Equipping students to study the politics of global challenges: embedding skills, belonging, employability and “making a difference” in a first year module

Abstract

University mission statements often speak of shaping a better future for our communities, our region, and the world. In a shifting political landscape, with rapid advances in AI and increasing diversity in the student body, it is essential to reconsider how we equip politics and international relations students with the skills needed to fulfil this mission. This presentation reflects on our experience of designing a new level one core module that embeds skills teaching through engagement with the politics of global challenges. We outline how we connect the study of global challenges to skills development, making employability skills visible and fostering a sense of belonging. We also show how the assessment structure encourages reflection, group work, and the development of key academic abilities. The overarching goal is to give students the strongest possible foundation for success throughout their degree and beyond, enabling them to become global agents for change.