Foundation College

International Relations

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Key information

Duration
3 weeks
Start of programme
Summer 2024
Attendance mode
Full-time
Location
Russell Square, College Buildings

Course overview

These courses offer students an introduction to key issues and ideas in International Relations. 

It is intended for people interested in how modern relations between nations and people have evolved and how they are changing in a globalising world. The course is taught through a series of lectures, seminars, case studies and discussion classes with supporting English tuition.

The courses explore a wide range of developments in international relations today, including: the rise of nationalism in Europe; democratic revolutions in the Middle East; the waning hegemony of the USA; and the challenges of global warming and nuclear proliferation.

Students will have the opportunity to produce group presentations on a variety of different international questions, and to participate in role-playing exercises that give an insight into the practical diplomacy of international relations.

Entry recommendations

Students should be at an intermediate level of English in order to follow and participate in classes. We do not require proof of English level, but as a guideline IELTS 5.5, TOEFL IBT 76 (or equivalent) are recommended.

Structure

Areas of study

International order and change

The focus of this first block is the rise of the modern state system and the structures of power that shape international politics today. How can states with different national interests maintain peace and security?

Lecture topics

  • Sovereignty, the emergence of the modern State and the International System
  • The United Nations: Collective Security and Humanitarianism
  • The North - South divide or New Imperialism
  • The Cold War - Has it ended or restarted?
  • The Environment and International security
  • The emergence of new (super) powers - China, India (BRICS or BICS)

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes. 

However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. 

Teaching and learning

Subject courses with English support are taught by two teachers, a subject specialist and a language expert. The subject classes use lectures, seminars and cases studies, whereas the integrated language classes focus on skills development (especially speaking and listening) using the subject content.

This is a full-time course with classes every day plus additional time for independent research. Students work towards delivering a presentation at the end of the course. You can expect to strengthen language skills and deepen subject knowledge, whilst gaining greater confidence in communicating in English in an academic setting.

All teaching takes place on campus with additional class excursions to places of interest in London. The maximum number of students per class is 20.

Students will have access to SOAS library including our wide range of e-books and e-journals. You will receive a certificate for successful course completion.

Fees and funding

Fees

  • 3 weeks (1 block): £2,200 GBP
  • 6 weeks (2 blocks): £3,960 GBP (save £440*)
  • 9 weeks (3 blocks): £5,940 GBP (save £600*)

*Compared to the cost of multiple individual blocks. The reduced fees for multiple blocks above are available for 2 or 3 blocks booked at the same time.

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