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International Relations and Politics Foundation Diploma
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Academic structure
You will study the following modules on the International Relations and Politics Foundation Diploma or Diploma*:
Term 1
Foundation English Skills 1 (FES 1)
Develop your ability to read academic texts, write essays, take notes, listen effectively and participate in classroom discussion.
British Political System
An introduction to the British political system, the basic principles of the British constitution, civil liberties and their relation to the judicial system; how parliament works, including the electoral system, political parties and the legislative process; and the composition and functions of the government and civil service, and Britain’s relationship to the EU.
Introduction to International Relations
An essential background to international relations as an academic subject, not only considering how the present ‘society of states’ emerged and the ideological, economic and technological influences that have shaped it, but also looking at the theoretical background to the subject. Consider traditional perspectives and the challenging recent developments in thinking on this subject.
Plus 1 of the following:
Core Mathematics
Contains both algebra and statistics: develop your knowledge and understanding of mathematical terms and techniques and apply these to solving problems, frequently drawn from practical and real life situations.
or
Fundamentals of Computing
An overview of the core concepts of the subject. Study the main types of both hardware and software and gain an introduction to the role of programming. See how computers are used in businesses and by individuals and discover the importance of user-centred design.
or
Introduction to Management
Consider the operational and strategic problems facing managers of business enterprises in the modern market economy. Look at the various approaches that managers adopt towards these problems and the range of different management styles. Discuss accountability and the relationships of managers with owners and other stakeholders.
Term 2
Foundation English Skills 2 (FES 2)
Improve all your skills developed in FES1 to help you work with greater accuracy, speed, cohesion, organisation and presentation.
British Politics from 1945
Study both national and international aspects of British Politics since the Second World War. Look at the key debates which have shaped British politics such as, internally, the development of the Welfare State, Britain’s economic decline and constitutional changes and, internationally, the Cold War, decolonisation and the debate over membership of the European Union.
Issues around the Political Process
Consider core debates about Politics and the Political Process: why Politics is important, who runs a country with a democratic system, how ‘big’ the State should be and has state interference in the life of the individual has gone too far. Look at what makes a good citizen and whether it is ever right for a citizen to dispute the authority of the State through direct action.
Plus 1 of the following:
Microeconomics
Look at issues in Microeconomics, and studying topics including: consumer behaviour, the setting of objectives and analysis of costs within companies, monopoly and oligopoly, market failure and economies of scale, specialisation and integration.
or
Introduction to Marketing
Look at marketing and marketing management in a range of different types of firms in the business world. Covers topics including market research and intelligence, the marketing mix, advertising and the importance of branding. Study also the ethics of marketing and the need for firms to have policies on Corporate Social Responsibility and put these demonstrably into practice.
or
Programming 1
An introduction to the basic concepts underlying computer programming and to the techniques for applying these using a contemporary, generic computer language. Develop your problem-solving skills through practical work in the context of computer programming.
Term 3
Study Skills in the British Environment
Learn to use your study time more effectively, improve your use, and range, of information sources and prepare comprehensive essays in your own time to given deadlines.
Forces Molding Foreign Policy
An introduction to the study of foreign policy as an aspect of the wider academic discipline of International Relations. Consider the historical, cultural, strategic and economic forces that influence the development of foreign policy and the roles of the Foreign Office and of the diplomatic service. Look at the foreign policy of countries other than Britain.
Introduction to Global Politics
First look at the role of the State in a global dimension, looking at concepts such as statehood, diplomacy and legitimation. Then consider how local, national and global aspects impact on each other by considering global issues such as human rights, peace and security, the environment and climate change, the globalisation of the economy and whether a ‘global culture’ is taking shape.
Plus 1 of the following:
Introduction to Human Resource Management
Consider the theory and practice of Personnel and Human Resource Management in the modern business environment. Look at issues such as recruitment, training, motivation and appraisal of staff and consider the regulatory framework that governs employer/employee relations in the UK.
or
Macroeconomics
An introduction to the key concepts of macroeconomics. Enhance your knowledge of how goods markets, financial markets and labour markets operate, the factors that influence rates of unemployment, interest and inflation. Learn how governments make decisions about their country’s economic direction and seek to improve its performance.
or
Programming 2
Learn about the properties of some data structures and algorithms that are of key importance to modern computer science and IT. Practice your general purpose computer programming skills so that you are able to develop your own software solutions to straightforward problems.
or
Introduction to Information Systems
The aim of this module is to introduce you to Information Systems and their main personal and business uses. Consider how computer-based systems have developed and how they are operated and maintained. Practical work involves word processing, spreadsheets and databases. Get an overview of the design and management of Information Systems, of the Internet and of E-business.
Term 4
Justice and Social Values
Introduction to the core ideas in the history of western political thought, including notions of justice, liberty, political authority, state power and the social contract. This takes place through a study of major political thinkers, including Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau. Out of their work have emerged the political ideas that have shaped the modern world, in particular representative government and democratic forms.
International Relations since 1945
Introduction to the major events and developments since the end of the Second World War. These include the origins, development and end of the Cold War, conflicts in the Middle East, decolonisation and nation-building in the wake of the fall of the European Empires and attempts at co-operation through the United Nations, the European Union and various military and economic pacts. The module also looks at US foreign policy and interventionism since the end of the Cold War and the new challenges of international terrorism and the environment.
Comparative Politics
Introduction to the comparative study of politics, considering the methodology and theories involved and look at practical questions such as political participation, different electoral systems, political parties and interest groups and the participation of both legislatures (Parliaments) and executives (Governments) in political policy-making. With the knowledge gained they are able to compare the political process in different countries.
Plus 1 of the following:
Introduction to the Global Economy
A background to the modern movement of globalisation. Consider aspects of the global economy such as international trade, overseas investment, the movement of workers and the benefits and problems that go with such a high level of interconnectedness. Look also at the nature, attitudes and activities of the anti-globalisation movement.
or
Applied Economics
Students are introduced to the way in which basic economic concepts of economics operate in the decision-making of everyday life. They look at the role of the Internet, particularly in e-banking, e-markets & social networking & consider the environmental costs of economic activities. A case study looks in economic terms at the value of attending university.
or
Human Computer Interaction
Through this module you will explore the human-computer interface and are introduced to the concepts, techniques, and tools that support the analysis of, needs for, and design of, system interfaces. With a focus on web interfaces, you will look at issues of user-centred design, relevant guidelines, principles and standards and legal and ethical considerations. The module also tackles the important issue of developing creativity.
or
Computer Animation and Multimedia
The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to Computer Graphics, Animation and Multimedia. It further aims to provide them with the appropriate programming and media development skills to design and develop multimedia. You will consider graphics and sound, animation, digital forms, design and development issues and multimedia applications and presentation.
* Note that for the Diploma, students will study the same modules as Foundation Diploma but these will be structured to fit in three terms because students are suppossed to have an advanced understanding of the subjects to qualify for this route.
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