Politics and International Relations

Here are the courses that you will take if you would like to go on to study Politics and/or International Relations at undergraduate level.

Introduction to Studying Humanities

This introductory course provides a foundational understanding of the Humanities, focusing on developing essential skills for studying History, Cultural Studies and Literature. The course considers the importance and relevance of the field of Humanities in today's society.

AND

Introduction to Studying Social Sciences

This course draws on the social sciences subjects you can study at the University of Edinburgh, including Business, Economics, Psychology, Social Policy and Politics, to give you an insight into the world of social scientists. You’ll practice how to summarise and reflect on key theories and identify and assess different academic research in relation to global  issues such as climate change, poverty, and conflict.

AND

Foundation English and Academic Language & Literacies (FEALL) 1

This course will introduce you to academic English through different types of academic texts, referencing skills, writing structure and organisation, and critical and analytical thinking. You’ll also practise and develop listening and speaking skills and learn effective strategies for reading and engaging with academic literature, including understanding and evaluating arguments.

This course has two levels - Entry and Plus.

Entry: You’ll take this course, which includes extra in-class hours each week, if you haven’t met the English language requirements for your chosen degree programme OR

Plus: You’ll take this course if you have met the English language requirements for your chosen degree programme.  

As a Plus student, you’ll also study a modern language, such as French, German, Italian, Spanish or Japanese* at beginner’s level, with one of our experienced language teachers across Teaching Block 1 and 2. 

*Please note the specific language availability might be subject to change depending on cohort numbers 


 


Foundation English and Academic Language & Literacies (FEALL) 2

This course will build on the skills you’ve been developing in Teaching Block 1; you’ll be able to use these to complete an independent research project. 

You’ll continue at the same level as in Teaching Block 1.

You’ll also choose TWO of the following courses. 

Critical Thinking and Argumentation

This course introduces the analysis of different kinds of arguments, encouraging you to reflect on beliefs and practices, and developing your own skills in constructing good arguments. You’ll look at how arguments are presented in a range of subjects from social anthropology to philosophy, and will learn how to use formal logic, evidence, and experiential knowledge in academic discussions and writing. You’ll do this by studying a range of classic and contemporary texts.

Studying Society

This course will teach you key study and research skills in the social sciences, including Business, Economics, and International Relations. In conversation with your teachers, you will develop your own research project based on your chosen undergraduate degree and the course topics. You’ll learn how social scientists describe, define, measure and explain features of modern capitalist society, such as consumerism, surplus value or sustainability.

Analysing Text and Material Culture

This course will introduce you to the analysis of cultural artefacts such as films, artworks, stories and poems. We will look at what we mean by culture and theories associated with it, and analyse those in connection with examples from literature, film and art. This course will include thought-provoking discussion and visits to some of the cultural artefacts we will work on, and will develop your skills of close reading and analysis.

A pass in this course is required for progression to some degrees – please check our degree requirements. 

Mathematics, Statistics & Data Analysis for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences 

This course will build on your existing mathematics skills and introduce you to data and statistical analysis. You will learn to explore, visualise, and analyse data to understand the world through quantitative methods, applying mathematical techniques to real-world contexts.

You are required to have an appropriate level of mathematical knowledge prior to starting this course.


Progression to Undergraduate Level

During Teaching Block 1 of our Programme, we will help you apply to undergraduate level study - either at the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science or another UK institution.

You can explore more about our School of Social and Political Science on their website via the link below:

To find out more about each degree programme, you can use our Degree Finder. 

Below are the undergraduate programmes within the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science that our Humanities and Social Sciences IFP pathway allows progression on to after successful completion.

Undergraduate ProgrammeIFP PathwayCompulsory IFP Courses
Government, Policy and Society MA (Hons)Humanities and Social Sciences 
Government, Policy and Society with Quantitative Methods MA (Hons)Humanities and Social SciencesMust pass Mathematics, Statistics and Data Analysis
International Relations MA (Hons)Humanities and Social Sciences 
International Relations with Quantitative Methods (MA)Humanities and Social SciencesMust pass Mathematics, Statistics and Data Analysis
Politics MA (Hons)Humanities and Social Sciences 
Politics with Quantitative Methods (MA)Humanities and Social SciencesMust pass Mathematics, Statistics and Data Analysis
Politics, Philosophy and Economics (MA)Humanities and Social SciencesMust pass Mathematics, Statistics and Data Analysis
Social Anthropology MA (Hons)Humanities and Social Sciences 
Social Anthropology and Politics MA (Hons)Humanities and Social Sciences 
Social Anthropology and Social Policy MA (Hons)Humanities and Social Sciences 
Social Policy and Economics MA (Hons)Humanities and Social SciencesMust pass Mathematics, Statistics and Data Analysis
Social Policy and Politics MA (Hons)Humanities and Social Sciences 
Social Policy and Sociology MA (Hons)Humanities and Social Sciences 
Social Policy with Quantitative Methods MA (Hons)Humanities and Social SciencesMust pass Mathematics, Statistics and Data Analysis
Social Work BSc (Hons)Humanities and Social SciencesMust pass Mathematics, Statistics and Data Analysis
Sociology MA (Hons)Humanities and Social Sciences 
Sociology and Politics MA (Hons)Humanities and Social Sciences 
Sociology and Social Anthropology MA (Hons)Humanities and Social Sciences 
Sociology with Quantitative Methods (MA)Humanities and Social SciencesMust pass Mathematics, Statistics and Data Analysis
Sustainable Development MA (Hons)Humanities and Social Sciences 

Browse our full range of IFP Progression Routes to Undergraduate Study >


IFP Entry Requirements and How to Apply

You can check to see if you'd be eligible for our International Foundation Programme Humanities & Social Science pathway via the below link:

IFP Eligibility and Entry Requirements >

Find out how to apply to the IFP Humanities & Social Science Pathway via the link below:

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