Where there are people, there will be politics. In a society of individuals, politics can be understood as the effective use of systems, laws, and management methods to achieve long-term stability and harmony. Over the course of history, politics has evolved from governing territories and managing people to becoming a means of safeguarding economic and personal interests.

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Since the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, the concept of sovereign states has emerged, giving rise to the field of International Relations under the umbrella of politics. Although both subjects fall within the social sciences, these two disciplines were relatively less popular among students in Hong Kong. However, with a series of political and social events occurring in Hong Kong and globally, there has been a surge of interest in studying the social sciences. While sociology has been previously mentioned, politics and international relations have also gained prominence, riding the wave of this trend.

Politics and International Relations: How do they differ?

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Interestingly, many students may not be able to differentiate between "politics" and "international relations" or may use the term "politics" broadly to refer to both subjects. However, in terms of the scope of exploration and research, the two fields are quite distinct. Generally, politics involves a "micro" level of analysis, focusing on a country's administrative system and topics related to domestic economic and social development. On the other hand, international relations is a "macro" level of study, primarily concerned with the ways and behaviours of interactions between nations as well as international cooperation and challenges in various fields. Although they differ in their scope of study, students pursuing both subjects need to learn about basic political systems and theories. Some elective modules may also overlap between the two subjects, leading to confusion among students.

Three types of elective modules based on research interests and school selection

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As the UK is a country with relatively mature political systems, politics and international relations are common social science disciplines offered at British universities. The subjects cover a wide range of research topics, which may vary across universities depending on the academic expertise and focus of the lecturers. Students may find it overwhelming to navigate through the various elective modules available. However, most elective modules can be categorised into the following types, allowing students to choose based on their research interests:

  • Regional Focus: These modules typically revolve around the study of a country, a region, or even an international organisation. Examples include British Politics or The Politics and Governance of the European Union. Students who have the habit of regularly reading newspapers and news may find these familiar topics more accessible.
  • Theory-based: This is a common category in most social science disciplines, and some compulsory modules fall under this group. It primarily focuses on studying theoretical approaches or doctrines. Examples of common compulsory modules include Politics and Power and International Relations Theory, which are considered fundamental theories within the field. Elective module examples within this category cover a wide range of topics, such as Autocracies and Democracies, Totalitarianism and Hegemony, which involve historical and political research spanning different time periods. Students should have a certain level of interest in and understanding of the relevant topics.
  • Topic-based: Modules in this category are generally more grounded in specific "events" and are supplemented with relevant theories. Students who choose these modules need to have a strong interest in and awareness of the related topics or have pre-existing knowledge to avoid finding the content too abstract or dull. For example, the module Human Rights and Global Justice requires an understanding of the definition of human rights and the different perspectives on the topic. It also incorporates political theories related to each country's self-interest and the mindset of self-security, enabling a comprehensive exploration of the subject.
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Of course, each university offers courses that include the above three types of elective modules. However, because the courses differ, students must carefully read through the compulsory and elective modules offered by each university to determine whether these research topics align with their interests.

Double Major in Politics and International Relations: Mix and Match

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Students studying social sciences are aware that most subjects offer the option of a single degree or a joint degree. A joint degree, in simple terms, means simultaneously studying politics, international relations, and other related disciplines, denoted as "A+B." Common combinations include:

Students often inquire about the difference between these two types of degree programmes, but there is no superior or inferior option. A double major is more suitable for students interested in both politics or international relations and another related subject. They would study the core subjects of both disciplines in the same academic year. Of course, students who choose a single major can immerse themselves more deeply in the entire political or international relations theory curriculum.

Are Traditional Universities More Competitive? Top 15 Universities with Flexible Entry Requirements

Since subjects like politics and international relations require students to read extensively and write essays, most universities place a greater emphasis on applicants' English proficiency. Additionally, traditional universities in the Russell Group tend to have higher academic requirements, which may deter some prospective students. However, among the top 15 universities for politics, there is a hidden gem that is often overlooked—the University of Essex.

Located in Colchester in the eastern part of the UK, the University of Essex is just a one-hour train ride from central London. The university excels in teaching various social science subjects, with politics and international relations being among its proud disciplines. It has consistently ranked among the top 15 in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide for politics and has even reached the top five in subject rankings, alongside renowned political institutions like Oxford and St. Andrews.

The university offers over 10 different subjects, including social sciences, business, economics, international development, and even data science. This allows students to pursue a joint degree, combining politics or international relations with another subject. The university also has more flexible entry requirements compared to traditional Russell Group universities, providing opportunities for a diverse range of students to study this subject closely tied to human societal development!