Explore the relationship between government and society, and examine major issues facing today’s politics such as conflict and violence, inequality and climate change.

Learn about the causes that are important to you. You can choose to study topical politics from around the world such as Trumpism, Brexit or the role of China in global politics. Or you might decide to delve into related topics, including political spin and propaganda in the British media, the impact of social media or how celebrities influence politics.

90% of our international relations and politics students were satisfied with their course according to the National Student Survey 2020.

More about this course

This Politics BA (Hons) degree shines a light on the challenges facing politicians and the public today while teaching you about the historic events, thinkers and theories that led to our current political structures.

We’re passionate about our students’ interests, which is why you’re able to tailor your degree to study the things that are important to you, through optional modules. You can study the historical origin of racism and how this affects today’s societies, or the Arab Spring uprisings, the rise and fall of Turkey’s soft power, or the impact of religious ideologies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

By exploring international and national political issues, you’ll develop a solid understanding of how political changes around the world.

Our teaching team is highly experienced and have played leading roles in professional organisations such as the Political Studies Association and the British International Studies Association. They will work with you to help you understand various theories and concepts relating to politics, including citizenship, diplomacy, authority and ethics.

Your future is our priority. That’s why we make sure you have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in your final year, giving you practical experience that can help you pursue a graduate career. Studying in London means you have the UK government, international embassies and other intergovernmental organisations right on your doorstep, helping you secure opportunities that might not be possible elsewhere.

As a university, holds various political events that you can attend or even help organise. Our events include panel discussions on Brexit by leading journalists and Congress to Campus, where former members of US congress share rare and personal insights into the world of American politics. There are also opportunities for you to learn about political issues outside of the classroom, with trips to parliament, embassies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), museums and art galleries. Here, you can understand the history behind various issues relating to politics, such as power, race and gender.

Entry requirements

• a minimum of grades CCC in three A levels (or a minimum of 96 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification)
  English GCSE at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)
• If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing our Politics (including foundation year) BA (Hons) degree.
• Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis.
• Applicants with international qualifications and mature applicants are very welcome.

Modular structure

Year 1 modules include:

• Global Politics, Economy and Society (core, 30 credits)
• Introduction to International Relations (core, 30 credits)
• Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy since 1945 (core, 30 credits)
• Politics and Government (core, 30 credits)

Year 2 modules include:

• Comparative Politics (core, 15 credits)
• Governance and Public Policy (core, 15 credits)
• Political Theory (core, 30 credits)
• Creating a Successful Social Enterprise 1 (alternative core, 15 credits)
• Politics and International Relations: Work-Based Learning (alternative core, 15 credits)
• American Foreign Policy (option, 15 credits)
• Approaches to International Relations and Foreign Policy (option, 30 credits)
• Contemporary US Politics (option, 15 credits)Media and Culture (option, 15 credits)
• Politics of the Middle East (option, 15 credits)
• Racism and Ethnicity (option, 30 credits)The Politics of the European Union (option, 15 credits)

Year 3 modules include:

• The Politics of Modern States (core, 30 credits)
• Creating a Successful Social Enterprise 2 (alternative core, 15 credits)
• Placement 1 Year (alternative core, 30 credits)
• Politics and International Relations: Work-Based Learning (alternative core, 15 credits)
• Project 1 Semester (alternative core, 15 credits)
• Project 1 Year (alternative core, 30 credits)
• Action and Identity: Gender and Political Participation (option, 15 credits)
• African Politics (option, 15 credits)
• Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding (option, 30 credits)
• Human Rights and International Conflict (option, 15 credits)
• Latin American Politics (option, 15 credits)
• Modern British Politics (option, 15 credits)
• Public Diplomacy and Global Communication (option, 30 credits)