The core curriculum offered by the School of Politics, History and International Relations (PHIR) is International Relations. The school's areas of strength in this field embrace global political economy, international security, multilateral institutions, international development, cross-national relations in the Asia-Pacific, China's foreign policy and regionalism in the European Union and Southeast Asia. What is more, the school offers course modules that look back at the historical record of regions and countries, estimating that a good predictor of what will happen next in the world is shaped in part by key occurrences and weighty trajectories. Course modules include 19th century Europe, modern Asia and the Malay world.In the first year, students take course modules that provide the basic concepts and frameworks that are needed for the further study of political science and history. In Year two, students focus more closely on specific country experiences and problematic areas whilst those who qualify may choose to study overseas with a variety of exchange partners. Students may also take courses offered by other schools in the faculty, for example in media and culture. In Year 3, the programme's final year, staff teach courses that feature their respective research specialisations, injecting personal experience and focus into study material.