Program Overview

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Introduction to the Politics BA Program

The Politics BA program at the University of Leeds is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of political events and phenomena. This course gives students the conceptual and methodological tools to critically analyze political events and phenomena, providing a solid grounding in the core areas of political studies.

Course Overview

The course covers key areas such as political theory, comparative politics, international politics, and British politics. Students are also given the opportunity to study more specialist modules, including the media and democratic politics, gender, race, and culture, the far right, British political parties, human rights, foreign policy, contemporary political theory, national identity, African politics, US politics, and the politics of China.

Course Structure

The course is structured over three years, with students taking a set of compulsory modules in the first year that form the foundation of their studies. In the second year, students build on their knowledge, gaining new skills in political research and exploring different political theories. The final year sees students pursuing their own specialist study, with an extended piece of individual research on a topic of their choice.

Specialist Pathways

At the end of the first year, students have the opportunity to apply for two specialist pathways: the Parliamentary Studies Pathway and the Quantitative Research Methods Pathway. The Parliamentary Studies Pathway includes a year spent on a related placement, usually in Westminster, while the Quantitative Research Methods Pathway helps students develop advanced analytical skills.

Year 1 Modules

• The Politics of Global Challenges: Becoming an Independent Researcher (40 credits): Introduces students to key themes and topics in studying politics and international studies.
• Comparative Politics (20 credits): Compares the nature of politics and processes across different political systems.
• British Politics (20 credits): Introduces British politics since 1979, with key debates concerning its changing character.
• Freedom Power and Resistance (20 credits): Introduces Western political thought, establishing a grounding in key ideas and theories that have shaped modern politics.

Year 2 Modules

• Approaches to Analysis (20 credits): Showcases the latest research in POLIS, introducing students to key ideas like designing and implementing a research project.
• Optional modules include:
  • Revolution and Reaction (20 credits)
  • Justice, Conflict and Community (20 credits)
  • The Labour Party since 1945 (20 credits)
  • Politics and Policy in the EU (20 credits)
  • Media and Democracy (20 credits)
  • United States Politics (20 credits)
  • State and Politics in Africa (20 credits)
  • Planet Politics (20 credits)
  • Britain in Flux: crisis and change in UK political economy (20 credits)

Year 3 Modules

• Dissertation module (40 credits): A piece of written work that allows students to follow through a topic they are interested in.
• Optional modules include:
  • Video Games (20 credits)
  • Nuclear Weapons and Global Politics (20 credits)
  • Ethics and Politics of Human Rights (20 credits)
  • British Foreign Policy (20 credits)
  • The Far Right in Europe and Beyond (20 credits)
  • Rethinking Resistance (20 credits)
  • Politics of National Identity in the UK (20 credits)
  • Gender and Security in Global Politics (20 credits)
  • Terrorism (20 credits)
  • The End of British Politics? (20 credits)
  • Europe in the World (20 credits)

Learning and Teaching

The course uses a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, and workshops. Students are also assigned a personal tutor for guidance and support.

Assessment

Modules use a variety of assessment methods, including traditional exams, essays, case study-based projects, policy briefs, group presentations, work logs, research briefs, project proposals, or development agency reviews. The final year includes a 10,000-word dissertation.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: AAB
• Access to HE Diploma: 60 credits with 45 credits at level 3, including 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or higher.
• BTEC: DDD
• Cambridge Pre-U: D3, D3, M2
• International Baccalaureate: 35 overall (6,5,5 higher)
• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level): H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers: AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers; or A in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers or AAAABB in Highers
• T-Levels: Considered in appropriate subjects
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component

Fees

• UK: Ł9,790
• International: Ł26,500 (per year)

Career Opportunities

This versatile degree allows students to gain in-depth knowledge of an important area of public life, as well as key transferable skills. Graduates have pursued careers in organisations as diverse as interest groups, research bodies, think tanks, the media, the Civil Service, local government, and political consultancy.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

Students have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad or take a placement year with organisations across the public, private, and voluntary sectors in the UK or overseas.

Related Courses

• International Development BA
• International Relations BA
• Middle Eastern Studies and Politics BA
• Modern Languages and Politics BA
• Social Science (foundation year) BA
• Social and Political Sciences BSc