International Relations and Media

Why choose BA International Relations and Media at Aberystwyth University?

• The International Politics and Media degree brings together two very exciting fields and you will be taught in two dynamic departments by staff who are active researchers at an international level.
• In the International Politics modules, you will discuss the ideas that underpin our day to day lives, such as justice, freedom, power, community, equality and citizenship, and you will do so by studying a broad selection of countries and situations. You will also look in detail at the work and patterns of governments and, more importantly, at the results of that work and those patterns. You will learn about politicians and governments, but also about the other groups and movements that impact political life.
• In the themes that relate to Media there will be a balance between critical and creative experience. You will study the principles and skills of every step of the production process, from the scripting to the editing, the contemporary methods of creating films and videos, alongside live multimedia work, work conditions and the contemporary challenges for the creative industries in Wales and beyond, as well as key developments in the history, theory and analysis of film and television.
• The International Politics Department was established in 1919 at the end of the First World War, and this is the first university department of its kind. It continues to be one of the biggest departments of Politics and International Relations in Europe and has over 40 academic staff.
• The Department runs a Placement Scheme with the House of Commons and Welsh Senedd. These placements provide extremely valuable work experience that will enhance students’ CVs and offer authentic experience of politics in real time. Students are placed with Members of Parliament in the House of Commons, Whitehall or with a member of the Welsh Senedd (Welsh Senedd, Cardiff) for a period of 4-6 weeks in the summer, which is a fantastic experience for any Politics student.
• The Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies is located in a modern building which has outstanding facilities and resources for practical work: three practice studios, each one with flexible technical resources; two large studios with  professional-standard equipment and digitial lighting rigs that are operated through ETC Congo and Strand Lighting operating panels, Soundcraft and PA Yahama equipment, Sanyo audio systems and Strand Lighting, two NXAMP, as well as  costume and wardrobe facilities.
• The Department has strong connections with key partners in the industrtm such as the BBC, S4C, BAFTA Cymru, the Tribeca Film Festival (New York), Fiction Factory, Tinopolis, the International Edinburgh Film Festival, the National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive and Avid. These partners give you a wonderful opportunity to network and connect with the industry before graduating.

Our Staff

Lecturers in the Department of International Politics are all research active and qualified to PhD level, and most also have a PGCHE.

All academic staff at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies are research active and/or involved in Knowledge Transfer projects and have either relevant academic qualifications at doctoral level or equivalent professional experience and expertise.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the department have been very successful in their careers. Some graduates have followed a career in:

• the Civil Service (especially the Foreign Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Development)
• international institutes (NATO, the European Union and the United Nations)
• non-governmental bodies (International Amnesty, Oxfam)
• political research with private companies as well as in Westminster, the Welsh Senedd and the European Senate
• editing
• floor management
• camera work
• designing and directing for film and television companies
• freelance work across the scripting media
• arts administration.

Others have followed careers in:

• the armed forces
• the Media (as a journalist or a presenter for radio or television)
• education
• marketing and international relations
• advertising
• planning and programming festivals.

Another popular choice is to stay in higher education.

Transferable Skills

Studying for a degree in International Relations and Media will equip you with a variety of transferable skills which will be valuable to employers. These include:

• research and data analysis
• creative thinking and effective problem solving
• the ability to work independently
• time management, including the ability to meet deadlines
• being able to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and logical way, orally and in writing
• self-motivation and self-reliance
• teamwork - the ability to discuss concepts in groups, discussing a range of ideas and coming to an agreement
• information technology skills
• working effectively in a group - developing, rehearsing and producing media materials and live events in collaboration with others
• using creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills in a range of situations
• managing your time and using your skills effectively
• listening to constructive criticism and making use of it
• using a range of skills and IT resources
• demonstrating entrepreneurship while developing cultural projects.

Year in Employment

The University runs a Year in Employment Scheme which offers an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to take a year out between the second and third year of the course to work in an institution in the UK or abroad. The scheme gives students a valuable and beneficial experience both personally and professionally, and it could help you to stand out in a highly competitive work market.

The University Careers Service can offer you advice on considering your options and finding a suitable work placement.

GO Wales

Go Wales is run by the University Careers Service, which works with local businesses to offer paid work placements over a period of a few weeks for students. It gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience that will look good on your CV, thus making you more attractive to prospective employers.