BA (Hons) Politics

Studying Politics means investigating who and what has the power to dictate how we exist in society. On this course you will address today's biggest political questions from local, national and global perspectives. You will gain a thorough understanding of the institutions and processes which drive modern states. This will include an investigation of the domestic government and politics of the UK along with a wider global focus.

Some of the topics you will explore include:

• How new communication technologies are changing the way we interact with politics
• The future of social justices
• What makes a good society in an era of globalisation
• How states interact with each other, and the changing role of the state
• How states respond to collective dilemmas such as inequality, threats to national security and climate change

You will learn to explain the historical drivers of social change and analyse the current political landscape. This will mean you are prepared to understand and respond to the challenges that will shape our political future.

We do everything we can to help you graduate into a great career, and you will study a specialist Work Related Learning module in your second year. This could involve:

• Designing campaign materials
• Analysing a current City of York Council policy proposal
• Contributing to the Students’ Union elections

This degree will provide you with valuable skills which you can carry forward into a career either in politics or in many other exciting sectors.

If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.

Qualifications

• 104 UCAS Tariff points
• 3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.

International Students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

Mature Learners Entry Scheme

If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.

This degree could lead you to a career directly related to Politics, such as working in local government or the Civil Service, or it could take you in a completely different direction, using the many transferrable skills you will develop. These include problem solving, developing arguments, analysing and evaluating information, collaboration, independent working, communication and more.

This degree could be the first step toward your career in:

• A political party
• Local government
• Policy development
• The Civil Service (they offer a Fast Stream graduate scheme)
• Political and social research
• Charities and the third sector