Philosophy and International Relations

Philosophy explores our existence using critical thinking and argument. We specialise in continental (European) philosophy and teach key texts from the European tradition.

We help you look at how philosophy is important to real-world concerns and contemporary issues by:

- exploring films and artwork in lectures

- discussing important scientific and technological developments

- debating controversial ethical issues

- looking at how texts written 300 years ago can be relevant to political situations today

At Levels 1 and 2 you'll receive a grounding in ancient and modern philosophy and be introduced to fundamental ideas concerning ethics, epistemology (the nature of knowledge) and metaphysics (the nature of reality). You then specialise in Levels 3 and 4 in areas that suit your own interests.

Conflict, cooperation, and the increased significance of non-state actors are all hallmarks of the world today. By studying International Relations you'll develop skills and tools to make sense of these complex interrelationships. The MA degree means you study Politics alongside other subjects from History to Geography, languages to Psychology. At Levels 3 and 4 you will be able to specialise.