Undergraduate Certificate In International Relations

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What will I be studying?

Unit 1: An Introduction to International Relations

This unit will introduce the study of International Relations by examining international relations theories, and how we observe the international community. We will look at the structure of the world at the level of global politics in order to understand how and why the international system operates as it does, grounding an understanding of the discipline in an examination of the roles that international institutions and the rules of war play in shaping both the international order and relationships between states.

Unit 2: International Institutions and Conflict in International Relations

This unit will build on the Introduction to International Relations by looking at concepts of security and perceived threats within the frameworks of geopolitics and international institutions. The unit aims to develop a deeper understanding of the field of study by looking critically at perennial issues of inter-state conflict, proxy wars and terrorism and newer challenges to the state, including the role of technology, social media and climate change.

Unit 3: International Relations: A Focus on Regional Politics

This unit will build on both the Introduction to International Relations and the Role of International Institutions and Conflict by undertaking a series of studies of broad regions in order to develop a more granular understanding of International Relations.

What is the status of this qualification?

The course is taught and awarded at first-year undergraduate level (FHEQ 4) and offers 60 credits within the Higher Education Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). This is equivalent to half of the first year of full-time undergraduate study.

What can I go on to do?

Credit awarded by the Institute may also be transferred into the degree programmes of other higher education providers. However, the volume of credit and the curriculum which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.

How will I be taught and assessed?

The content, activities and interaction for each of the three units will be taught remotely using video-based teaching platforms and an online course Virtual Learning Environment. You will have access to resources, discussion forums, and course tasks within ICE's Virtual Learning Environment. Teaching methods will include lectures, presentations by guest speakers and facilitators, interactive and experiential learning activities, reading and assignments to be completed by participants outside classroom sessions and online discussion forums.

The teaching of each termly unit will take place primarily during two extended weekends. Dates for 2022-23 to be confirmed.

Michaelmas Term: An Introduction to International Relations

• Introductory Evening: 7 October 2022
• First weekend: 14-16 October 2022
• Second weekend: 25-27 November 2022

Lent Term: International Institutions and Conflict in International Relations

• First weekend: 13-15 January 2023
• Second weekend: 17-19 February 2023

Easter Term: International Relations: A Focus on Regional Politics

• First weekend: 14-16 April 2023
• Second weekend: 12-14 May 2023

All students are expected to take an active part in the course and submit work showing evidence of learning. Your learning will be enhanced by:

• engaging with scheduled teaching sessions; 
• participating in class activities and discussion;
• undertaking reading and assignments set by the tutor;
• accessing resources and submitting assignments through the VLE.

Course Timeline

• Course (Unit 1) Start Date: Friday 7 October 2022
• Unit 1 submission deadline: Wednesday 4 January 2023
• Unit 2 start date: Week commencing 3 January 2023
• Unit 2 submission deadline: Wednesday 22 March 2023
• Unit 3 start date: Week commencing 27 March 2023
• Unit 3 submission deadline: Friday 9 June 2023

The fee for this course is £3,250 and covers the course tuition.

You can pay in two ways:

• in full on enrolment by credit or debit card

• in three equal instalments (credit/debit card): the first on enrolment, with the second and third instalment being taken on 1 January and 1 April. The exact dates will be confirmed in the student’s individual booking details.

Please note your place on the course is not secured until payment is received by the Institute of Continuing Education and any necessary documentation, i.e. proof of English language proficiency.

ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy

Information on sources of funding, bursaries and Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)

Applications are submitted online (the link to the online application form is at the top of this page).

Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on Monday 12 September 2022. If you are offered a place on the course, we will ask you to complete your booking within a limited time and to pay the fees (£3,250) or if paying by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants will normally be notified one week after the application deadline if the course is not going to run and offered to transfer their application to another course or receive a refund of the fees they have paid so far (please see our ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy).