Program Overview

Politics BA Honours

The Politics BA Honours degree at Newcastle University is a flexible program that allows students to study a dynamic and diverse subject area. From exploring pressing issues of international crisis to analyzing the latest domestic political developments, students will develop key skills in critical thinking, research, and communication.

Course Overview

This degree will give students the opportunity to study politics at the national level and gain an understanding of politics in a globalized world. Students will be able to tailor their degree to their interests through a combination of core and optional modules. The program covers topics such as global politics, political philosophy, international relations, and political systems and institutions.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is a Global Top 140 University (QS World University Rankings 2026) and ranked Top 200 for Politics and International Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). The university has seen a 65% increase in research power since 2014 (Research Excellence Framework 2021) and 42% of its research is classified as 4* world-leading research (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Modules and Learning

The program is divided into three stages, each lasting one academic year. Students will complete modules totaling 120 credits by the end of each stage. The teaching is informed by research, and course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.

• Stage 1: Students will be given a foundation in the core discipline of politics and gain an understanding of politics at the national level.
• Stage 2: Students will build on their critical thinking, research, and communication skills as they cover key political actors, issues, and organizations in more depth.
• Stage 3: Students will begin to specialize in the political topics that are of interest to them and undertake a significant piece of independent research.

Opportunities

The program offers opportunities for work placements and study abroad. Students can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organization in the world and receive University support from a dedicated team to secure their dream placement. Students can also choose to spend semester 2 of Stage 2 or semester 1 of Stage 3 on an international exchange at a partner institution.

Facilities and Environment

Students will be based in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology's Henry Daysh Building. The university provides a range of facilities, including libraries, IT services, and study support.

Your Future

Graduates will have the specific skills and knowledge to pursue a career in politics. They will also have the ability to think critically, assess evidence, carry out research, construct an argument, and articulate it. The program has seen graduates enjoy successful careers in the media, non-governmental bodies, inter-governmental organizations, finance, management consultancy, and business.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis, and the university accepts a broad range of qualifications. The typical entry requirements are:

• A-Level: AAB, with at least one A-Level from a social science preferred but not required.
• International Baccalaureate: 34 points with three subjects at Higher level grade 5 or above.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for the academic year 2026 have not yet been confirmed. The university offers a range of scholarships, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships, to support EU and international students.

How to Apply

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, students must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The university's UCAS name and institution codes are NEWC/N21.