Welcome to the Department of International Politics

. Professor Michael Foley

WELCOME

You have arrived at the website at what is widely reputed to be the UK's premier department of international politics. With over 500 undergraduate students, a postgraduate school of 120 and an academic staff list that currently stands at 38 specialist lecturers and professors teaching over 90 module courses, the department is a world class centre of excellence. It could be said that we have had more time to develop as an organization. Our history stretches back to 1919 which allows us to lay claim to be the world's first university department specialising in the study of international relations. Certainly, for many people around the world Aberystwyth remains literally the home of the discipline.

But while we take pride in the heritage of such a classic marque, we are only too aware that international politics moves at such a speed and with such an intensity that its analysis requires an ever more responsive outlook to changing times. This poses a challenge not just to us but arguably to everyone in residence on the planet. We are all part of an era of great issues, urgent debates and complex developments.

It may be a question of peace and war, or global inequality, terrorism, AIDS, food security, gender issues, energy resources or environmental degradation and climate change. It may be an issue of international capital flows, regional integration, local decentralisation, trafficking, slavery, nuclear proliferation, or global justice. It may be a development like emergent forms of governance, altered perspectives on military strategy, revised patterns of trade, increased migration movements or the onset of new ethical positions and diplomatic practices like humanitarian intervention and the 'right to protect'. Whether you see international politics as a source of hope or tragedy, and whether you see it as an arena of reflection or action, one thing can be guaranteed - namely that the study of international politics becomes progressively more important as time passes.

 

In keeping pace with the subject, the department at Aberystwyth has both deepened and broadened its basis of expertise in line with the dynamic nature of the subject itself. Within this website you will find a vast expanse of modules to match your interests, and a huge range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree schemes to suit the overall profile of your needs. In addition, you will find a wealth of specialist societies, research groups and dedicated centres that are all highly active and engaged with key issues and controversies.

The quality of the department has been repeatedly recognised by an array of external agencies. The UK Research Assessment Exercise, for example, placed us in the top five of all politics departments in the country. The 5* ranking rightfully bears witness to the department's prestigious reputation as a centre of cutting edge research. When this is combined with Aberystwyth's strong tradition of community spirit, it makes for a special place that fosters both teaching and research excellence in highly sociable surroundings.

The Department of International Politics is a centre of aspiration. Its ambitious spirit naturally attracts students who wish to study in a place that matches their own personal ambitions. Whether or not you regard the world as being fit for purpose, you will undoubtedly find at Aberystwyth a department that is fit for the study of international politics - fit for the challenges of a changing world and also for the needs of those who wish to study it.

Professor Michael Foley
Acting Head
Department of International Politics