BA (Hons) International Studies

Course Outline

An important feature of the modern world which is widely recognised and commented upon by business people, journalists, politicians, diplomats, teachers and virtually anyone with the alertness to look about them, is its increasing inter-dependence and ‘internationalisation’. Your ability to read this message on the World Wide Web is itself a manifestation of the power of ideas to transcend national boundaries with great rapidity and at low cost. Technology has proved to be an agent which encourages co-operation across national boundaries. Technological developments in transport, telecommunications and computing have encouraged economic changes such as the decline in barriers to trade, the internationalisation of financial markets, the rise of global companies, and a massive increase in the volume of international trade in goods and services. These trends have been accompanied by political developments such as the rise of regional trading groupings of countries, international efforts to agree about common legal and technical rules to govern business dealings, arguments about ‘tax competition’ between countries, as well as increasing concern about the environmental consequences associated with world economic development. Enormous social tensions arise as these international forces come into conflict with long established ways of doing things in every country. Political and social systems are in a continuous process of adjustment to an increasingly open world.

The International Studies programme at Buckingham gives you an opportunity to learn about these fundamental problems. With students coming to Buckingham from over 80 countries, it is an ideal environment to learn about matters of international concern and to discuss them with people from differing cultural backgrounds. The programme is inter-disciplinary and covers economic, political, legal, historical and cultural dimensions. Graduates from the International Studies programme will have acquired a knowledge of economics sufficient to analyse and understand the global marketplace; a familiarity with political systems in a range of different countries; and a good historical understanding of how the international framework has evolved over time.

Students wishing to pursue careers in the media, journalism, international business, politics, diplomacy or education should find the programme very attractive for their first degree.

Teaching Methods

The Department employs a variety of teaching methods in different modules. Lectures and small group tutorials form the backbone of the teaching. Personal contact with members of the academic staff is considered to be essential if each student’s personal enthusiasm for their studies is to be stimulated. A range of activities is pursued within the tutorial groups depending upon the module. Some modules emphasise problem solving as a means of reinforcing and cementing the important ideas – for example the module in Microeconomic Theory. Occasionally we use game playing to encourage discussion and understanding – for example when competing groups of students try to control a computer model of the economy in Principles of Macroeconomics. Other modules place greater emphasis on writing short and accurate technical pieces (Welfare Economics) or longer more discursive papers.

What our students say …

“I chose to study at the University of Buckingham for several reasons: first of all, I found the programme that was of great interest to me (International Studies), and I also found out that I could combine it with Spanish Language, which is another passion of mine. I was always interested in international relations, but I never thought that studying this programme at this university would be such a rewarding experience.  Secondly, the University of Buckingham offered me the opportunity to complete my Bachelor degree in just 2 years; thirdly, it was not only through classes that I have been learning something new on the subject, but also in my every day student life: the University of Buckingham has representatives of 92 different nationalities! What else could be better than understanding international relations through living in such an international community? For me, this university became a home, where I was surrounded by excellent support from academic and non – academic staff, willing to assist me at any time; by students just like me, who came here from different parts of the world – this experience is unforgettable!

I am very happy that I have chosen to study at the University of Buckingham. All my expectations in terms of academic support and guidance at lectures and tutorials, the on-campus multicultural atmosphere and the ideal location of the University, have been met. I am proud of being the University of Buckingham graduate and I would definitely recommend to all my friends, who want to study in the UK, to come study here!”
Anastasiya Ostapchuk (International Studies with Spanish, 2008)

*September entrants may choose between a nine term option of two years and three months, or nine terms across three years in the traditional academic format. Please contact the admissions office for more details.