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.

International Politics Society

The International Politics Society is a student-run group that organises a range of events and activities for students studying international politics or who simply have an interest in the subject.  The purpose of the Society is to explore various political issues in a way that is by students and for students.  The International Politics Society is actively involved in staging debates, hosting visiting speakers, and organising conferences and workshops.  For example, it began its 2009 programme with a very successful talk given by Mark Williams, MP for Ceredigion at the time. 

The International Politics Society also has an important social side.  It holds a series of informal discussions in local pubs and cafes.  And one of the Department’s annual highlights is the annual International Politics Ball which the Society organises. 

United Nations Association (UNA)

The United Nations Association seeks to foster awareness of the United Nations organisation and related activities and global issues.  It runs simulation events in which students, representing different states, debate contemporary global issues as would happen in the General Assembly or the Security Council.  United Nations Association members also take part in the annual Model UN events in Oxford, Cambridge, and London. Contact the Aberystwyth Model United Nations Society for more informaiton. Aberystwyth members are eligible to apply for UNA (UK) study and trips and to take part in UN peacekeeping courses. 

Aberystwyth Welsh Politics Society

Cymdeithas Wleidyddiaeth Gymraeg Aberystwyth (Aberystwyth Welsh Politics Society) was established to organise events enabling students and staff to discuss political issues through the medium of Welsh. Members discuss aspects of the Welsh polity as well as issues of a global nature. The society also provides an important forum which familiarises students with Welsh language versions of key political terms and concepts, with a view to strengthening departmental provision for students studying through the medium of Welsh. Recent guest speakers include Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Presiding Officer for the National Assembly for Wales; Carwyn Jones, First Minister and Leader of the Labour Party in Wales; and Hywel Williams, historian and Guardian columnist.

Aberystwyth Crisis Games Society

Founded in January 2013 the Crisis Games Society draws inspiration from the hugely popular Department of International Politics Crisis Games. They run around 7 games a year catering for around 20 to 30 people each time, although they will provide positions for anyone who turns up to the game.

Aberystwyth Amnesty International Society

The Aberystwyth Amnesty International Society seeks to raise awareness of and promote human rights through a range of engaging events and discussions.