BA (Hons)
Mohawk Valley Community College and Goldsmiths partnership arrangement: International Relations
The Department of Politics and International Relations at Goldsmiths, University of London is collaborating with Mohawk Valley University (MVCC) in the United States to deliver an articulation degree for those interested in exploring study in different contexts internationally.
You will study two years at Mohawk Valley University before completing a third and fourth year at Goldsmiths on the BA International Relations programme.
Why study through this partnership
- You’ll gain academic experience spanning two continents, in two global cities. Located in the heart of London and New York City, both programmes offer unparalleled access to the vibrant cultures of two of the world's most influential cities. This unique positioning provides a wealth of educational and professional opportunities, enriching your academic experience, broadening your career prospects and helping you stand out in a crowded job market
- With the support of our dedicated Careers Service, leading faculty and an international alumni network, you’ll graduate with expertise and professional connections as you take the first steps into your chosen career
- You'll learn from world-leading minds who've been involved in some of culture and society's defining moments
- You'll be given a grounding in some of the major aspects of politics and international relations. You'll learn about international systems and global governance political theory, UK, European and US politics, international political economy and undertake area-based studies of Asia, Africa and the Middle East
- The Department of Politics and International Relations provides a lively interdisciplinary environment, specialising in the study of institutions and conflicts in a way that crosses boundaries between traditional understandings of political phenomena
- You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of module options that explore the aesthetics of terrorism, critical approaches to security, the politics of development, US politics and foreign policy, the geopolitics of the Middle East, and contemporary movements from the Arab Spring to ISIS. We offer a range of area-based modules covering the Middle East, China and East Asia, Africa and Latin America
- We have a lively events programme that attracts renowned speakers, meaning that you'll have the opportunity to hear the latest political arguments, theories and ideas
- Our unique Work Placement module gives you the opportunity to gain work experience relevant to the degree and we also give you the opportunity to study abroad
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Professor Saul Newman.
What you'll study
Following successful completition oft he Liberal Arts & Sciences: International Studies Associate in Arts Degree at MVCC, you’ll be able to enter into Year 2 of the following Goldsmiths programme:
For more information about what you will study, please visit the degree page.
Teaching style
This programme is taught through scheduled learning – for example, through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.
How you'll be assessed
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work and projects.
Watch videos about Goldsmiths' International Relations programme
Entry Requirements
Once you have successfully completed the Liberal Arts & Sciences: International Studies Associate in Arts Degree at MVCC, you'll be able to enter into Year 2 of the BA in International Relations programme at Goldsmiths.
To be eliglble for to enter the two-year programme at Goldsmiths, you will need to complete the first two years at MVCC with attainment of 120 credits and a 60% (2:1) average (GPA 3.0).
If you have successfully met these requirements then you do not need to meet any additional English language requirements.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
Students accepted by Goldsmiths shall be required to pay the relevant tuition fees, as reviewed and set annually by Goldsmiths. For more information on the tuition fees for programmes at Goldsmiths, please visit Tuition fee amounts.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Funding opportunities
We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please see the programme specification on degree pathway pages for more information.
Careers and Skills
Preparing you for a successful future
The articulation program between MVCC and Goldsmiths offers a unique educational experience designed to thoroughly prepare you for your future careers.
During the first two years at MVCC, students delve into foundational courses such as Comparative Politics, International Politics, and History of Civilization, to name a few. This curriculum establishes a solid ground in political science, history, and cultural studies, equipping you with critical analytical skills and a broad understanding of global issues, systems, and tendencies.
Upon transitioning to Goldsmiths, you will engage in advanced courses such as World Politics, Political Theories and Ideologies, and Colonialism. These courses cultivate the ability to describe and evaluate diverse political action perspectives and empower you to present, assess, and interpret concepts and events independently. This phase not only deepens your theoretical knowledge but also enhances your ability to critically assess and engage with complex political phenomena.
The unique structure of this program, split between institutions in two different countries, will provide you with a rich multicultural experience. The exposure to diverse academic environments and cultural contexts will broaden your perspective as a student, making you a well-rounded candidate for careers in international relations.
You can find out more about the career paths open to you after graduating on our Politics and International Relations careers page.
Careers further afield
Our politics graduates go on to a wide variety of careers. Some go on to postgraduate study or further training in law, accountancy, social work, business administration, or to specialise in one area of their academic studies, while others go directly into employment.
Graduates of the degree can also pursue career opportunities in a wide range of other areas, such as:
- Accountancy, Banking and Administration and management
- Departments of central and local government
- Finance
- The media
- Research and computing
- Voluntary agencies
- Health
- Education as lecturers and teachers
- Housing management
- The probation service
- Company management
Graduate visas
Our Immigration Advisory Service can provide advice on graduate visas.
International students
Moving across countries can often be disorienting. Explore the following links for information and requirements regarding your preparation and arrival in London.
- London could maybe be more expensive than your home city. Check out London cost of living for information on basic average expenses and tips for saving money.
- Stay ahead of the curve by visiting our when you arrive page for essential information on healthcare, support services and more!
- Make applying for a visa stress-free with the right help! Take a look at our Immigration Advisory Services for all-visa related enquiries and one-to-one chats with experts.
- Unsure of where to live? Explore Goldsmith's Halls and Accommodations for a variety of housing options.
- Goldsmiths’ Multi-Faith Chaplaincy offers a non-judgmental space for all beliefs and faith traditions.
You can also visit our International students page for further support and advice.
Transitioning to Goldsmiths
Transitioning into a new university from a partnership is a wonderful and unique experience, though it comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding the effort it takes to move countries and universities, here are our top tips to make your transition into Goldsmith's smoother and more enjoyable.
- To start, connect with current students through our student-led platform, Unibuddy. This allows you to chat directly with current students who have experienced the transition themselves and can help you through any doubts and queries
- Discover our wide range of Societies. Whether you’re looking for competitive sports teams or the university’s newspaper, you have a wide selection of activities to choose from. Check out the Economics society
- Explore the Events at Goldsmiths to get a feel for the vibrant student life and meet people from all years and departments. From cultural festivals to academic seminars, there’s always something happening on campus
- Check the Student Union (SU) for events and opportunities, including part-time job opportunities, non-academic support, Salsa Dance classes, and the popular Trashy Tuesdays at the SU Bar
- Lastly, don’t forget to review the International Student Handbook available on the Student Union's Website for important information on housing, arriving to the UK, support services and more
For more information about this articulation programme,
- Contact William Abraham at Goldsmiths, W.Abraham (@gold.ac.uk)
- Contact MVCC via its contact page
