Why study politics?
Politics is a subject that is relevant to all of us. Wherever we live, whatever we do with our time, we are affected in a whole host of ways by the local, national and global political landscape that surrounds us.
Whether it is a decision taken by a government to cut the funding for local services or the rise of a global movement such as environmentalism, politics has an impact on our lives. Traditionally the study of politics begins by looking at major political ideologies such as democracy or socialism and the formal political system including governments and international political unions. Our approach to politics differs somewhat from these more traditional approaches. Instead, we begin by looking at groups and movements that are often regarded as outsiders, together with their ideas, interests and demands and only then move towards examining the formal political system.
Undergraduate courses in politics
At undergraduate level politics is offered alongside other subject areas to form a number of joint honours degrees. From September 2014 we will also offer politics as a single honours course.
- Politics BA(Hons) – this course will be offered from September 2014
- Politics and Social Policy BA(Hons)
- Politics and Sociology BA(Hons)
You will be equipped with an academic grounding in politics, applied particularly to issues of access and inclusion and how those inform debates around contemporary issues.
Important themes include the development of a critical understanding of democracy, the issue of access to power and political resources, and the unequal distribution of power. Important areas studied are social movements, environmentalism, issue groups and human rights. Throughout your three years studying politics the course will broaden its perspective from the local to the global.
The joint degree combinations allow you to engage with two subject areas. Links between politics and the other joint degree subject are explored in independent study, and through research projects and literature analysis and review.
Our politics degrees enable students to acquire the essential research skills needed for investigating experience and behaviour. They are supported in developing the ability to conduct research independently.
Placement opportunities
There are also opportunities for international study on our exchange programme, and a community-based placement in year 2 or 3.
Masters courses in politics
At postgraduate level we offer the following masters degrees in politics:
The Masters in Public Administration (MPA) examines the rapidly changing context of public work, including the pressures of globalisation, and international examples of how local communities can maintain public value and traditions. Core elements of this masters degree include managing public and voluntary organisations, partnerships and networks, participation and democracy, and strategy and planning in the public services.
