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BA Politics

Do you want to …

understand the current political crises across the world?
examine the way different governments deal with 'austerity'?
investigate the prospects for greater global democracy?
grasp the key dynamics of different political systems of your choice?

If you do, then BA Politics could be the right course for you.

BA Politics gives you a firm grounding in the institutions and practices of modern political systems.

You will examine and discuss the key ideas which have shaped modern politics, including concepts of democracy, equality and liberty. This study will highlight why these ideas continue to be debated, promoted and often resisted by powerful groups.

You will learn about how ‘globalisation’ continues to transform politics and how different political systems (e.g. Britain, European, Asian, United States) have evolved and adapted. Furthermore you will consider the on-going impact of major events that may include: ‘the Arab Spring’; ‘crisis in the Eurozone’; and riots/protests in Britain.

You will consider how ideologies of Thatcherism, neo-liberalism, socialism, liberalism, conservatism and nationalism have influenced understandings of politics. In addition you will become acquainted with the key political institutions that dominate decision-making and distribute resources. Similarly, you will examine the role of political leaders, the media and interest groups in influencing politics.

The course offers you an extraordinary range of choice in modules. Lecturers have research and teaching expertise in British politics, political theory, comparative politics, international relations, EU politics and the politics of developing countries. You can study everything from British Prime Ministers or US politics, through to Environmental politics or even the politics of video-games.

Our modules provide students with a range of transferable skills relevant to jobs in the public, private and voluntary sectors. For this reason our graduates have one of the highest rates of post-graduation employment of any politics department in the UK.

Our Politics lecturers have research and teaching expertise in British politics, political theory, comparative politics, international relations, EU politics and the politics of developing countries. If you are interested in politics, our lecturers are interested in you.

In year one, you study globalisation, a choice of British, European or international politics and will reconsider what you believe about freedom and democracy.

In year two, you look at the key theoretical debates in political science and examine political systems in other countries.

In year three, you produce a dissertation on a Political subject of your choice, and choose specialist modules that focus on politics and political theory.