Department of Politics, International Relations and Human Rights

Our philosophy

The department provides a friendly, intellectually vibrant and cosmopolitan environment in which students can prepare for active citizenship, professional life and future careers committed to advancing social justice and securing human rights.

We have teaching and research expertise in area studies – including the Middle East, Latin America, and the European Union – human rights and political violence, political theory, peace and conflict studies, and nationalism and foreign policy.

We offer a diverse range of courses based on interdisciplinary teaching and problem-based learning. Our programmes in global politics, international relations and human rights are informed by our strong belief in inclusion, diversity, and freedom of thought. They present a variety of perspectives, both orthodox and critical, which encourage students to reach their own informed views through interactive lecturing and rigorous debates, and to share experiences and knowledge brought from their own countries, backgrounds and life experiences.

Our values reflect the diversity of our student body, the professional commitment of our academic staff members, and the learning environment that we foster. We are committed to representing and educating one of the most diverse student communities in the UK.