Politics and International Relations BA Welcome Pack
Welcome to BA Politics and International Relations 2023.
The Politics and International Relations course is designed to develop both intellectual and practical skills that enable more informed and effective forms of participation in today’s complex and dynamic global environments. Worldwide developments in political, economic and socio-cultural practices and interaction demonstrate the vital importance of Politics and International Relations and its increasing relevance at both academic and practical levels.
In addition to academic study, the course also involves fieldwork. In your second year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a placement with a host organisation of your choice and an international field trip (travel and accommodation costs will normally be covered by the Faculty).
Your degree will also provide a strong foundation for careers in both the private and public sectors where there is a growing need for international sensitivity. Our core purpose is to nurture not only a robust intellectual flexibility but also high levels of analytical, interpersonal and communication skills attractive to employers across a wide range of sectors; from the local to the global. Our aim is to provide students with an excellent background and a competitive edge for career development and/or further study in a rapidly changing and diversifying world.
Welcome to your degree! We hope that you will have an exciting, rich and rewarding experience
Your Programme Leader
Dr Suzanne McDonald-Walker
Senior Lecturer in International Relations and Politics | SFHEA
suzanne.mcdonald-walker@northampton.ac.uk
Welcome and Induction Sessions
To welcome you to the Politics and International Relations degree, we would like to invite you to join other new students to an online welcome and induction experience in the weeks leading up to the start of term. In these sessions you can meet your academic staff teams, find out more about the University support teams, and an overview of the course. Your sessions can be found in the accordions below:
Equipment
Your course does not require students to have specialist equipment or clothing / uniform. However, you may choose which reading materials you acquire.
Enhancing skills, building networks and engaging in the wider University community
PIR students have to undertake both a compulsory placement and a field trip as part of their assessed modules. Please note that alternative assessments can be arranged if, due to special circumstances, students are unable to undertake either the placement or trip.