Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Politics Program

The BSc (Hons) Politics program at the University of Surrey is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of politics and its role in shaping local, national, and international dynamics. This program focuses on the study of power, identity, conflict, and society, as well as the systems and organizations that govern the world.

Program Structure

The BSc (Hons) Politics program is offered in two formats: a standard three-year program and a four-year program that includes a Professional Training placement year. The program is divided into modules, each covering a specific aspect of politics.

Year 1 Modules

• Debates in British Politics: An introduction to British politics, exploring key institutions, recent challenges, and options for reform.
• Politics of Crisis: Investigating critical issues in domestic and international politics.
• Introduction to Politics: A foundational module introducing students to key concepts, questions, and debates in political science.
• Introduction to International Relations: Exploring key global events and their interrelationship with theoretical perspectives in International Relations.
• Introduction to Political Theory and Ideology: A broad introduction to the theoretical study of politics, covering key political thinkers and ideologies.

Year 2 Modules

• Approaches to Research: Building on research skills introduced in Year 1, investigating basic assumptions in social scientific research and reviewing methodologies.
• International Organisations: Examining the role of international organizations in the post-Cold War era, including their impact on state sovereignty and policy-making.
• International Political Economy: Understanding key theories of International Political Economy, such as Mercantilism, Liberalism, and Marxism.
• Making Public Policy: Theory and Practice: Introducing students to debates and methods in policy analysis, including traditional and contemporary approaches.
• Understanding Popular Culture: From Dickens to Disney: An interdisciplinary module exploring popular culture in the contemporary world.

Year 3 Modules

• US Foreign Policy in Transition: Situating the Trump presidency in the context of other executives to consider its impact on US foreign policy norms and strategy.
• Negotiating Politics and Policy: Covering the basic elements of negotiation and applying theoretical approaches through simulations and case studies.
• Populism and Democracy in Comparative Perspective: Introducing students to the concept of populism, its historical and current forces, and its relationship with democracy.
• Political Communication: Exploring the role of political communication in contemporary politics, including the media's influence on voters and politicians.
• Political Leadership: Understanding the role of leadership in politics, including theoretical perspectives and case studies.

Career Opportunities

The BSc (Hons) Politics program equips students with a wide range of transferable skills highly sought after by employers. Graduates have gone on to secure jobs in various sectors, including government, NGOs, media, and private companies. Recent graduates have secured roles such as Assistant Director, Policy Analyst, Press Officer, and Senior Executive Officer, working for employers like the Bank of England, Cabinet Office, and UK Government.

Fees and Funding

• UK Fees: To be confirmed for the 2026 entry.
• Overseas Fees: ｣22,900 for the 2026 entry.
• Professional Training Placement Year Fees: Approximately 20% of the full-time UK fees for the academic year in which the placement is undertaken.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: BSc (Hons) - ABB-BBB.
• BTEC (QCF Level 3) Extended Diploma: DDD-DDM.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 33-32.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS Academic - 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other element.

Placements and Study Abroad

The University of Surrey offers a Professional Training placement scheme, providing students with the opportunity to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or abroad. This experience can significantly enhance career prospects and personal development. Recent placement providers for Politics and International Relations include the Bank of England, Citizens Advice Bureau, and the House of Commons.

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) Politics program at the University of Surrey is a comprehensive and engaging course that prepares students for a wide range of careers in politics, international relations, and related fields. With its strong focus on theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and industry experience, this program is ideal for students looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of politics.