Program Overview

University Foundation in Life and Media and Journalism Stage1 at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is designed to prepare you for entry to university-level program. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations

Address some of the world’s most pressing challenges and moral matters. Explore political thinking and get to the core of issues from conflict to climate change.

Why did Russia choose to invade the Ukraine? Why do countries struggle to cooperate over climate change? On our BA Politics and International Relations degree, you will study the impact of political concepts and decisions to understand the challenges that national and international politics faces in the 21st century.

This course will appeal to anyone with an interest and educational background in politics, sociology and history looking to deepen their understanding of the global political landscape of today and turn this into a successful career in the world of local and international politics, the media or business.

The course will provide you with a thorough grounding in political science, international relations, political sociology and research methods, with analysis of how national and international politics has developed and changed in the 20th and 21st centuries. You will go beyond the theory, applying political research to real-world issues, from climate change to the rise of populism, international conflict and political communication in the age of social media.

The course covers political science, international relations and sociology. You will examine multidisciplinary approaches to problems and devise policy solutions to these, developing the knowledge and skills to question, analyse and debate real-world issues.

Guest speakers from different industries complement your learning, providing invaluable insights as well as professional connections.

Why choose this course?
At Herts, you will be taught and inspired by a dynamic teaching team that includes active researchers and staff with diverse professional backgrounds from political communication and parties to recruitment and the charity sector.

Employability is integrated into the curriculum. You will gain transferrable skills in critical thinking, research, analysis, problem-solving and communication; these skills are key to launching a successful career in a wide range of professional fields such as media and public relations, governmental and non-governmental organisations, teaching, business and research. You will regularly meet potential employers through events and activities such as lectures and tutorials with guest speakers, CV and cover letter workshops, assessment centre experience and career advice sessions.

The course offers flexible study options, with hybrid teaching on campus and online making it easy to combine studies with part-time work, commuting or family commitments.  You will also benefit from choice of modules and the chance to involve yourself in the academic community of the department through societies, research events and the student-run social media channels.

Alongside your degree, you will benefit from co-curricular activities and trips to enhance your studies: opportunities include taking part in the Model UN discussions and being involved with the Herts Politics blog and social media presence to showcase your work and develop media skills. Our proximity to London means that modules on the course feature visits to political institutions and organisations based in London such as Parliament and Chatham Hous