Course summary

• Learn the latest thinking in analysing and explaining political trends or issues.
• Develop a critical understanding of political institutions, ideologies and theories.
• Gain valuable work experience with well-known organisations.
• Visit Brussels for a chance to meet policy makers and politicians.
• Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start.

Develop the skills to formulate and defend complex ideas – and the ability to think clearly and objectively. Be given the platform to debate convincingly. By focusing on the application of political ideas in the real world, this degree supports you in a variety of career paths.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) courses – or if you’re not quite ready for studying at degree-level – we recommend you take our foundation course. You’ll share the foundation year with other Social Science students before moving onto your degree.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

At each level of study teaching is structured to provide you with the skills necessary to succeed. Classwork is supplemented by guest speakers drawn from the public, academic, non-governmental and campaign sectors which provide not only different perspectives on real world issues but also an insight into the knowledge and skills required to work in these sectors.

You learn through

• lectures
• seminars
• away days
• workshops
• e-learning
• placement opportunities
• guest lecturers
• extracurricular activities such as publishing and editing Politics Review Magazine
• joining the Model UN Simulation Society, the Politics Society, and the Debating Society

Throughout the course you’ll be able to improve your employability by studying a language. You can study a language of your choice for credit – whether you’re a beginner or at a more advanced level. Languages available include French, Spanish, German, Italian, Catalan, Portuguese, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese.

There are opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner universities with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme.

You will be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate level employment through a number of key areas. These include

• access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development.
• access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments.
• industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities.

Course leaders and tutors

Carissa Honeywell

Senior Lecturer In Politics/Political S

Senior Lecturer In Politics

Matthew Hurley

Senior Lecturer in Politics & International Relations

Lecturer in Politics (International Relations)

Applied learning

Once you’ve completed the foundation year and progressed onto the BA (Hons) Politics degree, you’ll be able to apply your learning to a range of opportunities.

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to take a semester-long work placement in your second year. This gives you real-world experience to prepare you for your future career. Examples include assisting members of parliament, working for NGOs, campaign groups or the council.

Live projects

If you choose a non-placement route, you’ll receive employer engagement through our sector-leading Venture Matrix enterprise – where employers invite you to help them address the issues their organisations need to resolve.

Field trips

You’ll be able to go on a five-day visit to the European Union headquarters in Brussels – where you’ll meet policy makers, politicians and various representatives from non-governmental organisations. This field trip is provided at no extra cost.

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in

• the UK diplomatic service
• fast-track civil service
• political think tanks
• print media
• sports promotion
• lobby groups
• NGOs
• the third sector
• European institutions
• local government research
• a wide range of graduate schemes across many different professions

Where will I study?

You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Collegiate campus

Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.

Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus

Location

Collegiate Crescent
Sheffield
S10 2BP

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Collegiate library

Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

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Entry requirements

Modules

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Fees and funding

Additional course costs

This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.