Course summary

Politics encompasses the most difficult challenges faced by humanity today. Learn how to evaluate and engage with these challenges in a sophisticated, persuasive way. Why study BA Politics (with Integrated Foundation Year) at Goldsmiths

• Our BA in Politics (with Integrated Foundation Year) offers an alternative entry route for students without the qualifications required for degree-level study

• Before progressing onto one of the Department of Politics and International Relations' undergraduate programmes, you will have the chance to develop your academic skills and knowledge of the subject. You are able to select the undergraduate degree you wish to study at the point of application but be able to change as you progress through the foundation pathway if your interests change

• You will receive an introduction to the study of politics and gain a better understanding of democracy, political parties, ideologies and movements

• More than just the study of government, this politics degree examines the ways in which we understand and communicate about the problems we face, and the formal exercise of power.

• A degree in politics is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable subjects you can study at university. And the skills you’ll gain will stay with you forever. This programme extends beyond the conventional – we'll look at how and why politics is practised in such different ways around the planet.

• You will develop your critical and analytical skills, and you'll gain a thorough grounding in the major aspects of modern political studies, including political theory, international relations, political economy, British and European comparative politics and the politics of non-Western countries.

• Through a study of diverse topics, such as feminism, foreign policy, and human rights, you'll sharpen your ability to evaluate complex, challenging claims

• Our research interests are as diverse as the discipline of politics; you’ll have the option of studying from the full range of subjects that we offer (subject to prerequisites)

• You’ll learn about the politics of the Houses of Parliament and the United States Senate, but you’ll also learn about the political decisions that take place in the classroom, the company directors’ meeting, the art gallery and the internet forum. Through these (and more) diverse studies, we’ll help you to question your own assumptions and beliefs in order to give you the ability to question the assumptions and beliefs of others

• In your final year you’ll be able to put these skills into practice in our Work Placement programme. We have links with the Home Office, Department for Transport, local government and the European Commission

• We have a lively events programme that attracts renowned speakers, so you'll have the opportunity to hear (and challenge) the latest political arguments, theories and ideas

• Develop an understanding of the political background of contemporary issues such as Brexit, global governance, everyday conflicts around identity and culture, climate change and more

• View politics from a range of different perspectives, such as those of feminism, post-colonial thinking, or economics

• Learn to write about politics in useful ways, such as essays, political speeches and manifestos

• Develop your academic skills including how to present ideas effectively in writing; read, analyse and critically respond to a range of texts; participate effectively in academic discussion; identify how research is conducted in higher education; and compare different research methodologies