Why study this course?
Explore the relationship between government and society, and examine major issues facing today’s politics such as conflict and violence, inequality and climate change.
Learn about the causes that are important to you. You can choose to study topical politics from around the world such as Trumpism, Brexit or the role of China in global politics. Or you might decide to delve into related topics, including political spin and propaganda in the British media, the impact of social media or how celebrities influence politics.
More about this course
This Politics BA (Hons) degree shines a light on the challenges facing politicians and the public today, while teaching you about the historic events, thinkers and theories that led to our current political structures.
We’re passionate about our students’ interests, which is why you’re able to tailor your degree to study the things that are important to you, through optional modules. You can study the historical origin of racism and how this affects today’s societies, or the Arab Spring uprisings, the rise and fall of Turkey’s soft power, or the impact of religious ideologies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
By exploring international and national political issues, you’ll develop a solid understanding of how politics changes around the world.
The teaching team is highly experienced and have played leading roles in professional organisations such as the Political Studies Association and the British International Studies Association. They will work with you to help you understand various theories and concepts relating to politics, including citizenship, diplomacy, authority and ethics.
Your future is our priority. That’s why we make sure you have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in your final year, giving you practical experience that can help you pursue a graduate career. Studying in London means you have the UK government, international embassies and other intergovernmental organisations right on your doorstep, helping you secure opportunities that might not be possible elsewhere.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
Global Politics, Economy and Society (core, 30 credits)
Introduction to International Relations (core, 30 credits)
Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy since 1945 (core, 30 credits)
Politics and Government (core, 30 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Comparative Politics (core, 15 credits)
Governance and Public Policy (core, 15 credits)
Political Theory (core, 30 credits)
American Foreign Policy (option, 15 credits)
Approaches to International Relations and Foreign Policy (option, 30 credits)
Contemporary US Politics (option, 15 credits)
Empowering London: Working within the Community (option, 15 credits)
Immigrants and Nativists (option, 15 credits)
Media and Culture (option, 15 credits)
Politics of the Middle East (option, 15 credits)
Racism and Ethnicity (option, 30 credits)
The Politics of the European Union (option, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
The Politics of Modern States (core, 30 credits)
Placement 1 Year (alternative core, 30 credits)
Project 1 Semester (alternative core, 15 credits)
Project 1 Year (alternative core, 30 credits)
Action and Identity: Gender and Political Participation (option, 15 credits)
African Politics (option, 15 credits)
Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding (option, 30 credits)
Empowering London: Working within the Community (option, 15 credits)
Human Rights and International Conflict (option, 15 credits)
Latin American Politics (option, 15 credits)
Modern British Politics (option, 15 credits)
Public Diplomacy and Global Communication (option, 30 credits)
Where this course can take you
By the end of the degree you’ll be ready to hit the ground running in a range of roles. You could go on to work in local government, central government departments, diplomatic services, domestic and international businesses, non-governmental organisations or the media.
Some of the recent graduates now work for the Civil Service, in the business sector and some are even working as researchers for members of parliament. You could also decide to go into further study after this degree.
