Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Politics and International Relations

at University of Hertfordshire - De Havilland Campus United Kingdom

Literature can offer new perspectives on familiar themes, as well as open doors to unfamiliar ideas and cultures which are temporally or spatially remote from your own. It is an ideal source for philosophical reflection, exploring and challenging the assumptions that frame the way we think, act and see the world around us.

Our BA Philosophy and English Literature degree encourages you to expand your imaginative capacities and to critically reflect on possibilities for how the world could be, by engaging with a wide variety of perspectives. You will gain skills in understanding how to read and interpret in context, and in how to formulate your own arguments, to arrive at your own conclusions.

In your first year, you might choose to study international and American literature or revisit Shakespeare and consider his cultural relevance today through fictional, cinematic and TV adaptations. In Philosophy, you might explore questions which lie at the heart of much literature, such as whether anything can give meaning to life, and whether our striving to achieve anything of significance is ultimately futile, even ridiculous. The philosophy of film and literature module addresses the assumption that anything is possible in fiction and considers the extent to which that is true.

All our English Literature and Philosophy lecturers are active researchers, so you’ll share the excitement of doing original work in a supportive and highly-rated academic community. Our Philosophy team is in the top 15 in the Guardian League Table 2019 and rates as one of the 100 best Philosophy departments worldwide in the 2017 QS rankings.

In your second year, you’ll focus on period-based literature from the Renaissance onwards and gain an understanding of literary history, from Elizabethan verse and drama, via Augustan poetry and the emergence of the novel in the 18th century, to the radical transformations of the Victorian age, and the emergence of modernity in the 20th century. In Philosophy, you’ll choose from a variety of topics, which includes a module on the nature of art, expression and representation (in literary as well as visual art), and modules on influential texts in philosophy, such as Plato’s Republic.

The final year allows for even more opportunity to tailor your degree to reflect your own interests. On the literature side, themed options include children’s literature, young adult fiction, Renaissance tragedy, 21 st century American literature, European crime fiction, literary adaptations and the culture of print in the 18th century. A wide variety of Philosophy modules are available, including modules on feminist philosophy, the nature of language and meaning, and a module on Nietzsche, who is well-known for his literary style.

• A flexible programme of study, allowing you to concentrate on areas you find especially interesting
• An exceptional academic team, conducting internationally renowned research
• Stimulating, innovative courses that allow you to make rewarding connections between two disciplines
• CV-building potential through work placements and extra-curricular activities

Now that scientists can read and change DNA sequences, a new era has arrived in which it’s possible to investigate organisms at their most fundamental level. That means we have the opportunity to find pioneering ways to prevent or find cures for genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and cancer. It could even help us discover more about our origins and who we really are. This course will give you the specialist theoretical knowledge and practical experience of gene manipulation and the analysis of nucleic acids and proteins. It will also show you how this can be applied to the study of health, disease and the natural environment. This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

• Molecular Biology involves the study of biology at the molecular level, providing an insight into the building blocks of life itself.
• DNA carries the hereditary information that determines the structures of proteins. It contains through which cells are instructed to grow and divide, to differentiate into specialized cells thereby generating the millions of different life forms that exist.
• The university has excellent research facilities for molecular biology enabling students to experience key techniques for example, PCR and bioinformatics.

• The MA Animation degree allows you to develop your 2D or 3D Digital Animation skills and knowledge to a more advanced level.
• You will produce a personal portfolio which in approach, style and vision looks to the forefront of current practices.
• The course allows you to extend your theoretical and contextual understanding of animation, its audiences and media culture.
• You will become familiar with professional-level enquiry, research, creative invention, project planning and management practices.
• The course is taught within a multi-disciplinary environment of discussion and exploration of ideas.

This award enables you to develop creative practical skills in a range of digital processes that are used in Animation and related fields. Within this course you can choose to focus in a particular area of animation such as 2D animation, 3D animation or combine the areas to create new forms and ideas from the fusion of techniques and styles.

Within 2D animation you can look at traditional animation techniques and blend these skills and approaches with new digital media to form new content and formats. You will explore the rich heritage of 2D animation and the possibilities of experimentation, both in form and content, that traditional animation has actively encouraged.

3D digital animation has become the most popular form of animated imagery over the past decade,used by more experimental practitioners who question the appearance, form and uses it has in present-day media. In this form, you will challenge your preconceptions of what 2D or 3D animation can do, which helps you become an innovator in the field. You will have the opportunity to explore the range of possibilities available to the practitioner, mixing technical knowledge of the subject with the creative freedom that an understanding of the theory and context of new media practices brings.

The postgraduate Animation programme involves an induction, seminars and social events for students and staff, allowing you to be part of a friendly and supportive postgraduate community of film-makers, musicians and professionals working in new media. Senior research staff and internationally renowned professionals work with postgraduate students, helping to develop original and challenging work. Your study includes ways of thinking about the cultural resonance of your work, the audiences it is made for, the nature of creativity and the role of the cultural industries in a modern knowledge economy.

Through your study you will develop a range of project management skills and an ability to identify and manage your own learning. You will consider the role of enterprise opportunities in commercial, professional and social environments, as well as specialist modules in your chosen discipline area, the programme includes shared modules with other postgraduate awards in the School of Creative Arts. This structure promotes cross-discipline discussion and maintains the enthusiasm and focus of discipline specialists. It enables you to develop key transferable skills of postgraduate study grounded in activities that have currency, relevance and application for your future career and further academic study.

This course provides an opportunity to experience and develop the skills and processes involved in the professional practice of product and industrial design. Approaches are centred around consumer goods, where issues covering everyday manufactured products are developed and explored. The degree investigates the cultural, technical and commercial factors which influence the development of innovative new products, and introduces the creative and professional strategies which underpin design.

This Product and Industrial Design degree provides an opportunity to experience and develop the skills and processes involved in the professional practice of product and industrial design. Approaches are centred around consumer goods, where issues surrounding everyday manufactured products are developed and explored. The degree investigates the cultural, technical and commercial factors which influence the development of innovative new products, and introduces the creative and professional strategies which underpin design.

The study includes branding and methods of identifying consumer needs and aspirations as an approach to creating the right product. Industry partners include Ford, Xerox and Herman Miller, with strong working relationships with Imagination Ltd., Conran & Partners and London Associates. The staff team is drawn from nationally and internationally experienced designers who bring their research and professional interests directly into the student environment.

Perhaps you would like to study Law, but you haven’t yet managed to find the course that ‘feels’ just right for you. The University of Hertfordshire’s LLM in Law is the solution you have been looking for! It is designed for ultimate flexibility and focus, to fit your own unique needs, interests and aspirations.

For the LLM in Law you'lll study four modules of your choice from a wide range that are on offer. This flexibility will enable you to combine your particular interests and specialisms, to tailor your course according to your dreams and ambitions.

Naturally, as you would expect from the University of Hertfordshire, all our modules are taught by specialists in their field, and are supported by up-to-date, cutting-edge research and practice, so you can be sure that your studies will be relevant to your chosen future career. Innovative, active teaching methods and practical, real-world examples will deepen your understanding and equip you with the skills you need to be a real asset to your future employer!

MA Fashion is a Masters award within the MA Art and Design programme at the School of Creative Arts. Within the programme there is strong emphasis on professional practice and the real-world applications of art and design. You will develop key research skills and gain a good understanding of the work of other practitioners in your field.

Through working alongside artists and designers on other Fashion postgraduate course, you will explore the possibilities for the fashion designer today, questioning conventions and refining your practice and design capabilities by working with and understanding materials. The course provides you with research skills and an understanding of fashion and its contexts and, at the end of your studies, you will have the expertise to promote your own practice, either as a small business or in the context of global fashion markets.

Our staff are experienced in research, industry and professional practice, and you will also benefit from contributions from visiting fashion designers and design professionals, as well as from involvement with our international exhibitions programme. Our fashion courses also have close links with a wide range of industry partners and contribute to major national and international events in the fashion industry.

The Postgraduate Fashion programme is to equipped to provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to practice at an advanced level, as well as fostering your creativity and enhancing your employment opportunities. Induction, seminars and social events for students and staff mean that you will be part of a friendly and supportive postgraduate community, which also includes film makers, musicians and professionals working in new media. Senior research staff and internationally renowned artists work with postgraduate students, helping you to develop original and challenging work.

The study of Accounting and Economics brings students face to face with the current trends, practices and themes within both the Accounting and in touch with global economies. This practical and relevant course develops students to become confident, knowledgeable and forward thinking graduates ready to take on this growing sector head on. 90% of Accounting and Economics graduates are in employment or further study after 6 months.

Studying economics enables you to gain a sound knowledge of economic principles and to appreciate fully the way in which this knowledge can be applied in 'real world' situations. The field of study emphasises the role of economics in the formation of policy by individuals, companies and governments as well as offering an appreciation of the role played by business in a modern economy.

Studying accounting will provide you with a sound basis for progression to careers in accounting or with an accounting bias, as well as for careers in general management. It will also afford a good preparation for professional accounting qualifications.

This multi-disciplinary and globally focused course has been developed with industry leaders and professional bodies, combining real world scenarios with the academic theory of a university degree to give you a spectrum of skills for when you graduate. The course is taught by leading academics and industry specialists with years of real world commercial experience within the sector.

5 Reasons to Study BA (Hons) Accounting and Economics:-

• Our Accounting and Economics program is designed for students who wish to have a greater choice and specialism in their studies. The combination of subjects provides both technical training in accounting and an understanding of the role businesses take in a modern economy.
• The course will also provide good preparation for advancement through accounting qualifications and, depending on the options you choose, you will graduate with valuable exemptions from the professional examinations of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
• The course has been developed with industry leaders and professional bodies, combining real world scenarios with academic theory, to give you the wide spectrum of knowledge and skills needed when you graduate. The course is taught by leading academics and industry specialists with years of real world commercial experience within the accounting and finance sectors.
• All students have the option to study abroad and learn or develop language skills to give you an edge in the job market.
• The course gives you the opportunities to do a work placement in small or large businesses, developing key employability skills, both domestically and internationally.

From the world’s tallest buildings and most spectacular bridges, to airports, highways, hospitals, rail networks and flood defences, civil engineers provide the critical infrastructure that makes our world work. You will learn to apply the principles of structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics and hydrology, environmental engineering, materials, surveying and construction. You will also discover the latest techniques and developments, such as low- carbon materials and sustainability. For this degree we have a strategic partnership with the world-renowned BRE to give you access to specialist facilities, projects and lectures. To become professionally recognised as a Chartered Engineer, graduates from the programme will be required to complete approved CEng Further Learning.

• The School has over 50 years' experience of teaching engineering and has established an excellent international reputation
• This degree allows you to benefit from the use of laboratory facilities and staff expertise at BRE (formerly Building Research Establishment)
• Students from the School of Engineering and Technology have previously completed work placement years at companies including: BMW (UK) Manufacturing Ltd, Bosch Thermotechnology, and Microsoft
• Recent Engineering graduates have gone on to work at organisations including: Dyson, Ministry of Defence and JCB

This programme brings together the disciplines of advertising and digital communications, recognising the integrated nature of contemporary marketing communications. It is designed to enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills for a career in advertising and digital marketing either client side or in creative agencies. This programme has a balance of the academic underpinning and the creative and digital skills required for employment. Students will be expected to operate at a strategic campaign planning level, whilst also acquiring practical skills such as copywriting, video editing and basic digital design as well as a knowledge of and practical application of marketing technology

• New degree launching in 2020/21 embedding the latest in contemporary advertising and digital marketing techniques
• Strongly focussed on students employability needs, students will acquire transferable skills and attributes sought after by employers
• Gain digital skills in content creation, as well as for general office settings (eg Excel)
• Gain practical industry experience of advertising and digital marketing through live projects, industry speakers, events and employability modules
• Enhance your CV further through an optional year’s study abroad, placement or short internship
• Strong links with the Chartered Institute of Marketing; the Business School is a CIM Strategic Partner and hosts the regional CIM Club
• Learning for professional qualifications embedded into the curriculum, with the chance to gain a professional CIM qualification within the first year
• Dedicated programme tutors to look after the pastoral and academic needs of students

This course focuses on contemporary approaches to fine art and the practice and theories that inform it. You’ll be actively encouraged to explore your ideas through a range of media including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, video, installation, photography and digital media. Supporting you will be a team of internationally practising artists, each bringing their unique research, experiences and interests directly into their teaching. The lively and diverse lecture program sees visiting artists and art professionals discuss their own practice while encouraging debate and discussion. Throughout the course, we’ll foster your natural abilities and interests in a stimulating environment. Excellently equipped facilities and your own personal studio space allow you to experiment and develop your practice.

Our course has an international and outward-looking approach. From year one, our students are offered a range of external opportunities, including:

• The option to take a semester-long, funded Erasmus residency in one of our overseas partner institutions in Europe
• A year-longer Study Abroad residency, in one of our global partner institutions, e.g. North America, Japan, Canada, Australia.
• The chance to exhibit their work nationally and within the region, in venues such as Courtyard Arts, Hertford, the Truman Brewery, London and the renowned UH Arts Gallery on campus.
• Participation in collaborative projects with our international schools in places such as Moscow.

Closer to home, students benefit from opportunities to:

• Undertake a sandwich year placement to gain more extensive experience within the creative sector.
• Benefit from the programme’s close ties with University of Hertfordshire’s MA in Art Therapy, through access to staff and when relevant, taught modules.

A distinctive feature of the programme is that from the outset students develop a strong and supportive peer group dynamic that frequently results in ambitious collaborative projects, sharing of opportunities, a growing network and a proactive alumnus.

Teaching and technical Support
The program values one-to-one teaching in support of individual development, alongside peer learning within technical skills workshops and group seminars.

Teaching on the program is delivered by tutors who are practicing artists exhibiting internationally and supported by a vibrant program of visiting artists and industry professionals. Within the School, there is a lively and diverse lecture program with contributions from artists, poets, art critics and curators, so our students can link with practicing artists and contemporary artwork.

Taught workshops traverse all areas of contemporary practice, including painting, sculpture, digital imaging, printmaking, moving image, installation, photography, moving image and more. Alongside this, the Critical and Cultural Studies modules provide students with the skills to critically analyse contemporary visual arts and culture, both in written studies and within the context of the studio.