POLITICS, PHILOSOPHY, AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
We have made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information provided is both helpful and accurate. All information was correct at the time of printing. However, changes to programmes, study location, facilities or fees may occur. Visit swansea.ac.uk/social-sciences for the most up-to-date information.
WELCOME
WE OFFER:
A warm welcome to the School of Social Sciences at Swansea University, where dynamic teaching and renowned research go hand in hand. Our vibrant School brings together a team of experts who are leaders in their fields, delivering world-class education and ground-breaking research. Our various research institutes and networks tackle a series of global challenges that impact society and contributes to our civic mission. We believe in the power of real-world learning, and our dedicated academic community encourage our students to explore the practical applications of academic theories, whilst providing significant support in lectures, seminars, and as personal tutors. Our students are an integral part of our community, and we are proud to welcome students from all backgrounds who contribute to our vibrant culture. From assisting with research projects, to running societies and organising events, our students have the opportunity to actively contribute to our community, making meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. Our goal is to provide an exceptional learning experience that nurtures excellence, enables you to become an independent thinker, and prepares you for your chosen career path. Whether you turn the pages, visit our website, or follow us on social media, I hope we can inspire you to study at Swansea on a course that is right for you.
Year Abroad and Year in Industry opportunities Flexible module options Unique partnerships and schemes with the Welsh government and UK parliament
Communication and Teamwork Problem Solving Time Management SKILLS ACQUIRED:
Are equipped with skills for rewarding careers Benefit from extensive support and guidance Are actively involved in School activities and research OUR STUDENTS:
Professor Ryan Murphy Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
POLITICS, PHILOSOPHY, AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS If you are looking to become the next global leader or want to make a difference in the world, our range of interdisciplinary degrees could be for you. With links to the national government along with our academic expertise, we will provide you with an enriched environment for learning that will open up career opportunities for you in Politics, Philosophy and International Relations disciplines. 90% of Politics, Philosophy and International Relations graduates at Swansea University are in employment within 15 months of leaving higher education (HESA 2022). You have the flexibility to choose from an array of diverse and challenging modules to tailor your degree to your future aspirations. As technology, transport, and a complex international economy make our world smaller, the value of peaceful and cooperative relationships between nations is increasingly important. On this degree you will look behind the headlines to the key players in world politics, exploring important ideas and how we can solve conflict or achieve cooperation.
swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy- international-relations For more information, scan the QR or visit our website.
OUR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DEGREES
L254 L257 L255 L251
International Relations, BA (Hons)
International Relations, BA (Hons) with a Year Abroad International Relations, BA (Hons) with a Year in Industry International Relations, BA (Hons) with a Foundation Year
This programme encourages students to explore and challenge global decision-making processes as well as having invaluable opportunities to get involved with government placement schemes, internships and take competitive parliament study modules delivered by our specialist academic staff and members of parliament.
LT2S LT2R LT2T
International Relations and American Studies, BA (Hons)
International Relations and American Studies, BA (Hons) with a Year Abroad International Relations and American Studies, BA (Hons) with a Year In Industry
Studying International Relations and American Studies involves exploring the culture, history and politics of the United States, the most influential country in the world, alongside many aspects of global and regional politics and economics. It addresses some of the most pressing issues in our contemporary world, including globalisation and the struggles for racial justice. Students have the competitive option of undertaking an internship module with the National Assembly for Wales, working closely with an Assembly Member.
LV2C LV2D LV2F
International Relations and History, BA (Hons)
International Relations and History, BA (Hons) with a Year Abroad International Relations and History, BA (Hons) with a Year in Industry
International Relations and History explores globalisation, human rights, international and regional politics, peace and conflict, political economy, security studies, and strategic studies. You will also cover history through subjects including women’s history and gender, memory of war and conflict, and British social history.
L2RD L2R2 L2R4
International Relations with French, BA (Hons) International Relations with German, BA (Hons) International Relations with Spanish, BA (Hons)
International Relations are a vital aspect of citizenship in a global society, and our four-year BA in International Relations with French/German/Spanish degree with a year abroad is one of the most diverse degree programmes we offer. You will study a wide variety of modules including democracy, international development, politics, philosophy, and war studies. Students can also enjoy a year abroad, where you can study at a university, teach in a school, or work in a business.
(Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 by Subject) FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES
POLITICS TOP 25 IN THE UK GRADUATE PROSPECTS – ON TRACK (Complete University Guide 2024)
swansea.ac.uk/politics-philosophy-international-relations
This programme is designed to develop the next generation of leaders, by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and intellectual tools to be able to initiate change and make a difference in the world. This programme is structured around a global challenges theme that explores vital issues such as climate change, sustainable development, migration, terrorism, inequality and poverty, and how they affect the world in which we live. OUR LEADERSHIP FOR GLOBAL CHALLENGES DEGREES
LN33 LN3A LN3I
Leadership for Global Challenges, BSc (Hons)
Leadership for Global Challenges, BSc (Hons) with a Year Abroad, Leadership for Global Challenges, BSc (Hons) with a Year in Industry
Our degree will provide you with knowledge in a combination of disciplines; politics, philosophy, development studies, public policy, law, management and media, which are woven together to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of key global issues, of decision-making processes and the methods to investigate and advocate potential solutions for change.
Our Politics degree explores how power, institutions and laws affect our day-to-day lives. You will examine and discuss different visions for a more just society, while asking where problems in society come from and whether we can prevent them. You will have the opportunity to engage in complex research that explores where power lies and how it is used. OUR POLITICS DEGREES
L200 L204 L205 L202
Politics, BA (Hons)
Politics, BA (Hons) with a Year Abroad Politics, BA (Hons) with a Year in Industry Politics, BA (Hons) with a Foundation Year
This programme encourages students to explore British and European politics, public policy, political theory and philosophy, electoral issues, democracy and international peace and conflict. There are also invaluable opportunities to get involved with government placement schemes, internships and take competitive parliament study modules delivered by our specialist academic staff and members of parliament.
L256 L258 L259
Politics and International Relations, BA (Hons)
Politics and International Relations, BA (Hons) with a Year Abroad Politics and International Relations, BA (Hons) with a Year In Industry
Our Politics and International Relations degree is designed for students who are interested in domestic politics (including the study of political theory, states, elections, and parliaments) as well as politics between countries (with a focus on international relations theory, security studies, and conflict). The degree allows students to develop expertise in both areas and to explore topics (such as environmental politics, global political economy, and international development) where they intersect. You will study in one of the select departments in the UK to offer the British Parliamentary Studies module, where you will be taught by our specialist academic staff and Members of Parliament, have the competitive opportuntity of a work placement module with the National Assembly for Wales and visit the House of Commons.
LL42 LL44 LL45
Politics and Social Policy, BA (Hons)
Politics and Social Policy, BA (Hons) with a Year Abroad Politics and Social Policy, BA (Hons) with a Year in Industry
This degree combines political theory with Social Policy practice and asks students to apply this to real-world scenarios. With world-class teaching, students can explore a range of exciting career possibilities all whilst helping you to develop the transferable skills desired in the workplace. You will also have the competitive option of undertaking an internship module with the National Assembly for Wales, working closely with Assembly Ministers.
LT27 TL72
American Studies with Politics, BA (Hons)
American Studies with Politics, BA (Hons) with a Year Abroad
Studying American Studies and Politics involves exploring the culture, history and politics of the United States, the most influential country in the world, alongside British and European politics, public policy, political theory and philosophy. It addresses some of the most pressing issues in our contemporary world, including globalisation and the struggles for racial justice.
LV21 VL1F
History and Politics, BA (Hons) History and Politics, BA (Hons) with a Year Abroad
History is past politics, and politics present history - or so it used to be claimed. Historians now consider many different aspects of the past, beyond the political. But studying politics together with history remains one of the most popular ways to benefit from combining distinct but complementary subjects. Common themes that can be explored through the two disciplines include the history of political thought, the development and exercise of democracy, identity politics, movements for social justice, conflict, and the role of successive superpowers (Britain, America) in shaping the world.
Our Philosophy degree examines what it means to be human, how we should live, and the nature of reality itself. It addresses these issues from a range of historical and contemporary perspectives. It has a strong practical focus, which encourages students not only to understand the world around them, but also to work out how to change it for the better. OUR PHILOSOPHY DEGREES
V500 V502 V503
Philosophy, BA (Hons)
Philosophy, BA (Hons) with a Year Abroad Philosophy, BA (Hons) with a Year In Industry
The degree encourages students to apply philosophical ideas to contemporary moral, social and political issues and debates, demonstrating the importance of philosophy to our daily lives and society in general. The programme also focuses on applying philosophy to practical, contemporary problems that face societies on a global scale.
LV83 LV8A LV8I
Philosophy and Politics, BA (Hons)
Philosophy and Politics, BA (Hons) with a Year Abroad Philosophy and Politics, BA (Hons) with a Year In Industry
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) has long been regarded as the perfect preparation for a range of careers in public life. Through engaging in philosophy, politics and economics, you will develop unique insights into contemporary social issues, such as justice, power, equality and identity. OUR PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS DEGREES This programme enables students to explore fundamental questions about the world around us and the kind of society that we want to live in. This includes what it means to be free, the most desirable form of democracy, the nature of the self and how to live a morally good life.
L0V0 L0V2 L0V3
Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BA (Hons)
Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BA (Hons) with a Year Abroad Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BA (Hons) with a Year In Industry
The PPE degree covers core issues in the three subjects, each of which provides a distinct skill set. The programme is structured for students to specialise in the area(s) you are most interested in. Our programme also explores the intersections of the three subjects, for example philosophical studies of economic justice, and political studies of economic and social development.
FOUNDATION YEAR
The Integrated Humanities Foundation Year offers an innovative and exciting introduction to Higher Education and is designed to provide wider access to accredited honours degrees. If you do not meet our traditional entry requirements for direct access to our degree programmes, you can begin your studies with a Foundation Year. Following successful completion of it, you will join students in Year 1 of your chosen degree. All our colleagues who teach at Foundation Year level have extensive experience of teaching in Higher Education. You will continue to be taught by many of them once you progress to degree study. During the Foundation Year these colleagues will support you to gain the essential knowledge and key skills required to thrive on our degree courses.
Here is a sample of the modules you will study during your Foundation Year:
Academic Writing and Skills Development Critical Reflection and Problem Solving
Introduction to Being Human Introduction to Research Research Essay
Students who complete our Humanities Foundation Year go on to their chosen degree pathways thoroughly prepared with a strong knowledge base, robust academic skills, and high levels of confidence, stemming from a supportive year spent in the University. Many of our students have gone on to achieve excellent marks on their degree courses, secure prominent roles within the University (including Student Rep, Ambassador, and internship positions), and get recognised for the difference that they make to those around them. Feel part of the family in a relaxed, nurturing environment where you will be taught in inclusive and dynamic ways. With a personalised and supportive educational philosophy, you will be encouraged to reach your maximum academic potential. Our diverse cohort, with students from various cultures and backgrounds further enriches the student experience. For the most up to date module and course information, please visit our course webpages.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS GUIDE We will consider your application and will use prior achievement, UCAS personal statement, predicted grades, reference and mix of subjects to set the terms of each offer. The below table is intended as an overview and guide. Please visit our website for information about entry requirements to your particular course:
swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations
BTEC EQUIVALENT TYPICAL OFFER
GCSE OR EQUIVALENT
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
A-LEVEL OR EQUIVALENT OFFER
COURSE TITLE
POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, BSc (Hons)*
BBB
DDM-DMM
32
N/A
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, BA (Hons)
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND AMERICAN STUDIES, BA (Hons) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND HISTORY, BA (Hons) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS WITH FRENCH, BA (Hons) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS WITH GERMAN, BA (Hons)
BBB
DDM-DMM A GCSE at
32
minimum grade C (4) in a modern foreign language is preferable but not essential.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS WITH SPANISH, BA (Hons)
LEADERSHIP FOR GLOBAL CHALLENGES, BSC (Hons)
ABB
DDM or higher English and Maths Minimum Grade C (4)
32-33
BBB
DDM or higher
32
N/A
HISTORY AND POLITICS, BA (HONS)*
BBB
DDM-DMM
32
N/A
POLITICS, BA (Hons)
POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, BA (Hons)
POLITICS AND SOCIAL POLICY, BA (Hons)
AMERICAN STUDIES WITH POLITICS, BA (Hons)
PHILOSOPHY, BA (Hons)
PHILISOPHY AND POLITICS, BA (Hons)
PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS, BA (Hons)
*with or without Year Abroad variants
At Swansea University, we review every application on a case-by-case basis, and accept a range of qualifications. We will consider issuing tariff point offers to students studying a combination of different qualifications. If you have any questions about our admissions process, please email our friendly recruitment team on studyFHSS@swansea.ac.uk . Foundation Year - Subject to your predicted grades and course choice, we may offer a place on a Foundation Year as an alternative – completion of which leads to Year 1 of your chosen course. The Foundation Year is also taught on Singleton Campus. Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - applicants will be able to meet our requirements from three A-levels or two A-levels and the Skills Challenge Certificate. Extended Project Qualification - applicants predicted grade B or above in EPQ will receive an offer with a one-grade reduction. e.g., an offer of AAB would become ABB plus EPQ B.
MODULES The modules listed below will give you a taste of what you could study on our degree programmes. Each degree offers varying modules. Please visit our website for the detailed options available to you within your course.
The full list of all compulsory and optional modules for your particular course can be found here: swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations
Year 1 (Level 4): 120 credits total comprised of 5 compulsory 20 credit modules and one optional 20 credit module POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, BA (Hons):
Politics and The People COMPULSORY MODULES
Introduction to Politics
Introduction to International Relations
War and Peace in the Nuclear Age Disinformation, Ideology and Bias: Researching and examining political data
Year 1 (Level 4): 120 credits total comprised of 5 compulsory modules and 1 optional modules PHILOSOPHY, BA (Hons):
Living Well and Doing Good - An Introduction to Ethics COMPULSORY MODULES Introduction to Ancient Philosophy and Rhetoric
Critical Reasoning
Fundamental Issues in Philosophy
Reading Great Works of Philosophy
Year 1 (Level 4): 120 credits total comprised of 4 compulsory modules and 3 optional modules PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS, BA (Hons):
Principles of Microeconomics COMPULSORY MODULES
Living Well and Doing Good - An Introduction to Ethics
Political Philosophy
Principles of Macroeconomics
OPTIONAL MODULES
Politics and International Relations, BA (Hons) VISIT YOUR COURSE PAGE FOR COMPLETE MODULES LIST
Philosophy BA (Hons)
Leadership for Global Challenges, BSc (Hons)
Political Philosophy
American History and Politics Disunited Kingdom? Class, Race, Gender and Social Division in Twentieth-Century Britain
Change Management
Anarchy and Order: Theories in International Relations
The State and Political Institutions
America in Crisis: From the Tet Offensive to Trump
Globalisation
Social Media Cultures
Digital Futures
Contemporary Moral Controversies International Security
Decision and Responsibility: The Tragic Predicament
Shadow Wars: US Presidents and covert action from the Cold War to Trump Ruin and Renewal: Europe, 1918- 1968
Power and Organisation
Philosophy, Mental Health and Illness
Sustainability and Environmental Management
PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS BA (Hons)
Disinformation, Ideology and Bias: Researching and examining political data
Reading Great Works of Philosophy
War and Peace in the Nuclear Age
Environmental and Resource Economics Philosophy, Mental Health and Illness
Poverty and Social Justice
Freedom, Angst and the Embodied Self: Themes in Continental Philosophy The Colour Line: Race and Racism in World Politics
Contemporary Moral Controversies
Economics of Culture Based Development
The Family and Children: Ethics and Policy
Behavioural Economics
Please visit your course page for complete lists of all compulsory and optional modules available: swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations Optional module selection may be subject to pre-requisite study at lower level. Course content may be updated and modules subject to change – see our Programme Disclaimer at swansea.ac.uk/study/programme-disclaimer.
EMPLOYABILITY Our students benefit from having access to a dedicated Employability Team. Employability is actively promoted and an important focus throughout your studies. The team has a track-record of getting students into employment and offer support for 5 years after graduation. They help with:
Applications Interview techniques
Insight days Internships
Mentoring Networking
Part-time jobs Year in Industry
There are numerous opportunities to advance your employability throughout your student experience, such as: • SPIN (Swansea Paid Internship Network), which offers students paid internships within the University and with external employers on a range of different projects. • Bespoke Year in Industry and Graduate roles with local and nationwide companies. • Mock Interviews with real employers who provide personalised feedback. • Bursaries that are available each year to provide students with paid work experience such as Santander Funding.
FUTURE CAREERS IN POLITICS, PHILOSOPHY, AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Charitable organisations Civil Service Education
Government and politics Human Resources Journalism
Law and public services Media and public relations
Swansea offers not only a great course but also fantastic professional development opportunities alongside studying. As well as being a select university to run an internship module in the Senedd Cymru/ Welsh Parliament, they are one of only a small amount of institutions in the UK which offers a parliamentary studies module in direct conjunction with Westminster. I was successful to secure a 5-week work experience placement in the University’s in-house law clinic. During this time, I also had a personal career advisor who was there to talk about CVs, interviews, etc. As a student, I have received regular notifications from the employability team informing me of any talks, internships, jobs, or graduate opportunities which may optimise my own professional development.
HILDA SALES Student Ambassador
R
YEAR IN INDUSTRY
A Year in Industry is an opportunity to spend a year in employment during your studies. It will provide you with invaluable experience in the real working world and will help you develop a range of skills which will make you an attractive candidate for jobs after graduating. There are countless benefits to completing a year in industry. Although securing a placement is the responsibility of the student, we work with a number of organisations who provide a range of placement opportunities. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of the second year of your studies you will transfer onto the equivalent degree programme.
OUR EMPLOYER LINKS INCLUDE Although securing a placement is the responsibility of the student, we work with a number of organisations who provide a range of placement opportunities. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of the second year of your studies you will transfer onto the equivalent degree programme. Our Year in Industry degrees are four-year degree programmes, where your third year is spent working in industry. The 12 month placement is a credit-bearing (worth 120 credits), assessed part of a four-year degree programme. This means that your performance on the assessment and completion of the placement will have an impact on your final degree classification, just as a year of taught modules would.
I chose the course because I am interested in politics and international relations. I like to delve into conflicts around the world and how countries deal with problems such as decreased political trust, access to water, overpopulation etc. What’s more, my course has carefully selected modules, which I was able to choose myself. The course also offers the fantastic opportunity to see first-hand the workings of the Welsh Parliament, which provides an insight into British politics and the devolved nation of Wales, which was incredibly beneficial to my studies.
ZUZANNA MIERNIK Placement: Y Senedd Cymru | Welsh Parliament
R
YEAR ABROAD
Studying abroad for a year is an opportunity to experience new cultures, meet people from around the world and develop a global mindset in preparation for your future career. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has a number of international partner institutions where students can study for a full academic year. Destinations may include the North Americas, Europe or East and South East Asia. Our Year Abroad degrees are four-year degree programmes, where your third year is spent studying abroad. During your year abroad, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of 15% of the standard Swansea University fees and no tuition fees are payable to the host university. Funding opportunities are also available from the Go Global team.
Please note, enrolment on a programme with a year abroad does not guarantee you a year abroad placement. In the event you do not secure a placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a year abroad.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A YEAR ABROAD? Employers value graduates with international experience. Being able to adapt to new surroundings and learning important life skills while studying abroad could put you ahead of the competition when you graduate. Developing cultural awareness Independence Language development Preparation for international work Professional and personal development Studying abroad is a valuable addition to your CV Studying in a location known as a leading hub in your field of interest
I completed a year studying abroad at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada. The best part was getting to travel and meet loads of new people. This allowed me to expand my horizons and grow
my professional network.
I would 100% recommend the experience, it has been the favourite part of my degree so far.
HELENA BAILEY Year Abroad: Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada
STUDENT SUPPORT
The Faculty has a dedicated Student Experience and Information team on hand, situated across both Singleton and Bay Campuses to provide professional, student-centred guidance and support across several key areas including:
Supporting students through Welcome Week and Induction
Organising student engagement activities and social events
Supporting with timetable queries
Guiding and processing change of circumstances requests, which include: suspensions of studies, programme transfers, and withdrawals Linking in with central support services to ensure students are effectively supported
Working closely with students and personal tutors
Supporting students through the University’s engagement monitoring process and following up to ensure that where students are facing challenges, the team can provide professional and bespoke support 1:1 meetings with students in person or online regarding personal or academic issues Supporting students who have extenuating circumstances via the formal process, for coursework, in class tests, online tests, exams, etc. Supporting students with disabilities, and connecting them with the University Disability Office
For more information about the support available to you visit: swansea.ac.uk/student-services
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Community : There’s always plenty going on within our community. During Welcome Week, you’ll have opportunities to make connections and socialise with people on your course. At our social events, students have enjoyed interacting with exotic animals, learning about Welsh culture, dancing the night away at our School Balls, and getting involved in craft sessions, games nights, sports, and more!
Student Voice: Partnership summarises our vision for how to work with all students to improve their experience and help them to get the most out of their time at University; the Student Representative System is a key part of this. As a Student Rep, you stand in elections to represent your cohort and work with staff across the School to provide constructive feedback and make change happen. Learning Community: As a Swansea University student, you’re joining a rich and diverse learning community. We aim to provide opportunities that will not only enhance understanding of your own subject area, but also make connections with and explore other subjects. As part of this, we’ve hosted integrated research seminar series, student-led research evenings and subject taster sessions. We also promote the various ways that students can take part in and conduct their own research. Taking Care of Yourself : Taking care of yourself is of paramount importance and we’re always looking to develop initiatives to target student wellbeing holistically. Throughout the year, we send themed communications that direct students to support and resources at the time they most need it. We run a range of events to help students take time out and relax, such as ‘Grab and Go’ Breakfasts during exam periods and regular coffee mornings. We also run proactive sessions like Self- Resilience and Exam Success Workshops to help students be as prepared as possible leading into more intense and busy periods of the year.
SOCIETIES FROM THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
ECONOMICS
PHILOSOPHY
POLITICS & IR
For more information about societies visit: swansea-union.co.uk/get_involved/societies
MONEY AND ADVICE
As an undergraduate student at Swansea University, it is important to prioritise financial planning and management early on in your academic journey. Fortunately, the university’s award-winning Money@CampusLife team is here to help. Whilst financial support is not always guaranteed, here are some areas our team can assist you in: Budgeting Bursaries and special awards Degree withdrawals / suspensions / transfers / repeats Financial hardship Pre-arrivals and new student information Student funding Student+, which is financial assistance for students who have additional considerations, such as being a carer, care leaver or being estranged from their family Overall, managing money as an undergraduate student requires discipline, organisation, and a willingness to seek support when necessary. With the help of Swansea University’s Money@CampusLife team, you can take control of your finances and focus on your academic and personal goals.
For more information, please visit our website: swansea.ac.uk/money-campuslife
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
I chose Politics and International Relations at Swansea because of the fantastic course structure, the wide variety of module choices that are available, and the welcoming campus that I would be learning on. The most important thing to me whilst undertaking my degree, is that I enjoy what I am learning and that I am supported throughout the process of doing so. My first step onto Singleton Campus on an open day made me feel certain that Swansea would ensure that for me, and that the degree I chose would be a perfect opportunity to continue learning about topics which I have a passion for.
MEGAN SALTER Politics and International Relations, BA (Hons)
Swansea is a serene place to study, filled with lots of natural views: beaches, gardens and packs to relax. The University gives a top-notch services being taught by to not only a high class of lectures in their respective professional fields but also in a study environment with the latest facilities for learning and efficient/flexible system to suit different learning style. This are all geared in producing not only best brains but trained and schooled individuals able to solve problems at various endeavours.
NNAMDI EMMANUEL NWAKA Economics, MSc
I am studying International Relations and as an international student, it has been an amazing opportunity to study with fellow students and lecturers from around the world. A lot of people are coming from different academic backgrounds, as well, which often augments and enriches class discussions.
MAYA DOTSON International Relations, MA
I chose Swansea University as I thought it was a place where my education would prosper but also a place where I could grow as a person and make the most of the many opportunities that a degree at Swansea University would offer me.
ELEANOR ADDISON International Relations, BA (Hons)
I chose Swansea because it was a modern, forward-thinking university with great teaching and top-class facilities. The location is excellent and it is a great place to live and study and the university communicated a lot to me and was helpful throughout the UCAS process, which I really appreciated. I have had an excellent time studying in Swansea, the standard of teaching has been very high, and the staff are all approachable. Getting involved with the School and events across the university whilst meeting lots of new people has been an amazing experience, I would happily do it all over again!
JACOB O’HARA Economics, BSc (Hons)
FACILITIES
EMPLOYABILITY HUB: Students benefit from having access to a dedicated Employability Team. The team has a track-record of getting students into employment and can support you throughout your studies as well as offering support for 5 years after graduation. STUDENT SOCIAL AND STUDY SPACES: The School of Social Sciences has a range of open-plan spaces that you can use to relax and socialise between lectures or get in some quiet study time.
Multiple electrical sockets and ports, together with WiFi throughout the buildings aid access to digital resources.
LECTURE AND SEMINAR ROOMS: Our teaching rooms are fitted with the latest in teaching technology, including lecture capture technology, to allow you to revisit any of your lectures online at any point. Experience teaching in lecture theatres, which can hold 150+ students, and smaller seminar rooms, that can hold up to 30, for your groupwork and more personalised sessions with lecturers and tutors.
RESEARCH
The Faculty and School’s aims are to produce collaborative, innovative and multidisciplinary research by working with some of the brightest and best researchers from around the world. Our vibrant interdisciplinary research community incorporates a wide breadth of specialisms and draws on the work of colleagues from Politics and International Relations, Media and Communication and Philosophy.
Our vision at the School of Social Sciences is to deliver world-leading research which influences national and international policy, informs global governance and enhances political engagement and civic inclusion.
RESEARCH EXPERTISE Research is key to our teaching, and we have expertise in various areas to help inform the latest and most innovative practices and curriculum to deliver. Our expertise covers: Social science approaches to international policy and area studies. The philosophical and critical study of war, security, and conflict. Government, governance, and comparative politics.
100% of the impact of research conducted in Politics, International
Studies and Media Studies is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
For more information about research visit: swansea.ac.uk/research/ref-2021/politics-and-international-studies
HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT
STRUCTURE IS EVERYTHING Before you begin, jot down the structure for the personal statement. We’d always suggest: • An opening paragraph outlining your passion for the subject and your drive to succeed • Your academic studies and work experience • Interests / hobbies 1 STRONG OPENING PARAGRAPHS Opening paragraphs and sentences are really important but please be aware that we see thousands and many opening lines are just overused, including: • ‘From a young age I have always been interested in/fascinated by…’ • ‘I am applying for this course because…’ 2 ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS Your personal statement is about highlighting why you are the perfect candidate for a place at our School. So be confident when you talk about your academic achievements and ambitions. 3 4 LET’S TALK ABOUT YOU As well as outlining your academic achievement and your aspirations, we want to get to know you as a person. What are your interests and hobbies outside of the classroom? They do not need to be award- winning; they will help build a well-rounded image of you as a person. 5 DON’T PLAGIARISE Plagiarising is a big no-go; at university and within your personal statement. 6 THERE’S A LIMIT There’s a 4,000 character limit or 47 lines – keep tabs on how much you’ve written. 7 NO JOKES Humour is often a great way to stand out from the crowd but not in this instance. We want to take you seriously and the assessor may have a very different sense of humour to you. 8 NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT Don’t leave it to the last minute to write your personal statement. You’ll find that it takes longer than you think to get it exactly as you want it. Now isn’t the time to rush.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
SEPT UCAS OPENS Make a start on your application.
OCT - NOV OPEN DAYS Meet staff and students on campus.
NOV - DEC ON TRACK Finalise your application.
APR STUDENT FINANCE Start applying for financial support. £
FEB - MAR OFFER-HOLDER EVENTS Keep an eye on your emails!
JAN UCAS DEADLINE Submit your application on time.
MAY ACCOMMODATION Apply before the June deadline.
JUNE FIRM & INSURANCE Deadline for making your choices.
AUG RESULTS DAY! Confirmation and Clearing.
For more information about what Swansea has to offer visit: swansea.ac.uk
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES
SPORT AT SWANSEA
We pride ourselves on our dedication and commitment to sport and active living for everyone from beginner to the elite athlete. Make the most of the following facilities: •50m Wales National Pool Swansea •Outdoor Athletics Track •Multi-Use Games Area •Cardio and Weights Rooms •Cycle Hire and Jogging Routes WELSH LANGUAGE PROVISION Certain modules and seminars may be available in Welsh. You also have access to Welsh speaking personal tutors and can submit your coursework or sit exams in Welsh. swansea.ac.uk/welsh-language-standards STUDENT SOCIETIES Our Students’ Union has an extensive list of societies available to participate in. As well as being fun, joining a society offers communities of support for students and transferable skills for future employment if you take on a leading role on the committee. swansea-union.co.uk/get_involved/societies
Swansea University offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries which may be available to help finance your studies. Scholarships can be awarded to Welsh medium or international students, or for students excelling in exams, music or sport. Our income-related bursaries help students from lower income backgrounds. swansea.ac.uk/scholarships CULTURE Swansea University hosts and supports a wide range of cultural, artistic and creative activities, with a significant number of thriving music and performing arts student societies. The Taliesin Arts Centre sits at the heart of the Singleton Park Campus and hosts regular productions, mainstream and alternative cinema screenings, and the award-winning Egypt Centre is home to a collection of over 6,000 Egyptian antiquities. The Great Hall on the Bay Campus, with its 700- seat Sir Stanley Clarke Auditorium offering world class acoustics, provides an incredible venue to enjoy cultural performances, events, exhibitions and more.
FOLLOW @SWANSEAUNI ON INSTAGRAM TO SEE MORE IMAGES FROM OUR STUDENTS
To find out more about our programmes, tour the University and meet our staff and students, come and visit us on one of our Open Days!
Book a place via: swansea.ac.uk/open-days
CONTACT US
School of Social Sciences Singleton Campus
Swansea SA2 8PP Wales, UK
Email: StudyFHSS@swansea.ac.uk
www.swansea.ac.uk/social-sciences
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