Information for Prospective Undergraduates

International Politics & the Third World degree

International Politics and the Third World: LL29 - 3 years

International Politics and the Third World

In this degree in International Politics and the Third World, you will study all aspects of the Third World - how it has come into being, why it is so called, and how its people are still kept in poverty and powerlessness. Almost half of the world's population live on less than $2  a day. In the Aberystwyth International Politics and the Third World degree, you will consider the reasons for, and implications of, that basic reality, articulating the questions to which the people of the Third World seek answers. Why are the most powerful states also the richest; and the weakest states the poorest?  How does the rich and powerful north relate to the comparatively poor and weak south? Have wealthy states helped or hindered development in the Third World?  Is poverty the result of poor government?  What is the role of women in the Third World?  How has globalisation changed the Third World?  What is the role of the Third World in the system of international politics? What, indeed, is the ‘Third World'?  These questions are at the centre of debates explored in this degree in International Politics and the Third World.

International Politics and the Third World: degree structure

Year 1

In the first year of your International Politics and the Third World degree, you will take the following core modules, which are the foundation for all your further studies:

• Introduction To International Politics
• Revolution And Continuity In Political Philosophy
• World Politics In The Age Of The Two World Wars
• War, Strategy And Intelligence
• Introduction To The Third World In International Politics
• Politics In Europe

 Years 2+3

During either your second or third year you will take the core module for your degree scheme. In the case of International Politics and the Third World this is:

• The Third World in International Politics

Other modules primarily dedicated to the study of the Third World include:

• Contemporary Latin America
• Islam, Foreign Policy and the Developing World
• Power, Conflict and Development in Africa 

In your final year you will complete a 12,000-word dissertation on a topic related to your particular interests.

In addition to these core elements, as a Single Honours student on this International Politics and the Third World degree you will take up to nine optional modules from the Department of International Politics over years two and three. The programme provides students with a broad understanding of the Third World's changing position within the international system of states, including contemporary issues such as the war on terror and processes of globalisation. The wide variety of options available enables you to combine more general, theoretical modules with the study of specific topics and particular regions.

Ellena Marie Cruse BScEcon International Politics & the Third World Ilford, Greater London

“I chose to study at Aberystwyth because the Department has a really good reputation and is known throughout the world. You get a better sense of community here than back home, and you see people you know all the time. I play netball for the University's first team and outside the University as well. All the girls are friendly and we have loads of really good socials. There is a big sporting community here which is really good. What I like best about Aberystwyth is the sense of community, and the fact that you can go out and meet so many people that you know. You build up really close friendships. I would recommend Aberystwyth to others because whether you're into the academic, sporting, or social scene, you can do them all here. It's such a nice place.”