COURSE CURRICULUM

The Politics BA (Hons) degree is structured across three years to progressively build knowledge, skills, and independent research ability. In Year 1, students are introduced to core ideas such as political behaviour, ideology, and how people are socialised into political beliefs through the module Political Socialisation and Ideology. They also study Politics in Comparative Perspective, examining how political systems differ across countries, and develop essential academic abilities in Critical Skills in Politics and International Relations. Optional modules include foundational topics such as the origins of international relations and key social theories, helping students understand power, history, and society. In Year 2, students engage with more advanced analysis through Theorising Power and Society, exploring themes like the state, gender, freedom, and inequality, alongside Researching Politics and International Relations, which prepares them for independent research. Optional modules broaden learning with topics such as UK politics, nationalism, European and American political systems, and work-based learning placements that build professional experience. In Year 3, students focus on independent study through a dissertation, allowing them to investigate a topic of personal interest in depth. Optional advanced modules explore complex issues such as identity politics, freedom and justice, contemporary Russia, and South African politics. Overall, the program develops strong analytical, research, and communication skills while offering both theoretical understanding and practical experience.