Program Overview

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Politics BA Honours

Overview

Our Politics BA equips you with an understanding of the relationship between government and society in regions all over the world, from Europe, the Middle East and Asia to North and South America.

Studying for a politics degree will help you to understand and think critically about political events, the interplay of domestic and international politics, how resources and power are distributed in society; how decisions are made; and why political systems develop in the ways that they do.

You'll study political concepts, ideas, values and institutions, and explore the relationship between political theory and practice. You will explore the relationship between political theory and practice and be introduced to processes of policy-making at various levels of governance.

Our graduates go on to work in a range of sectors, including the Civil Service, government, NGOs, international organisations, think tanks, teaching and research.

We are in the centre of one of the world’s greatest cities and we use this vibrant, multicultural setting to ensure that our students discover innovative solutions to the problems facing our world. In 2018, the University of Westminster was named the most diverse university in the UK, New Zealand and the USA, representing 170 nationalities (Hotcourses Diversity Index).

We take full advantage of our location in the heart of London, which allows us to take you out of the classroom to visit places such as the Houses of Parliament, government departments, international organisations, NGOs, exhibitions and museums. We regularly invite high-profile speakers to our central London location for our well-established series of seminars, public lectures and conferences to which you, as a student of politics, will be invited.

As a student on this course, you have the opportunity to spend one optional year abroad. You may complete a work or volunteering placement, both of which provide valuable opportunities to boost your employability. You may also undertake a study placement at one of our partner universities.

Graduates with international experience are particularly valued by employers, and a one-year period of residence abroad enhances your language skills and gives you experiences, contacts and intercultural awareness that will be valuable in your career.

As a School, we also host the world-renowned Centre for the Study of Democracy. The centre undertakes research across a range of critical challenges to the theory and practice of politics, international relations, sociology and criminology. We have an innovative initiative called the Democratic Education Network, which facilitates dialogue and the sharing of knowledge between our students, international universities and diasporic communities in London.

Top reasons to study with us

• An enhanced learning experience – Our central London location allows us to take you out of the classroom to visit places such as the Houses of Parliament, government departments, international organisations, NGOs, exhibitions and museums
• Our truly international outlook – We have been named the most diverse university in the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand (source: Hotcourses Diversity Index 2018), with students representing 170 nationalities
• A supportive community – We provide a supportive, inclusive and dynamic environment with high student satisfaction. There are plenty of opportunities for community engagement, not least through the student-led Democratic Education Network - a runner-up ‘Student Experience’ initiative in the Guardian University Awards 2019

Course structure

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, small group work, review sessions, workshops, symposia, debates, Q&A sessions, document analysis sessions, and structured role-plays.

A wide range of assessments includes essays, exams, policy reports, project work, simulations, individual and group presentations, blogs, posters, and debates.

The teaching is offered within the School of Social Sciences, which brings together Criminology, Politics and International Relations, Psychology and Sociology. What binds us together is our shared commitment to making education a transformative experience for our students, to conducting research that makes a difference to the social world, and to enhancing the diversity of ideas and identities within and beyond the University.

Students on this course have the opportunity to spend one optional year abroad or one optional year gaining professional experience.

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Placement year
• Year 3

Our teaching programme is structured to support students' transition to higher education and progression through each academic year. The first-year programme provides an introduction to key concepts and structures of government and how these impact on political behaviour and decision-making. It also embeds the study of politics in a wider context by providing a grounding in international relations and development studies.

Subjects of study include:

• British Politics
• Critical Perspectives on Global Politics
• Democracy in Crisis
• Dilemmas of International Development
• Global Governance and Development
• Introduction to International Relations
• Political Ideas in Action
• The Politics of Migration

Credit Level 4

In the second year you will deepen your understanding of theoretical approaches, and your critical awareness of conflicting narratives of the state and of governance, particularly since the Cold War, in relation to society and to the international community.

Subjects of study include:

• Democracy and Development in Asia and Africa
• Geopolitics
• Global Security
• Governance in Europe
• International Political Economy
• Learning in an International Environment
• Middle East Politics
• Political Research and Practice
• Politics and International Relations Internship
• Power and the State
• Rethinking Development
• The Politics of Killing
• Theorising Politics and International Relations

Credit Level 5

Students on this course have the opportunity to either spend one optional year abroad or one year gaining professional experience.

If you go abroad, you may complete a work or volunteering placement, both of which provide valuable opportunities to boost your employability and ground your studies in an experiential setting. You may also undertake a study placement at one of our university partners. You can also undertake a combination of both study and work.

Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.

If you choose the professional experience option, you will be able to develop your understanding of the qualities and skills needed in high quality employment and gain a critical awareness of the career pathways for which the degree prepares you.

In the third year, you will be able to engage with a range of both theory-based and policy-related topics, including equality, justice and citizenship, radical democracy, gender politics, digital politics, and political psychology. You will also be able to tailor your degree to a more 'academic' pathway or a more 'professional' pathway, completing either a traditional academic dissertation or a professionally-oriented research report.

Subjects of study include:

• American Power in a Multi-Polar World
• Contested Sovereignty: Territory, Borders and Resistance
• Digital Politics
• Dissertation
• Equality, Justice and Citizenship
• Ethics, Morality and World Order(s)
• Foreign Policy and Diplomacy in a Changing World
• Gender and Politics
• Humanitarian Intervention and International Relations
• Learning from NGOs in an International Context
• Policy and Practice
• Politics and Development in the Middle East
• Postcolonial Politics and International Relations
• Radical Democracy
• Security and the Surveillance State
• Special Topic in Politics and International Relations
• The Global Politics of Climate Change: Security, Sustainability and Low-Carbon Transition
• The Politics of Protest: Social and Political Movements Today

Credit Level 6

Year 1

Our teaching programme is structured to support students' transition to higher education and progression through each academic year. The first-year programme provides an introduction to key concepts and structures of government and how these impact on political behaviour and decision-making. It also embeds the study of politics in a wider context by providing a grounding in international relations and development studies.

Subjects of study include:

• British Politics
• Critical Perspectives on Global Politics
• Democracy in Crisis
• Dilemmas of International Development
• Global Governance and Development
• Introduction to International Relations
• Political Ideas in Action
• The Politics of Migration

Credit Level 4

Year 2

In the second year you will deepen your understanding of theoretical approaches, and your critical awareness of conflicting narratives of the state and of governance, particularly since the Cold War, in relation to society and to the international community.

Subjects of study include:

• Democracy and Development in Asia and Africa
• Geopolitics
• Global Security
• Governance in Europe
• International Political Economy
• Learning in an International Environment
• Middle East Politics
• Political Research and Practice
• Politics and International Relations Internship
• Power and the State
• Rethinking Development
• The Politics of Killing
• Theorising Politics and International Relations

Credit Level 5

Placement year

Students on this course have the opportunity to either spend one optional year abroad or one year gaining professional experience.

If you go abroad, you may complete a work or volunteering placement, both of which provide valuable opportunities to boost your employability and ground your studies in an experiential setting. You may also undertake a study placement at one of our university partners. You can also undertake a combination of both study and work.

Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.

If you choose the professional experience option, you will be able to develop your understanding of the qualities and skills needed in high quality employment and gain a critical awareness of the career pathways for which the degree prepares you.

Year 3

In the third year, you will be able to engage with a range of both theory-based and policy-related topics, including equality, justice and citizenship, radical democracy, gender politics, digital politics, and political psychology. You will also be able to tailor your degree to a more 'academic' pathway or a more 'professional' pathway, completing either a traditional academic dissertation or a professionally-oriented research report.

Subjects of study include:

• American Power in a Multi-Polar World
• Contested Sovereignty: Territory, Borders and Resistance
• Digital Politics
• Dissertation
• Equality, Justice and Citizenship
• Ethics, Morality and World Order(s)
• Foreign Policy and Diplomacy in a Changing World
• Gender and Politics
• Humanitarian Intervention and International Relations
• Learning from NGOs in an International Context
• Policy and Practice
• Politics and Development in the Middle East
• Postcolonial Politics and International Relations
• Radical Democracy
• Security and the Surveillance State
• Special Topic in Politics and International Relations
• The Global Politics of Climate Change: Security, Sustainability and Low-Carbon Transition
• The Politics of Protest: Social and Political Movements Today

Credit Level 6

Careers

Fantastic London location

We take you out of the classroom to visit places such as the Houses of Parliament, government departments, international organisations, NGOs, and museums.

Gain international experience

You have the option to spend a year abroad undertaking a work, study or volunteering placement.

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Industry links

We take full advantage of our location in the heart of London, using our links with the Houses of Parliament and other centres of power and policy-making.

We regularly invite high-profile speakers to our central London location for our well-established series of seminars, public lectures and conferences, to which you, as a student of politics, will be invited.

Work experience

Our central London location means you'll be perfectly placed to access placement and internship opportunities.

In the past, our students have undertaken work experience at organisations including:

• Association for Citizenship Teaching
• British Red Cross
• Cancer Research UK
• Conservative Party
• European Commission
• European Parliament
• Google
• Greater London Assembly
• Green Party
• Houses of Parliament
• Italian Embassy in London
• Labour Party
• Patchwork Foundation
• Russo-British Chamber of Commerce
• Save the Children
• Women's Resource Centre

Internship opportunities

The University of Westminster is part of an ongoing collaboration with the United Nations Migration Agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

As part of this, Politics and International Relations students in their second or third year of undergraduate study can apply for 3-9 month internship opportunities at IOM offices around the world, including in Geneva, Vienna, Dhakka and London.

The internships, which are open to students completing their second year of studies and beyond, focus on a host of topics from migration governance to mission support, policy and liaison, and information management.

Job roles

This course will prepare you for a range of roles, including:

• Campaigner
• Civil servant
• Diplomat
• Journalist
• Researcher

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

• Bradford Council
• HM Government
• Houses of Parliament
• Metropolitan Police
• Student Union

International Opportunities

Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for – so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.

Opportunities could include:

• Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
• Attending an international summer school or field trip
• Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad

International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.

Course Leader

More about meRead more about Dr Paulina Tambakaki

Dr Paulina Tambakaki

Senior Lecturer

More about meRead more about Dr Paulina Tambakaki

Course Team

Some of the other experts who will teach you include:

• Professor David Chandler - Professor
• Dr Paulina Tambakaki - Senior Lecturer
• Professor Dibyesh Anand - DVC Global Engagement & Employability
• Dr Greg Aasen - Staff
• Dr Ipshita Basu - Reader in Global Development and Politics
• Dr Elisabetta Brighi - Lecturer in International Relations
• Dr Patrick Burke - Senior Lecturer
• Dr Catherine Charrett - Senior Lecturer
• Dr Daniel Conway - Reader in Politics and International Relations
• Dr Bridget Cotter - Lecturer
• Dr Hannah Cross - Senior Lecturer
• Professor Roland Dannreuther - Professor
• Dr Matthew Fluck - Senior Lecturer
• Dr Dan Greenwood - Reader in Political Economy and Public Policy
• Dr Aidan Hehir - Reader in International Relations
• Professor Nitasha Kaul - Professor of Politics, International Relations, and Critical Interdisciplinary Studies
• Rob Macmaster - Principal Lecturer
• Dr Farhang Morady - Reader
• Dr Wojciech Ostrowski - Senior Lecturer
• Dr Frands Pedersen - Senior Lecturer in International Relations
• Professor Sam Raphael - Professor
• Professor Graham Smith - Professor of Politics
• Dr Sahar Taghdisi Rad - Senior Lecturer
• Dr Ali Tajvidi - Senior Lecturer

Why study this course?

Get career-ready

Studying politics will prepare you for a range of careers, including working as a civil servant, diplomat, campaigner, researcher or journalist.

Learn from experts

Our School of Social Sciences hosts the world-renowned Centre for the Study of Democracy, and the innovative Democratic Education Network.

Study in a supportive environment

We provide an inclusive environment with high student satisfaction, and our teaching is structured to support your transition to higher education.

Entry Requirements

UK

• A Levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
• T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
• International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
• BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
• BTEC Diploma – D*D
• Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course

In addition to one of the above, you should have:

• GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level,GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.

International

• International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
• We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
• We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.

English language requirements

• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
• If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.

Fees and Funding

UK

• UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price per academic year)

Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.

Fees are subject to UK Government Parliamentary procedure.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Funding

As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.

Find out about undergraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International

• International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase International tuition fees.

Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme

If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 orSeptember 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only , you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.

International student funding

Find out about funding for international students.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you'll be taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

• Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
• Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
• Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

Year

Year

1

28%Scheduled hours72%Independent study0%0% Placement

Year

2

27%Scheduled hours72%Independent study1%Placement

Year

P

1%Scheduled hours0%0% Independent study99%Placement

Year

3

21%Scheduled hours79%Independent study0%0% Placement

Scheduled hoursIndependent studyPlacement

How you'll be assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:

• Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
• Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

Year

Year

1

3%Written exams12%Practical85%Coursework

Year

2

0%0% Written exams8%Practical92%Coursework

Year

P

0%0% Written exams60%Practical40%Coursework

Year

3

0%0% Written exams2%Practical98%Coursework

Written examsPracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2024/25

Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

• Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
• Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
• Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
• Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.

Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.

For more details, visit our locations page.

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