Study Abroad & Freshman Students

This course examines the expansionist nature of Atlantic colonial societies and their economic impact, from early contact with African societies to the abolition of slavery in Brazil. Emphasis is placed on the Atlantic slave trade’s role in consolidating slave labour systems and shaping industrialisation. The course further explores how colonial economies drove the rise of modern capitalism through racial and economic exploitation. Beginning with the expropriation of Indigenous land and resources, it traces the development of plantation slavery and later industrial labour systems. Key topics include: resource extraction, debt, colonial economies, trade in goods and globalisation. These topics are analysed not only in economic terms, but also in their social and racial dimensions. Resistance movements and the evolving discourse on reparations will also be examined to understand their influence on economic structures today. Students will investigate the economic mechanisms behind colonisation and slavery, as well as the resistance to these systems, engaging in debates on the memory and legacy of these processes. 

This course surveys ancient cultures from the Bronze and Iron Ages, introducing students to the rich diversity of early civilisations and the parallels in their development. Students will explore how politics, religion, art, trade and beliefs influenced these civilisations, shaping their societies and cultures. Through analysis of both material and textual evidence, students will learn to engage critically with primary and secondary sources, enhancing their understanding of key historical processes, including the rise of states, the formation of empires and constructions of identity in the ancient world. The course will emphasize the study of early state formation, trade networks, and cross-cultural interactions, while fostering critical thinking and skills of historical analysis. 

The course aims to cover the history of London from its prehistoric origins to the modern era. This course will study the great economic, social and political changes that have occurred throughout the centuries on this capital city. By exploring the artistic, primary sources and architecture materials, students will understand how the city developed as a parallel to the history of Britain. The course is designed to be interactive and students are expected to attend lectures, seminars, and field trips to important and historically relevant locations around London. 

This course addresses nationalism and related conflicts in the 20th Century, with particular emphasis on the roles of communism and fascism in this period. Key events are covered, particularly the World Wars and the Cold War, while engaging with the ideological currents that influenced nationalist movements. Different historical interpretations of this material are addressed, while the concepts ‘nation’ and ‘nationalism’ are explored in detail. A range of C20th historical contexts are used to develop related themes such as imperialism, independence, revolutions, democracy, and dissent. The course explores the historical origins of both communism and fascism in social movements, the characteristics of various regimes both within and beyond the West, and the contemporary significance of these ideas. 

Introduces students to research methodology, key research methods, and research practices used in the discipline of International History, with an emphasis on historiography and on qualitative methods. Students will learn research skills that translate directly into the workplace, including in NGOs, charities, the corporate sector, and intergovernmental and development agency contexts. This course also trains students for practically undertaking academic research such as that required to complete a dissertation. Students are prepared to carry out a range of methods (i.e. textual and visual analysis, interviews, focus groups, and ethnography) and learn principles of data collection and analysis. Writing research proposals and literature reviews, and pitching research are both taught and assessed, and students are introduced to widely used and newer creative and participatory modes of research.

Narratives about war have traditionally been centred on men’s roles, while women have often been cast as passive bystanders or victims. This course will challenge that view by exploring the active participation of women in wars, decolonisation, civil conflicts, and terrorist campaigns, both as combatants and civilian supporters. This course explores the changing nature and history of warfare from the Modern period to the beginning of the twentieth-first century, focusing on the social, cultural, and gendered dimensions of conflict. A key premise of the course is that warfare reflects the societies and cultures that wage it. This idea will be tested through diverse examples of warfare across different historical periods, geographic regions, and social contexts, investigating how war has shaped—and been shaped by—societal structures, technology, gender relations, and political developments.

This course offers a global exploration of the history of Western fashion, with a special focus on the development of different British identities from luxury in royal style to radical, innovative fashion.  Starting with fashion of the ruling elites in the Renaissance, the course also explores the growth of an influential fashion industry in London, from high-end locations in the City and the tailoring houses of Savile Row, to the youth fashions of the ‘swinging 1960s’ in Carnaby Street and Kensington.  The importance of London’s reputation for men’s tailoring in the 19th century is considered, along with how this became part of an enduring identity for British style.  Developments in luxury and affordable fashion will be considered with a focus on iconic brands like BIBA and avant-garde designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.  Students will examine the evolution of fashion through global and local changes in politics, society, culture, and trends plus how fashion reflects, and shapes, societal values across different eras.  

This course introduces students to both the study of International Relations (IR) and key issues in contemporary global politics. Conflict, cooperation, and power are unpacked and addressed while the course introduces and reflects on the fundamental approaches, concepts, and theories used in the discipline. Issues to which these are applied then include migration, the relationship between humans and the environment, terrorism, security, and disinformation. Throughout, different actors, institutions and ideas are engaged with as the course assesses contemporary global politics through an array of contemporary case studies. 

This course addresses the complex interactions between the phenomenon of globalization and both environmental concerns and objectives for international development. The concept of globalization and the history of this phenomenon are interrogated, along with the political, economic, ideological, and social dilemmas associated with environmental issues. The theory, strategy and methods of global development are addressed in this context, while engaging with a range of relevant global actors and institutions. 

Introduces students to research methodology, key research methods, and research practices used in the discipline of International Relations, with an emphasis on qualitative methods. Students will learn research skills that translate directly into the workplace, including in NGOs, charities, the corporate sector, and intergovernmental and development agency contexts. This course also trains students for practically undertaking academic research such as that required to complete a dissertation. Students are prepared to carry out a range of methods (i.e. textual and visual analysis, interviews, focus groups, and ethnography) and learn principles of data collection and analysis. Writing research proposals and literature reviews, and pitching research are both taught and assessed, and students are introduced to widely used and newer creative and participatory modes of research.

This course offers an overview of the history and practice of contemporary diplomacy. It begins with analysis of what a modern diplomat currently does, both at home and abroad, set within the context of diplomatic history and theory. The normal practice of diplomacy and the various techniques of international negotiation will be addressed by using both historical and contemporary examples. It will familiarize students with the activities of a modern diplomat within a wider historical and theoretical context. 

This course provides students with a set of conceptual and analytical tools in order to acquire a deep and nuanced understanding of the discipline of International Relations (IR) and global politics. It does so by examining IR theories and approaches to international politics, scrutinizing and problematizing their historic foundations, and exploring contemporary challenges and critiques. The course begins by introducing philosophical debates regarding the purpose of theorizing and the importance of understanding ontological and epistemological assumptions and examines the difference between and implications of ‘understanding’ and ‘explaining’ in international relations theory. The course then critically evaluates grand and middle range theories of IR as well as approaches focused on everyday global politics. Throughout, the course scrutinizes challenges presented by a multitude of multidisciplinary interventions into IR including post-positivist critiques and approaches centralizing gender and colonialism as key variables in global politics.

This course is designed to enable students to communicate effectively at university level. Students will be provided with input from a range of texts and audio from cross-cultural materials and practice fundamental research and writing and oracy skills. Students will become more familiar with the academic environment and its conventions through spoken and written production. With exposure to a range of academic texts, talks and digital skills, students will appreciate the role of academic integrity. The course gives students the opportunity to think, listen, talk and write with confidence and clarity, which will help them succeed in other courses.

This is an introductory course to Korean language and culture with an emphasis on oral communication in everyday situations and contemporary South Korean culture and society. This course introduces fundamental communication skills including the Korean alphabet and character construction, pronunciation, vocabulary, and essential speech patterns. It also explores contemporary South Korean popular culture with the aim to develop a keen awareness and broad understanding of how the Korean culture relates to the language.

This course concentrates on developing the students’ ability to read and think critically, and to read, understand and analyse texts from a range of genres. How do you successfully negotiate a path through a sea of information and then write it up? Using essential information literacy skills to help with guided research, this course develops the ability to produce effective and appropriate academic writing across the curriculum. 

This course concentrates on developing the students’ ability to read and think critically, and to read, understand and analyse texts from a range of genres. How do you successfully negotiate a path through a sea of information and then write it up?  Using essential information literacy skills to help with guided research, this course develops the ability to produce effective and appropriate academic writing across the curriculum.  

This course is designed to develop students’ critical research and writing skills to be effective in the academic and professional world. It focuses on principles of good scholarship and academic practice that will be required throughout university study and in a future professional work environment. These skills are enhanced throughout the course.  Upon completion of this course, successful students will become confident in using available resources to produce well-researched writing that demonstrates critical engagement with a self-selected research topic. 

This course helps students make a real difference in the world. Service-Learning as experiential learning combines community service with academic study. This course will apply service-learning to global challenges and how to be a leader that creates positive change. Students will work on live projects and challenges to address real-world issues. Students will learn how to lead and work with diverse teams to make a positive impact. Skills will be gained from working on a project with charities, NGOs, or non-profit organisations on citizenship concepts which will enable the student to critically reflect through service-learning. This course builds professional, entrepreneurial and personal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders. This course is underpinned by JEDI approaches to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion across the global community. 

This course helps students make a real difference in the world. Service-Learning as experiential learning combines community service with academic study. This course will apply service-learning to the theoretical, political and sociological conceptions of citizenship and their limitations. Students will work on live projects and challenges to address real-world issues and critically reflect on their role as agents in communities and as legal and social citizens. Skills will be gained from working on a project with charities, NGOs, or non-profit organisations on citizenship concepts which will enable the student to critically reflect through service-learning. This course builds professional, entrepreneurial and personal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders. This course is underpinned by JEDI approaches to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion across the global community. 

This course helps students make a real difference in the world. Service-Learning as experiential learning combines community service with academic study. This course will apply service-learning to the production of digital work engaging with organizations and communities outside of the university. It equips students to identify the ranges of opportunities for innovation and employment that digital skills offer. Students will work on live projects and challenges to address real-world issues and critically reflect on their role as agents in communities and as legal and social citizens. Skills will be gained from working on a project with charities, NGOs, or non-profit organisations on citizenship concepts which will enable the student to critically reflect through service-learning. This course builds professional, entrepreneurial and personal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders. This course is underpinned by JEDI approaches to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion across the global community.

Britain is an ancient land, full of mystery and wonder and who knows what lies just beneath the surface? Primordial mysteries, stretching back into Deep Time, ready to irrupt into the present day, and portals to magical and hellish otherworlds. Using the lens of fantasy theory and discussions of folk horror, this course explores the magical literary worlds of early British mythology and folklore, including Arthurian legend, late Victorian writers of the macabre, and some of the cornerstones of modern British fantasy literature including C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling. Through a variety of British literature and contemporary British film and television. Students will examine how these genres reflect particular societal anxieties and cultural identities, as well as the complex relationship between art and politics. 

This module develops understanding and application of interplay between psychology, marketing, and consumer behaviour. Using a variety of resources, including from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, students will explore the psychological processes that influence how consumers perceive, interpret, and respond to marketing stimuli. By understanding these underlying mechanisms, students will gain valuable insights into how to develop effective marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences and drive desired behaviours. The module will cover key topics such as perception, motivation, learning, attitudes, decision-making, and the influence of social and cultural factors on consumer choices. 

This course examines the role of modern sales management theory and practice in a global setting. It aims to equip students with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical aspects of selling from managing a salesforce to managing the sales process. Students will explore innovative sales management strategies, key account management, current trends and ‘best-practices’ of leading sales organisations and professionals through lectures, case study analysis, guest lectures and project work. Students will also explore selling as a career, the rewards and the key success factors. 

The course will provide students with the marketing theory, practical skills, tools and technologies to create effective 360 digital marketing campaigns. The module will explore key definitions and best practice for the tools, channels and platforms including SEO, social media marketing, email marketing and data analytics that engage audiences and drive sales. It will demonstrate how to create plans, set objectives, design campaigns and evaluate their success. It will also explore key current trends such as influencer marketing and the adoption of innovative tools such as AI, AR, and VR in the creation and dissemination of campaigns and will cover issues that digital marketers need to consider such as responsible and sustainable marketing and the use of technology to deliver business goals. 

This module provides a practical and in-depth exploration of marketing planning and strategy within a contemporary business context. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the key principles and techniques involved in creating, implementing, and evaluating effective marketing plans. The module emphasizes a hands-on approach, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies, simulations, and a student-led marketing project. 

This course in probability and statistics includes theoretical and applied approaches which are primarily designed for business, data science, social science and psychology majors. The course coverage will include: descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, random variables and expectations, discrete probability distributions (Binomial and Poisson distributions), continuous probability distribution (Normal distribution), sampling distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing about the mean and proportions of up to two populations, Chi-square tests, One-way ANOVA and F Distribution, linear, multiple and non-linear regression and Non-parametric methods.  SPSS lab sessions will be included targeting applications of statistical concepts to business, data science, social science and psychology. All practical work will be produced using SPSS statistical software. 

This course presents the mathematics of arguments and reasoning by introducing students to concepts in logic and discrete mathematics. It examines the nature of logic, propositional and deductive logic, tautologies and contradictions, algebra of sets, relations, Boolean functions, and graph theory. The topics covered will include propositional calculus, methods of deduction, and quantification theory, leading to an introduction to first order logic, proof by induction and recursive relations. Valid and invalid argument forms and their tests will be performed. Matrix algebra and determinants and their applications in solving systems of equations will be covered. Applications of these concepts to logical networks, switching circuits and network analysis will be investigated. 

This course provides a sound understanding of the concepts of calculus and their applications to business courses, data science and scientific courses. There will be an emphasis on the rigorous approach to the concept of limits as a key pillar of many concepts of calculus. Theory and applications of calculus with numerous examples will be explained to students depending on specific majors. Topics to be covered will include co-ordinate geometry of straight lines, quadratic curves, exponential and logarithmic functions; elementary differentiation and integration of real-valued functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. Applications of calculus concepts to maxima, minima, and optimization problems. Calculus of several variables to include partial derivatives and optimizing functions of two variables, and constrained optimization and method of Lagrange Multipliers. Double integrals and applications. Modelling with first-order ordinary differential equations. 

This course introduces game theory and covers the core principles of game theory and its role in the process of strategic decision-making methods in business, economics, and social sciences. The use of game algebra and the analysis of the structure of various types of practical decision problems as applied especially to business environments will be emphasized. The areas to be studied will include strategic decision making under uncertainty for both non-probabilistic and probabilistic scenarios, risk analysis, Bayes’ Theorem, decision trees, systems of linear equations and basic matrix methods, linear programming, Markov Processes, game strategies, game trees, the Nash equilibrium, and classification of games as sequential-move games and simultaneous-move games to include mixed strategy games, the prisoner’s dilemma, zero-sum and two-persons games, and hawk-dove games. Detailed applications to specific strategic situations such as in bargaining, bidding and market competition will be explored. 

The course provides a detailed study of set theory, systems of linear equations, theory of vectors and vector spaces, algebra of matrices, determinants and characteristic polynomials, mappings and linear transformations, canonical forms and invariance, eigenvectors and eigenvalues. LU-matrix factorization, matrix diagonalization and orthogonality, least square method, and inner-product spaces and applications. Multivariable calculus to include solutions of systems of linear ordinary differential equations (ODE) using matrix method. These concepts are useful as they form a basis of a deeper understanding of advanced mathematics and have wide applications in physical and social sciences. Applications to specific majors will be explored. 

This course provides an in-depth understanding of Machine Learning (ML) and Predictive Analytics, focusing on algorithms, methodologies, and applications. Students will explore fundamental ML models, from supervised and unsupervised learning to more advanced topics such as deep learning and ensemble methods. The course emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical implementation using real-world datasets. Students will be taught to build predictive models, evaluate their performance, and apply them to solve complex problems in various fields, including finance, healthcare, and technology.