Politics, BA (Hons)

The BA in Politics provides a comprehensive exploration of political systems, governance, and global challenges, delivered by expert faculty. It addresses themes such as political thought, institutions, and international relations, allowing students to customize their studies through optional modules on topics like sovereignty, identity, and environmental impacts. Opportunities for a year-long work placement or international study further enhance the curriculum, ensuring it reflects contemporary debates through ongoing research.Core modules span introductions to political theory, comparative politics, and research methods, while later years include advanced topics and a dissertation. Assessment methods vary, incorporating exams, essays, group projects, and the dissertation, which develop critical thinking and analytical skills for careers in policy, journalism, academia, and international affairs.

Year 1 Core modules: Introduction to Political Theory provides an overview of the role that key political ideals, values and theories play in shaping modern political thought: justifying and evaluating political institutions and public policy, and influencing political behaviour and change. Democratic Political Systems details the historical, socio-economic and cultural context of two democratic political systems. You will be encouraged to critically assess key aspects of these systems. Introduction to Comparative Politics introduces methods, approaches and key concepts in comparative politics. Drawing on historical texts and contemporary research you will explore a range of policy-relevant issues and begin to develop a problem-solving view of politics. Researching Politics and International Relations introduces a range of strategies used to produce knowledge in politics and international relations. This module examines the strengths and weaknesses of a range of research methods. You will gain some practical experience of carrying out research in politics and international relations. In recent years, optional modules have included: International Security, Interdependence and Organisation Perspectives of Political Economy Introduction to International Relations. Year 2 Core modules: The Research Project is an extended piece of work produced within a structured framework that will help prepare you for the demands of writing a dissertation. You will gain a deeper understanding of politics as an academic subject and as an aspect of wider human activity. Foundations of Western Political Thought examines some of the main currents of European political thought in the ancient and modern worlds. It will also develop your ability to interpret major texts in the history of political thought. Analytical Politics introduces the theoretical models and mechanisms of politics. Learning how to apply these models to a range of political issues and processes will develop your problem-solving skills and help you link theory and evidence. In recent years, optional modules have included: International Theory The Politics of Pacific Asia Foundations of Western Political Thought International Organisations Sovereignty, State and Empire Capitalism: History and Theory Middle East in the International System Debates in Political Theory. Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement year or year abroad) The Dissertation is a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of politics. It develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning and provides you with an opportunity to research a specific topic in greater depth and present your findings and conclusions. In recent years, optional modules have included: British Political Thought Social and Political Philosophy Muslims and Politics in the Modern World Theories of Liberty The American Presidency China in Global Political Economy Israel: Politics and Society Woman, Gender and Politics in the US Elections and British Politics Advanced Topic in International Political Theory: the International Politics of the Everyday