University of Brighton
Print

Politics
BA(Hons)

  • Course summary and entry requirements

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 3 years

    Part-time: 6 years

    UCAS code L200

    About the course

    New course, starting in September 2014.

    Are you interested in combining the traditional study of politics, with a more questioning approach? Do you think that politics is just as much about groups and movements often dismissed as outsiders? This degree develops expert knowledge of the structures and processes of government in West European states, with an in-depth study of the British state and the EU. This runs alongside courses on political ideas and theory, political analysis and international relations. What distinguishes this course, however, is that we encourage a critical understanding of democracy, participation and representation. From the beginning you will focus on the unequal distribution of power and resources. You will learn about new social movements, environmental politics, special issue groups, conflict, human 'rights' regimes and the revolts so characteristic of modern society.


    Typical entry requirements Help

    The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2014. Entry requirements for students thinking about starting a course in 2013 can be found in the online prospectus. Individual offers may vary

    A-levels:
    BBB.

    BTEC
    DDM.

    International Baccalaureate:
    32 points, specified subjects.

    Access to HE Diploma
    pass (at least 45 credits at level 3), with 18 credits at merit or above. Level 3 units in politics preferred.

    GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent
    at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.

    For non-native speakers of English:
    IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other three elements.

  • Course content

    Course structure

    Teaching combines lectures and small group seminars. You are required to contribute to discussions from the preparatory reading, and learning is based on a model of student led argument and debate. We aim to recruit students ready to engage critically with the arguments confronting modern societies.

    Areas of study

    The degree is based in the undergraduate programme in the School of Applied Social Science. You can take options across a range of social sciences. In the second and third year, your options extend into the specialist study areas of the humanities including globalisation, the rise and arguable decline of American hegemony, war and terror in the twenty-first century, and the ethical dilemmas confronted by any contemporary polity.

    Syllabus

    Year One
    European Politics
    Nations & Nationalism
    Democracy: Athens to Bagdad
    The UK Political System
    What is Politics: Politics in Brighton

    Year Two
    Political Analysis
    UK Politics: From Government to Governance
    History and Social Policy
    Comparative Politics
    Political Ideas

    Year Three
    EU Integration: Politics & Theory
    Political Analysis: Special Topic
    Policy Analysis
    Global Social Policy
    Environmental Politics
    Global Political Architecture
    Plus options from Humanities

  • Fees and costs

    The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2013-14. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

    The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

    What's included in the fee?

    When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

    You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

    Our website www.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

    BA(Hons) Politics  [L1EA029]
    UK/EU (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    Island Students (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    International (Full Time)12,900 GBP

  • Location

    Location Help Falmer

    Our Falmer campus is located on the edge of the South Downs National Park on the outskirts of Brighton. Approximately 7,000 students are based here.

    View campus maps and directions

    Living in Brighton

    Brighton’s rich mix of historic architecture, lively arts scene, varied shopping and cosmopolitan community make it a vibrant, enjoyable place to live. It is no wonder that many Brighton graduates choose to stay here.

    Social scene

    Alongside the traditional seaside attractions, Brighton is famed for its exciting social scene with a wide choice of pubs, clubs and restaurants.

    Music event on the beach

    Arts

    The highlight of the city’s cultural year is the Brighton Festival. The event is held each May and is England’s biggest arts festival, which showcases arts and performance from around the world. Brighton is also home to the UK’s oldest working cinema, the Duke of York’s, which shows alternative and mainstream films. The city is also well known for its exciting music scene and hosts The Great Escape music festival.

    Burning the Clocks winter solstice festival

    Sports

    Whether you take your sport seriously or just want to keep fit, Brighton offers all kinds of sports opportunities and facilities, on and off campus. You can also make the most of the location, and play volleyball, basketball and windsurfing down by the beach. The seafront is also the finishing point for the famous London – Brighton bicycle ride and the quirky veteran car run.

    Playing volleyball on the seafront

  • Career opportunities

    Politics graduates are found in a wide range of careers, from management, through journalism, the public sector, campaigning, research and indeed politics, at the local, national and international level. This course will also prepare students for careers working in advocacy groups and governmental and non-governmental international organisations.

    Visit the careers service website.

  • More...

    Excellent Facilities

    The School of Applied Social Science is located on the attractive Falmer campus, only four miles from central Brighton.  Facilities at Falmer include a state of the art computer centre, extensive library and a media resources centre for student use.

    Other student support services include the university’s careers centre, welfare service, a counselling service, chaplaincy and childcare provision.

    Research

    Our lecturers in social science are all involved in national and international research cultures, publishing and speaking to national and international audiences, and are frequently reported in local, national and international media.

    Ongoing research work informs our teaching, making it contemporary, innovative and dynamic. 

    Our degrees enable students to acquire the essential research skills needed for investigating experience and behaviour, supporting students to develop the ability to conduct research independently.

    Commmnity participation and development

    Teaching and research within the School of Applied Social Science is supported by our links with local communities.

    The School’s close working relationship with the university’s Community University Partnership project (Cupp) allows us to offer our undergraduate students the opportunity to combine practical experience within a community or voluntary organisation with academic study. 

    The Community Participation and Development (CPD) module offers the opportunity to explore some of your personal values and aspirations while working for 30 to 50 hours on a relevant placement.  Staff and students provide their skills and expertise, working alongside community organisations to help them achieve their aims.  For example students on criminology courses may wish to work with a crime prevention organisation while sociology students may wish to work in a homeless shelter or a local pressure group.

    It is offered in 10- and 20-credit modules at levels 2 and 3, and assessment is based on reflective as well as analytical assignments which encourage you to look at your own personal journey as well as the policy and practice of the organisation in which your placement is based.

Politics
Application process
Book your open day place
Find out more

01273 644517
Email sassenquiries@brighton.ac.uk

This degree develops expert knowledge of the structures and processes of government in West European states, with an in-depth study of the British state and the EU.

Visit our politics page for more information.

Visit the school that delivers this course