British Foreign Relations (042IRS)
British Foreign Relations: Through Empire and Beyond
Module 042IRS
Module details for 2026/27.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This module will explore the development of UK foreign relations from empire through decolonisation
and up to the present day, with particular focus on relations with the Global South. We will examine
how Britain transformed the world by bringing many regions and peoples into a new global political
economy, largely by force. And we will look at how Britain itself was transformed by these processes, in
terms of its own economy, culture and identity. Current British foreign relations and related aspects of
domestic politics, society and culture will be analysed as a product of the country’s colonial and post-
colonial history.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate a strong grasp of the history of UK foreign relations
from Empire to the present day, and the complex relationship
between different aspects of UK foreign relations (e.g. economic,
strategic, diplomatic, military.
Critique and assess the merits of different ways of conceptualising
the relationship between Britain’s colonial history and its current
foreign relations.
Critically evaluate the relative merits and value of different texts and
sources of information concerning UK foreign relations.
Critically evaluate the various ways in which concepts of ‘race’,
national and cultural identity have shaped UK foreign relations and
domestic British society and politics.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Oral assessment | T2 Week 7 (15 minutes) | 100.00% |
| Essay (3500 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 70.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
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