History

This History course enables you to study the past as a means of understanding yourself and others. It is an exploratory subject that poses questions without always providing definite answers. It requires you to engage with historical sources, interpreting data and critically evaluating it. You will need to appreciate how the past has been interpreted through generations, allowing for alternative interpretations of events as well as developing empathy for people living in other periods and contexts.

You will study a broad range of worldwide historical issues and controversies from the late 19 and 20th centuries including the rise and rule of single party states, the developments and fall of communism and the causes practices and effects of war, peacemaking and peacekeeping.

Geography

Geography is concerned with place, the way people live and their interaction with the physical environment. It is influential in many of the world’s most pressing economic, social and environmental issues. The course will enable you to develop an understanding of this interrelationship whilst allowing you to develop key skills using a range of geographical methodologies and research techniques.

Internationalism is fundamental to the course and you will look at a wide range of social, political and economic issues from around the works. You will consider the concepts of global interdependence and the international impact of climate hazards, ecosystem, destruction, globalisation and population growth and migration on human activity.

Economics

There has never been a more exciting time to study Economics. As the impact of the credit crunch continues to reverberate around the globe. Politicians, businesses and individuals react to these volatile times based on their knowledge of economics and their beliefs about how economies behave. Economics is a dynamic social science, forming part of the study of individuals and societies. The study of Economics is essentially about the concept of scarcity and the problem of resource allocation. Although Economics involves the formulation of theory, it is not a purely theoretical subject: economic theories are applied to real-world examples.

A key theme will be an awareness and understanding of internationalism in economics and you will look at issues of international and development economics. Internationalism can be defined as the ideal or practice of cooperation and understanding among countries. Economics has an important role to play in promoting such international cooperation and mutual understanding because of its focus on global issues.

Psychology

Psychology is the study of human beings as individuals and as members of social groups. This course focuses on the study of human experience and behaviours with specific reference to different perspectives: biological, cognitive and sociocultural. Cultural diversity is explored and you are encouraged to develop empathy for the feelings, need and lives of others within and outside your own culture.

You will follow a practical course in research methods and statistics and will be expected to conduct and interpret psychological research.

Philosophy

Philosophy has the big questions at its heart and involves developing a better understanding of ourselves as individuals and members of the international community. The course emphasis is on what it means to be human, developing an understanding about ourselves, our relations with others and why we behave as we do. You will be introduced to diverse approaches to philosophical reflection that encourage you to engage both academically and personally. You will draw upon a range of materials from primary and secondary philosophical texts, literature arts, media and firsthand experience.

Social and Cultural Anthropology

Social and cultural anthropology is the study of culture and human societies. Anthropology contributes to an understanding of contemporary issues such as war and conflict, the environment, poverty, injustice, inequality, and human and cultural rights. This understanding is reached through the study of societies and cultures and the exploration of the general principles of social and cultural life.

Recognising your own preconceptions and assumptions, you will explore the principles of social and cultural life and the characteristics of specific societies and cultures. You will learn the techniques and strategies used in the generation of anthropological data and appreciate the methodological issues involved in research.

Social and cultural anthropology contributes a distinctive approach to intercultural awareness and understanding and fosters the development of citizens who are globally aware and ethically sensitive.

Find out more
Here are the IBD subject groups…

1 English
2 Modern Languages
3 Social Sciences
4 Experimental Sciences
5 Mathematics
6 Arts and Electives
Core Subjects
Introduction