practice.

This module is designed to provide students with understanding of the key principles and concepts of micro and macroeconomics and their application. This is set within the contemporary social, cultural, political and policy context, in particular post the financial crisis, enabling students to appreciate the relevance of Economics within a wider context. It will also provide guidance on how to approach the study of Economics and how to start thinking like an economist as well as more generic skills such as economy related presentations.

Microeconomics content includes:

• Basic economic problems of scarcity and choice
• How consumers and producers make decisions
• Implications of different market structures
• Economic welfare
• How governments intervene when markets fail

Macroeconomics content includes:

• Wider economic environment, including the measurement and flows of national income
• Causes and effects of unemployment and inflation
• Uses and abuses of government fiscal and monetary policy

 Content relating to the application of the above includes:

• Impact of government macro and microeconomic policies on society
• Impact of fiscal, monetary issues and financial markets on society
• Public expenditure, employment, labour markets, labour relations and income distribution and implications
• Austerity and post-crisis welfare

This module provides essential data science skills and applications tailored for undergraduate economics students. It introduces foundational and advanced econometric techniques, building on students' statistical skills and proficiency with software applications. The module focuses primarily on supervised learning, including running regressions using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and maximum likelihood estimation. To address different economic questions, students will complete regression analyses using cross-sectional, time-series, and panel data. The module also covers the use of instrumental variables (IV) and quasi-experimental approaches, integrated within Stata and RStudio software. Additionally, students will be introduced to other key components of data science, such as unsupervised learning, with brief explorations in Python and Google Colab.

This module provides students with an in-depth understanding of contemporary geopolitics, critical political ideologies, and influential leaders from a global perspective. Designed to broaden students’ knowledge of international relations and political thought beyond Western-centric paradigms, it equips them with the analytical tools and critical thinking skills needed to engage with the complex dynamics of current global affairs.

Through this course, students will explore key geopolitical theories, foundational concepts, and historical legacies, including the impact of colonialism and the Cold War. They will examine power centres and regional dynamics across various regions—such as the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America—and gain insights into security, economic, environmental, technological, and humanitarian dimensions of geopolitics. Additionally, the module presents alternative perspectives on international relations by examining non-Western political leaders, ideologies, and movements that have shaped both regional and global politics.

The content will include:

• Introduction to Non-Western Political Thought: Overview of the module, defining key concepts, and the significance of studying non-Western political ideas.
• Alexander Dugin and Eurasianism and Multipolarity: Explore the political ideology of Alexander Dugin and its impact on Russian foreign policy; Eurasian geopolitics and Multipolarity.
• Hugo Chávez and Bolivarianism: Examine the political ideas of Hugo Chávez, the founder of Bolivarianism in Latin America, and their influence on regional politics.
• Seretse Khama and African Leadership: Study the life and leadership of Seretse Khama, the first President of Botswana, and his contributions to non-violent struggle, African independence and democracy.
• Xi Jinping and Chinese Political Thought: Analyse the political thought of Xi Jinping and its role in shaping China's domestic and international policies, multilateralism and the new global order.
• Regional Case Studies: Investigate additional non-Western political leaders and ideas from diverse regions, such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

The Module aims are: 

• Foster a comprehensive understanding of Global Affairs and International Relations by exposing students to diverse political ideas, leaders, and ideologies from both Western and non-Western contexts, encouraging a nuanced perspective on global politics.
• Develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills as they examine the historical, cultural, and ideological contexts that shape contemporary geopolitics and international relations.
• Equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical research skills necessary to assess the roles, strategies, and impacts of major state and non-state actors in global politics.
• Encourage students to engage in informed discussions, contrasting non-Western and Western political thought, to contribute thoughtfully to the discourse on global affairs and predict future geopolitical trends.

This module is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in research, practice, and professional life. Emphasising a transdisciplinary approach, experiential learning and practitioner tools and approaches, the module aims to enhance critical thinking, research abilities, and practical skills essential for careers in Global Affairs, International Relations and related fields. Students will engage with theoretical concepts, practical and practitioner-based tools and applications, and professional development, with an emphasis on current global challenges and trends, enabling them to become informed, effective, and adaptable professionals. 

Indicative content includes:

• In-depth analysis of contemporary global challenges, such as climate change, conflict resolution, humanitarian crises, and global health issues.
• Examination of current geopolitical trends and their implications for international relations.
• Case studies on the role of international organisations (e.g., UN, IMF, World Bank) and regional organisations in addressing global issues.
• Analysis of real-world policy documents, international agreements, indicators and schematics.
• Use of qualitative and quantitative tools and information eco-systems for research, practice and professional work.
• Communication skills for effective writing, public speaking, and international negotiations.
• Intercultural awareness and competency to navigate diverse international environments.
• Ethical decision-making and the importance of professional ethics

This module provides a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. industry apprioprate sector). It is designed to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The placement can either be organised by you or with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc)
• Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement

Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work.

• criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
• All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The Level 5, 40-credit modules require a basic foundation of knowledge of your chosen language e.g. GCSE or equivalent,  a Level 4 module in the same language or equivalent previous learning. This module includes an optional placement abroad, such as an intensive course at a partner university. You can choose:

• Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (choice of German, French or Spanish)
• Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (choice of Chinese, French or Spanish)
• Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (choice of German, Italian or Spanish)