Course summary

Politics is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field. It touches every area of our lives, covering issues from national security and inequalities in society to the climate crisis. Taught by experts in the field, the BA in Politics will give you an insight into political systems and governance on a local and global scale. You’ll be exposed to ideas and opinions that will challenge your perceptions and encourage you to think critically and analytically. Studies are structured around three main themes: political thought, political institutions and international relations. Following a general introduction, you’ll begin to tailor the course to your interests and aspirations with a selection of optional modules in areas such as sovereignty, identity, crises and conflict, comparative politics, democratic practice, and the impact of global politics on the environment. You can further tailor your course by applying to add a year-long work placement, or you may be able to add an international dimension with an overseas study year. If you are selected this will increase the course from three years to four. The School of Government and International Affairs is home to several research centres and institutes, and many lecturers are actively engaged in research. This innovative work is fed into the BA, so you can be sure the curriculum is informed by contemporary political debate. The critical analytical and research skills that underpin the course, coupled with a deep understanding of global current affairs and the complex connections between nations and ruling parties, will put you in a strong position to pursue a career in social policy research, journalism, academia, the Civil Service, the Foreign Office and more.