BSc (Hons) International Relations and Social Policy

**Aston University is The Guardian's 'University of the Year' 2020.****Course outline**As a student on the BSc (Hons) International Relations and Social Policy course, you’ll explore the major political and social issues faced by governments across the world. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of the international state system, the structure and purpose of international organisations, and the roles played by international institutions, other intergovernmental organisations, multinational corporations and NGOs.On the social policy strand of the course, you will investigate the economic, social and political forces which influence government decision-making and develop a detailed understanding of policy-making processes at global, national and local levels of government. You will also explore in-depth, the outcomes and consequences of various government policies on the economy and society. Studying the nature of policy delivery and management by various organisations, such as local governments, schools and businesses, will prepare you for a range of career paths. Important strengths of the programme include its focus on key contemporary issues in international relations and policy, such as global economic change and the environment as well as international comparisons of government policies. During the final year, you will explore more specialised topics through the completion of an individual research dissertation and a range of modules covering topics such as the international relations of East Asia, US foreign policy, and the international relations between post-Soviet Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.**Key benefits**- As part of your degree you’ll have the option to undertake a professional placement year, gaining valuable practical experience that employers demand.- 95 per cent of students studying international relations courses at Aston agreed that they had been able to contact staff when they need to (National Student Survey, 2020).- Social Policy at Aston was ranked 7th in the UK for ‘graduate prospects’ (Complete University Guide, 2021).- Social Policy at Aston scored 92 per cent for overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey, 2020).- Social Policy at Aston was ranked first in the UK for ‘continuation’ (Guardian, 2020). This compares the number of first-year students on full-time first-degree courses who have remained active in their second year of studies.