Year 1 (Preliminary Year)
This year is not compulsory for students with appropriate qualifications for year two entry.
The first year comprises a special programme of English for Academic Purposes designed by highly experienced staff from the acclaimed Centre of English Language Learning (CELE) at The University of Nottingham. This is carefully integrated with the study programmes offered by each academic school so as to prepare students fully for years 2-4 of the degree.
Visit Year One programme for more details.
Year 2 (Qualifying Year)
In this first year of specialist study you are introduced to the historical foundations of Western cultures and political systems together with themes and theories central to modern international organisations. Twenty-credit modules are structured around the student-centred approach with extensive reading as you practice the study skills you will need for more independent research later in your degree. Each semester you take twenty credits of options.
Year 3 (Part I)
In this year, you consolidate what you have learnt so far by applying the knowledge you have acquired so far with more in-depth study of contemporary issues covering regions including the West and Asia. Each semester you take twenty credits of options.
Visit exchange programme for more details.
Year 4 (Part II)
Besides taught modules and options the focus of your study in this final year is an individual dissertation project. This is on a topic of your own choice and consists of guided research spread over the whole academic year.
The BA International Studies is organised in three thematic pathways. We strongly recommend students studying in the International Studies programme to follow one of these pathways. For each pathway the modules have been designed to sequentially build upon each other. Each pathway gives you a thorough introduction into a more specific area of international studies in the second year, develops the scope of the themes in the third year and allows for specialisation in the fourth year. In each pathway there is a core module for every semester and a number of options. The pathways are: International relations/comparative politics pathway; Development and gender studies pathway; World History Pathway.
Please note that the structure of this degree and its modules may be subject to change.