Extra-curricular opportunities
There are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved in extra-curricular activities in the Department of International politics.
From our celebrated Crisis Games and Parliamentary Placement Scheme to talks and a range of student societies, there will be plenty to keep you occupied during your time in Aberystwyth, and to develop additional skills that will look good on your CV.
Talks
Our department is a vibrant environment in which to study and to explore new ideas. Each year we host dozens of talks by world-leading experts and opinion formers. These are regularly attended by members of the local community as well as students and staff.
Crisis Games
We were the first department in the UK to run crisis simulations to connect classroom learning to the real-world complexities of international politics. These are held once a year and are the most popular event in any InterPol student's academic year.
Parliamentary Placement Scheme
We operate a prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme, enabling you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an MS (Welsh Senedd, Cardiff) for a period of 4 to 6 weeks during the summer. During this time you will write reports and speeches, undertake research projects, and respond to constituency issues.
Student Societies
Students also take the lead in the Department. We are home to Interstate, the oldest student-run international politics journal in the United Kingdom, providing a unique opportunity for you to publish your work (particularly advantageous if you wish to progress to postgraduate study) or gain valuable experience working as part of the editorial team. Finally a range of stimulating student societies foster a strong sense of community within the department, offering a programme of political debates, visiting speakers, conferences and workshops, alongside numerous social activities such as an annual ball.