What is politics?
There are many different definitions of politics, but at its most broad, we can say that politics tries to answer one central question: how do we organise the societies in which we live? Of course, the answer to this question takes many different forms, and leads us into many different areas of study: the study of political actors, of institutions, of economic distribution, of theory and ideas. One thing is certain though, the question is a broad one, resulting in a subject that cannot help but touch on some of the most important areas of our lives.

Key points
• Study on a course that received a 100% satisfaction rating with teaching quality in the National Student Survey, 2012.
• Apply for placements with relevant partners to gain professional experience.
• Develop your debating skills around controversial political issues.
• Go on a seven-week academic exchange to universities in the US, Europe or Asia.

This course

On this well-connected course, you develop an expert view on current developments in social and political science. You learn about the latest thinking in analysing and explaining political trends and issues in the UK and internationally. You also gain a critical understanding of political institutions and ideologies which affect decision-making and developments on an international scale. You are also encouraged to debate current issues and political controversies in the press.

You benefit from the course’s contacts in the political establishment of the UK and internationally. Guest lecturers come from a range of institutions from across the UK and Europe to give you insider perspectives on the machinery of modern politics. These partners can also offer student work experience opportunities, an excellent way to give you a foot in the door at the start of your career in politics.

To increase your career potential, you can take various forms of supervised work experience. This might be with one of our partner political organisations, or with voluntary or community sector organisations. Our placement partners include local and central government, local education settings, regeneration/environmental and other voluntary organisations.

In the second year you have the option to go on a seven or eight week academic exchange with one of our international partner universities in North America and Europe. This is a great opportunity to gain academic experience in an international context and boost your CV.

In addition to specific political skills and knowledge, as a graduate you can also offer intellectual and analytical skills and information and communication technology skills that make you attractive to future employers in a range of areas.

We also offer you personalised developmental support in job-seeking, complemented with guest speakers from the world of work.

This course received a 100% satisfaction rating with teaching quality in the National Student Survey, 2012. It was also ranked 8th across all UK universities for teaching quality in politics in The Sunday Times University Guide, 2012.

Key areas of study
Key areas include • the nature of political ideas and concepts • the nature political practice • the workings of the international political system, including international relations • the politics of the UK • the politics of the European Union.

Related courses

• BA (Honours) Sociology (Full-time)