Politics, BA (Hons)

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 at Goldsmiths

• 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 third 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.

Year 1 You will study the following compulsory modules: UK and European Comparative Governance and Politics Political Theory and Ideologies Identity, Agency & Environment 1 Identity, Agency & Environment 2 You will then choose from the following: World Politics or Colonialism, Power, Resistance Year 2 In your second year, you'll take the following compulsory modules: Researching Politics Modern Political Theory Modern Britain The Goldsmiths Elective You also select modules to the value of 60 credits from a list approved annually by the Department of Politics and International Relations. As part of this, you will have the option of taking up to 15 credits from another department at Goldsmiths or from another University of London institution (if deemed suitable by the department). Examples of Politics and International Relations modules include: Political Economy Chinese Politics: The Revolutionary Era Rough Politics US Politics and Foreign Policy The Politics of Climate Change Year 3 Students write a research dissertation and make up their remaining 90 credits (up to 6 modules) from the list of options chosen by the department. Colonialism and Non-Western Political Thought Migration, Technology, and Humanitarianism Sustainable Development The Politics of Memory Ethics and Economics of Environmental Protection Fascisms, Old and New The Politics of Popular Music Work placement (Politics) Work Placement module This optional module gives students experience of working in a range of organisations in the NGO sector such as charities, think-tanks and pressure groups, bodies connected with international organisations, appropriate businesses, and political parties. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.