Politics with International Relations With Foundation Year
L24XHow on earth do we make sense of Brexit, Trump and terrorism? Why do countries go to war? And how can I actively participate in policy making? Our compelling course and enthusiastic team of expert lecturers will help you answer these questions and get to grips with the complexity of domestic, regional and international political life.
Course overview
*Subject to revalidation
Over three years, you gain a thorough overview of the key forces and trends driving politics in a wide range of areas such as the environment, human and animal rights, conventional and non-conventional security threats, diplomacy, strategy, China’s rise, the future role of the EU and the US.
In today’s world of uncertain alliances and emerging popular movements, there is a new demand for experts who are equipped with the skills and knowledge to analyse global politics. You learn the various theoretical tools that are available to undertake such analyses and apply them to current political affairs.
On our distinctive programme you are encouraged to become an independent, critical inquirer and aspirational learner. Each module is designed by members of staff to reflect current debates within their disciplines and is shaped by their areas of research expertise.
A Foundation Year is the perfect way to boost your academic skills, build your confidence and develop your wider subject knowledge so you can succeed at Winchester. This course offers an extra year of study at the start (Year 0) which leads onto a full degree programme (Years 1, 2 and 3).
A Foundation Year is ideal if you are returning to education after a break; haven’t quite achieved the entry qualifications required; are wanting more support during the transition to studying at university; or are unsure about which subject you wish to pursue.
In Year 0, you will study a set of modules from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences which are designed to develop your academic and practical skills. This broader focus in your first year introduces you to studying at university level and provides you with a better understanding of Politics, International Relations and related subjects.
You will experience a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussion-based seminars and independent study. You will also receive support to boost your academic skills to prepare you for the rest of your time at Winchester. Find out more and hear from our Foundation Year students at winchester.ac.uk/foundation
Year 1 (second year of study) gives you a solid grounding in global political studies, including an introduction to International Relations, British and American Politics, Human Rights in the Global Political Economy and Principles of Micro- and Macroeconomics.
In Year 2 (third year of study), you study the institutions and concepts behind US and Russian foreign policies, Strategic and Security Studies, Southern Cultures, Political and Religious Themes in the Near and Middle East and International Law.
Your final year features compulsory modules in Diplomatic Studies, China: 21st Century Challenges, Politics of International Courts, Human Rights in World Politics, and Politics, Energy and the Environment. Having built up an understanding of the core research methods and taught modules, you undertake a dissertation on a topic of your choice; this is a significant piece of independent research supported by expert supervision.
Throughout Years 2 (third year of study) and 3 (fourth year of study) you can choose from a wide range of optional modules to explore your special interests. These may include The War on Terror, The Modern American Presidency, Sexual Violence and Politics, The Politics of Food Production, and The Ethics of the Post‐Crash Economy.
*Subject to revalidation
This course is subject to revalidation. 'Revalidation' is the process by which the University refreshes its existing provision. Revalidation assesses the quality and standards of the programme to ensure it continues to provide a distinct, high quality academic experience for students, enabling them to acquire the necessary academic knowledge, understanding, general and subject-specific skills required to pursue a graduate level career.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 4 years full-time
Apply
L24X
Typical offer
48 points
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Develop your knowledge and analytical skills to understand politics at domestic, regional and international levels
- Join a department that has averaged over 95% overall satisfaction since 2013 in National Student Surveys of final-year undergraduate students
- Benefit from small numbers in tutorials, which allow for rewarding discussions and debates and closer interaction with our expert staff
- Pursue your own interests through a wide range of specialist optional modules, which cover topical issues such as The War on Terror, 21st Century Africa and The Ethics of the Post‐Crash Economy
Course details
Work placements
You have the opportunity to undertake professional practice placements during the programme for three months, six months or one year. Three or six month placements can be taken as part of credit bearing modules, allowing you to undertake a work placement and still graduate within three years.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 0 (Level 3): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
- Independent learning: 912 hours
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 192 hours
- Independent learning: 1008 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 180 hours
- Independent learning: 1008 hours
- Placement: 12 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 168 hours
- Independent learning: 1032 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 0 (Level 3)*:
- 83% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 17% practical exams
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
- 87% coursework
- 13% written exams
- 0% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
- 97% coursework
- 3% written exams
- 0% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
- 88% coursework
- 12% written exams
- 0% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
This module is designed to support students with the transition to university, the development of the academic skills and attributes necessary for successful future study and the foundations of a developing sense of vocation. Through a carefully structured and scaffolded series of seminars and workshops, students will be supported in building their self-awareness of, and confidence in, themselves as active learners. Delivered in the context of their subject area and aligned with the development of academic skills and attributes required across all Foundation Year modules, workshops will focus on academic skills such as referencing, selecting and using valid academic resources, reading/researching for academic purposes, using feedback constructively and gaining confidence in contributing to discussions and debates. Coordinated assessment points across the Foundation Year experience enables this module to provide students with ongoing support and opportunities to practice and develop their skills and confidence with a range of written and oral assessment types relevant to their subject area as they progress through the year.
This module introduces students to invaluable meanings and understandings that are gained from being at university and participating in wider intellectual discussions and debates. Within the context of each Discipline foundation year, students are introduced to a range of thinkers and questions that have important in various ways across the discipline. Designed to further encourage the foundations of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking within and beyond their own subject, students will come to understand that inter and cross disciplinarity has an essential role to play in the academy and to their own intellectual progression.
Modules
Modules
More information coming soon
More information coming soon
More information coming soon
In Semester 1 students can choose either Option Module A or Option Module C
Option Module A - Middle Eastern and North African Politics
Option Module C - Work Placement
In Semester 2 students can choose either Option Module B or Option Module D
Option Module B - Liberty and Extremism
Option Module D - Gender, Sexual Violence and Politics
Optional
More information coming soon
More information coming soon
More information coming soon
In Semester 1 students can choose either Option Module A or Option Module C
Option Module A - Middle Eastern and North African Politics
Option Module C - Work Placement
In Semester 2 students can choose either Option Module B or Option Module D
Option Module B - Liberty and Extremism
Option Module D - Gender, Sexual Violence and Politics
Modules
This is a dissertation of between 8,000 and 10,000 words on a subject of the students’ choice (subject to approval). Study is primarily student-directed, with regular supervision supplied by tutors teaching in the subject. It is mandatory for Single Honours students; Joint students can choose which field to take their dissertation within.
More information coming soon.
More information coming soon.
In Semester 1 students can choose either option module A Or option module C. Please note option C is only available to those who did not take it at level 5.
Option A - Social Movements and Collective Action
Option C - Middle Eastern and North African Politics
In Semester 2 students can choose EITHER Option Module B OR Option Module D.
Option B - Russian Foreign Policy
Option D - US Foreign Policy
Optional
This is a dissertation of between 8,000 and 10,000 words on a subject of the students’ choice (subject to approval). Study is primarily student-directed, with regular supervision supplied by tutors teaching in the subject. It is mandatory for Single Honours students; Joint students can choose which field to take their dissertation within.
More information coming soon.
More information coming soon.
In Semester 1 students can choose either option module A Or option module C. Please note option C is only available to those who did not take it at level 5.
Option A - Social Movements and Collective Action
Option C - Middle Eastern and North African Politics
In Semester 2 students can choose EITHER Option Module B OR Option Module D.
Option B - Russian Foreign Policy
Option D - US Foreign Policy
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: EEE from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations
- BTEC/CTEC: PPP from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 1 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1962 827023
2025 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £5,760 | £16,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 4 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Total | £37,000 | £66,800 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,850 | £3,340 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £38,850 | £70,140 |
Additional tuition fee information
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a four-year degree would be £37,000 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Our graduates bring a global perspective as well as transferable skills in time management, problem solving and critical thinking to the workplace. They are prepared to address many of the complex issues facing the modern world.
These skills open up a number of career paths to you, including roles in national and local government, the civil and foreign service, interest groups, non-government organisations and charities. You may also find rewarding roles in education, business, the military and media.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
University of Winchester students studying Bachelor Honours degrees are pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible students must apply by the end of March in their final year and meet the entry requirements of their chosen Masters degree.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
“My degree has helped me in what I want to achieve next, not just the course content but the skills I learnt, such as debating, learning to compromise and working with other people while listening to their opinions and experiences.”
