BA
Politics BA (Hons)
Connecting academic theory to real-world developments, explore the structure and function of politics, the modern state and how contemporary policy is shaped by the past.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BA
UCAS Code
L200
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £27,000 per year
Overview
Politics is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field. It touches every area of our lives, covering issues from national security and inequalities in society to the climate crisis. Taught by experts in the field, the BA in Politics will give you an insight into political systems and governance on a local and global scale. You’ll be exposed to ideas and opinions that will challenge your perceptions and encourage you to think critically and analytically. You can further tailor your course by applying to add a year-long work placement, or you may be able to add an international dimension with an overseas study year. If you are selected this will increase the course from three years to four. The School of Government and International Affairs is home to several research centres and institutes, and many lecturers are actively engaged in research. This innovative work is fed into the BA, so you can be sure the curriculum is informed by contemporary political debate. The critical analytical and research skills that underpin the course, coupled with a deep understanding of global current affairs and the complex connections between nations and ruling parties, will put you in a strong position to pursue a career in social policy research, journalism, academia, the Civil Service, the Foreign Office and more.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BA
UCAS Code
L200
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £27,000 per year
What you'll study
Studies are structured around three main themes: political thought, political institutions and international relations. Following a general introduction, you’ll begin to tailor the course to your interests and aspirations with a selection of optional modules in areas such as sovereignty, identity, crises and conflict, comparative politics, democratic practice, and the impact of global politics on the environment.
Core modules
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Democratic Political Systems
details the historical, socio-economic and cultural context of two democratic political systems. You will be encouraged to critically assess key aspects of these systems.
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Introduction to Comparative Politics
introduces methods, approaches and key concepts in comparative politics. Drawing on historical texts and contemporary research you will explore a range of policy-relevant issues and begin to develop a problem-solving view of politics.
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Introduction to Political Theory
provides an overview of the role that key political ideals, values and theories play in shaping modern political thought: justifying and evaluating political institutions and public policy, and influencing political behaviour and change.
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Researching Politics and International Relations
introduces a range of strategies used to produce knowledge in politics and international relations. This module examines the strengths and weaknesses of a range of research methods. You will gain some practical experience of carrying out research in politics and international relations.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: International Security, Interdependence and OrganisationPerspectives of Political EconomyIntroduction to International Relations.
Core modules
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Analytical Politics
introduces the theoretical models and mechanisms of politics. Learning how to apply these models to a range of political issues and processes will develop your problem-solving skills and help you link theory and evidence.
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Foundations of Western Political Thought
examines some of the main currents of European political thought in the ancient and modern worlds. It will also develop your ability to interpret major texts in the history of political thought.
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Research Project
This is an extended piece of work produced within a structured framework that will help prepare you for the demands of writing a dissertation. You will gain a deeper understanding of politics as an academic subject and as an aspect of wider human activity.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: International TheoryThe Politics of Pacific AsiaFoundations of Western Political ThoughtInternational OrganisationsSovereignty, State and EmpireCapitalism: History and TheoryMiddle East in the International SystemDebates in Political TheoryGender and Politics
Core modules
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Dissertation
is a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of politics. It develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning and provides you with an opportunity to research a specific topic in greater depth and present your findings and conclusions.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: British Political ThoughtSocial and Political PhilosophyMuslims and Politics in the Modern WorldTheories of LibertyThe American PresidencyChina in Global Political EconomyIsrael: Politics and SocietyWoman, Gender and Politics in the USElections and British PoliticsAdvanced Topic in International Political Theory: the International Politics of the EverydayAdvanced Readings in Political Economy Special Topic on the American Presidential Election Are Voters Really Rational? The Political Economy of Political Behaviour and Its Discontents
Learning
Teaching is centred around the School of Government and International Affairs, a vibrant learning community which is home to multiple research centres and institutes. Innovative research is fed into the curriculum, challenging you intellectually and keeping your learning relevant to the world around you. Learning is made up of lectures and small-group seminars. The small-group format supported by one-on-one guidance is embedded into the learning experience so you gain more from your studies. Formal learning is supported by an extensive programme of School-based seminars where staff and guest speakers share their expertise. Using a blend of assessments, simulations, independent learning and classroom-based activities, the degree strengthens your skills in problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management, decision making and cognitive flexibility. All of which are highly valued by employers. As you move into the final year, the focus on self-directed learning and independent research increases, particularly around the dissertation.Assessment
Assessment takes various forms including examinations and unseen essay questions, essays, group projects and the final-year dissertation. The range of assessment methods vary between modules. They have been designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of course material, test critical thinking skills, enhance written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues. Modules are assessed during the year of study, with each module offering multiple opportunities for feedback from your tutors. The dissertation is an in-depth study of a topic of your choice which makes up one-third of your final-year marks.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
£9,535 per year
International / EU Students
£27,000 per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - £ per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - £ per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
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Based in the School of Government and International Affairs, we offer a range of courses that are flexible and interdisciplinary in nature. Alongside the study of political theory, comparative politics, and international relations you can choose from a wide selection of modules in areas that align with your interests. You can also apply to add a work placement or year abroad to your studies, adding an extra dimension to the learning experience. As a research-intensive discipline we employ a range of techniques that integrate new and innovative research into the curriculum and introduce a variety of research-oriented skills and projects. You will be taught by academics with a genuine passion for their subject, whose areas of expertise include government, political theory, political economy and international relations. Regional expertise covers areas such as Europe, East Asia, the Middle East and the wider Muslim world, Africa and America. As well as incorporating our own research into the undergraduate syllabus we also welcome visiting professors to work with students at all levels. Our students graduate as self-aware, reflective and ambitious global citizens, equipped with the critical skills to succeed in the workplace, both inside and outside of the political arena. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
Set in its own grounds 1.5 miles from Durham’s historic city centre, the modern Al-Qasimi Building, by our students loving referred to as "The Ski Lodge", is home to the School of Government and International Affairs. Providing a social centre to our students as well as an exceptional environment for learning, it is also a base for a number of research institutes including the Global Policy Institute, the Institute of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies and the Durham Global Security Institute, which host a number of academic events throughout the year open to all students.
Find out more -
Career Opportunities
Of those students who graduated in 2021-22:
95% of
HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Employability
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