Academic Fayre

Am I qualified to enter IR1005?

The Course Catalogue sets certain criteria for UK students. You must have the appropriate entry grades. Moreover, as a "quota" subject there are additional limits:

  • no Science Faculty students and no second-year Arts Faculty student can be enrolled in IR1005/1006.

Due to the popularity of IR, we are only able to offer a limited number of spaces for students seeking to take IR as a second or third subject. These spaces are allocated though a lottery conducted by the Pro Dean Advising for Arts and Divinity; staff in the School of IR are not involved in the process.

  • Students who have not directly enrolled in IR1005/1006 but wish to take it as a second or third subject must indicate their interest to their Adviser of Studies at their meeting during Pre-sessional Week.

Your Adviser will provide information on how to have your name added to the lottery. Junior Year Abroad students will find that all questions can be answered during your scheduled advising session.

What is covered in the module?

IR1005 begins by considering what it means to study global politics and then examines a range of key themes including sovereignty and globalisation, power, war and diplomacy, wealth and poverty, and the natural environment. After completing Advising you will be able to access the relevant MMS (Module Management System) pages for your three modules. The module handbook is posted on IR1005 in MMS.

What are the choices with International Relations?

There are no choices in the first two years (sub-honours). Students must progress through the four required modules. Because International Relations is not a normal secondary school subject, the first two years for the degree provide the foundation for the more specialised topics at honours level.

What is the best subject to study with IR?

We are often asked if, for example, History, Geography, Philosophy or a language is the ‘best’ cognate choice. The Scottish degree system permits you to study three subjects at sub-honours. We recommend that you gather information on the courses that interest you and consult with your Adviser. Choose the topics that you feel you will do well in, and/or will enjoy studying.

How is IR1005 taught?

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, teaching on IR1005 has been modified in line with
Scottish government guidelines:

  • All lectures will be delivered as recorded audio/video presentations with slides and closed captions. The lectures will be available to download from Moodle at the outset of the week.
  • Students also attend a weekly tutorial session starting in Week 2. Tutorials are offered in both in-person (from Week 5) and online (live, not pre-recorded) formats. You will sign up for a tutorial session during Week 1 using MMS. You will receive an email in Pre-sessional Week regarding tutorial sign-up. We offer a wide range of times so that you can choose one that fits your timetable and status (in-person or remote studies).
  • Students will write two essays of 2,000 words each. The first is due in Week 5 and the second in Week 10 of the semester. Each essay is worth 30% of the module grade. Further details are provided in the module booklet.
  • The final examination has been replaced by a take-home final assessment in December. Students will have one week to write two 1000-word essays from a set of topics. The final assessment is worth 40% of the final grade.

When is enrolment and the first module meeting?

There is no separate enrolment session or time. The IR Induction will take place on Wednesday, 9 September 11:00 to 12:00. A recording of the session will be available on Moodle.

What textbooks to buy?

  • John Baylis, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens, eds., Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations, 8th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2019.
  • The module booklet and Induction contain details on formats (hard copy and e-book) and related issues.

Reading Lists?

A reading list is available on the Library website, and also in the module booklet which is available on
MMS for students registered in the module.

Where is the School of International Relations?

  • The School Office and academic staff offices are located in the Arts Faculty Building on The Scores, which is adjacent to (just north-west of) the University Library. The School Office is on the first floor.
  • Tutorials are located in several different buildings; your tutorial location will be identified when you sign up for a tutorial session. In fall 2020, some tutorial groups will be held in an online format.
  • Tutors on IR1005 are senior PhD students and faculty. Each will hold dedicated office hours for their students; these will be advertised (on MMS and elsewhere) during Week 1.

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